Maricopa County calls to cut zoning red tape, press federal agency on flood‑map reviews to speed housing

An unidentified speaker at a Maricopa County meeting urged county leaders to cut regulations that raise housing costs, modernize zoning to allow greater density and press the federal government to let the county’s flood control district oversee revisions to FEMA flood‑plain maps to speed housing construction reviews.

The speaker said: "I'm committed to taking a hard look at county policies and regulations that stand in the way of building homes that people can afford. So I've convened a kitchen cabinet of housing experts, and here's what I believe we can we can accomplish this year. Cut red tape that doesn't serve a public safety purpose because unnecessary regulations drive up the cost of building homes and make buying more difficult. Modernize our outdated zoning ordinances to allow greater density where it makes sense while still protecting the integrity of our communities. Update land use policies to support the development of healthy, vibrant, and affordable neighborhoods." The speaker identified convening a "kitchen cabinet of housing experts" as part of the effort.

On federal oversight of flood‑plain mapping, the speaker said the county should take a more active role: "And advocate for more local control. I have a story for you. For example, the county's flood control district should oversee revisions to the FEMA flood plain maps, but instead, that job is with faceless federal bureaucrats who don't understand Maricopa County. I will press the federal government on this because our staff tells me that this could speed up the construction of new houses by cutting the current review period in half. But we can't do it alone." The comment frames a staff estimate that revised local control could halve current review times; the speaker attributed that estimate to staff rather than presenting it as a direct finding.

The speaker also called on cities and the state to act: "Cities should step up and review how they make zoning and development decisions and how many barriers they place in the way of progress. State government should do what it can to think of policy for future development that's a net win for communities. There has been too little urgency on this issue that affects millions of constituents. But Maricopa County's leadership and housing will show there is a way." The remarks combined policy proposals (cutting regulations, updating zoning and land‑use policy) with advocacy for greater local control over FEMA‑related flood‑plain reviews.

The meeting transcript does not record a formal vote, specific ordinance or statute cited, or a named speaker and role. The comments are presented as proposals and advocacy rather than adopted actions.