State bypasses local control to address housing crisis
October 24, 2024 | Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona
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Commissioner Jerry Higgs highlighted the burdens local governments impose on development, suggesting that these regulations often lead to increased costs and delays. He argued that if cities were more accommodating of property rights, the state would not have felt the need to pass such laws. This sentiment was echoed by other speakers who expressed frustration over the perceived bypassing of local authority in favor of state mandates.
Tom Frankel, a local developer, voiced his surprise at the ordinance's passage, noting that it had not been widely communicated prior to its implementation. He emphasized the importance of local planning processes and expressed concern that the state’s intervention could undermine the careful consideration that typically accompanies development projects. Frankel also raised specific issues regarding the interpretation of the ordinance, particularly in relation to proximity to airports, which he argued could limit the effectiveness of the new housing initiative.
The meeting also revealed a divide among local legislators, with some expressing dissatisfaction that the new laws would not apply equally across all jurisdictions. Commissioner Joyner pointed out that many legislators who voted for the laws do not represent areas that will be directly affected, raising questions about the fairness and equity of the legislation.
As the meeting progressed, the commission moved to vote on the proposed text amendment related to the ordinance, with a majority supporting the recommendation for approval. However, the discussions underscored ongoing tensions between state mandates and local governance, as officials grapple with the challenges of increasing housing availability while maintaining community standards and property rights.
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