Board approves gap funding for Desert Dove apartments to add 64 affordable units at 40–60% AMI

The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved gap funding for Desert Dove Apartments, a proposed 64-unit rental project intended for households with incomes at about 40%–60% of the area median income (AMI). The board approved the item by a 4–1 vote with Supervisor Stephen W. Christie opposed.

The board considered two related agreements for the project: one to issue a 30-year loan and a second to record the revenue/repayment terms. County staff said the separate contracts reflect how the county’s financial system (Workday) records expense and revenue components for long-term financing rather than indicating two unrelated deals.

Deputy County Administrator Carmine Debonis and county staff told supervisors that Desert Dove will create 64 rental units targeted for low-income households. Developer Christopher Ortega of GHK Properties, speaking for Desert Dove LP, said the project was structured to comply with Arizona Department of Housing and federal requirements tied to tax credits and that it is not a Section 8 development. Ortega said one-bedroom rents are expected to start “a little bit under $700” and three-bedroom rents “closer to $1,300,” and that affordability will be maintained under the terms required by ADOH and the federal gravamen associated with tax credits.

Supervisor Christie raised several questions during the discussion, including why a retroactive document had appeared earlier on the agenda for a different, related item and why the loan and revenue components were presented as separate contracts. County staff clarified that the Desert Dove item itself is not retroactive and that two contracts are standard practice for a long-term loan repayment setup. Staff also said there is no current requirement disqualifying out-of-state entities from applying for gap funding; the Desert Dove ownership group includes out-of-state partners.

Supporters on the board noted community backing for the project at a Midvale location and emphasized the need for additional affordable rental units. The approval authorizes the county to provide gap financing as described in the agenda packet.

Details available in the discussion: the project is expected to offer units affordable to households at about 40%–60% AMI; staff described the financial structure as a 30-year loan with a separate repayment/revenue contract; county policy does not bar out-of-state developers from participating in gap-funding solicitations; the board’s vote passed 4–1 (Supervisor Christie opposed).