Pima County Supervisors Propel Housing Solutions Forward

Recent discussions surrounding housing challenges in Tucson have shifted focus from immigration concerns to the escalating cost of living, particularly rent prices. Experts are emphasizing that the primary liability for the incumbent party is not immigration, but rather the skyrocketing costs that many face when trying to secure housing.

With homeowners benefiting from increasing home equity, the situation for renters has worsened dramatically. A typical two-bedroom apartment, once available for $600, now commands prices exceeding $1,200. This stark price increase stems from the broader housing shortage affecting the nation, a crisis that Pima County is grappling with especially acutely.

In an upcoming meeting, the Pima County Board of Supervisors is poised to address some of these housing issues through modest initiatives. Plans include a vote to allow the Pima County Industrial Development Authority to issue $150 million in bonds aimed at assisting low-income, first-time homebuyers.

Historically, similar bond issuance has helped a small fraction of homebuyers — in the case of 2022, only about 500 individuals benefited from this aid. Given that over 15,000 homes were sold in the past year, this highlights the significant scale of the problem. The board is also considering options that could inject an additional $10 million annually into the Housing Trust Fund, which could require raising property taxes or convening a bond election.

Meanwhile, discussions on rezoning may add more than 300 homes to the market, though the timeline for construction remains uncertain. This development reflects broader efforts needed; in reality, Pima County alone is aiming to contribute to the U.S. demand for approximately 2 million homes.

In addition to housing initiatives, the Board of Supervisors will also address the regional transportation funding strategy. Chairman Ted Maxwell will present a proposal for extending the half-cent sales tax for another 20 years. Key concerns remain, particularly from Tucson’s City Council regarding the distribution of funds, as the city generates a significant portion of the total sales tax revenue.

As Pima County moves forward, they aim to accept state grants worth $600,000 geared towards supporting individuals recovering from opioid addiction as they transition out of incarceration. Three grants are expected to assist 200 inmates through treatment and related services.

On a different note, the board plans to recognize Carolyn Campbell Day in honor of her retirement after nearly three decades leading the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on the environmental landscape of the area.

Furthermore, Marana is taking a stern approach towards compliance with event permits and noise violations. Proposed revisions would impose strict penalties on those who ignore permit conditions, potentially barring them from future permits altogether. Additionally, Oro Valley’s Town Council will consider new regulations regarding livestock on residential properties.

As local governments navigate these multifaceted issues, the priority remains clear: addressing the urgent need for affordable housing while balancing community requests and environmental concerns.