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Phoenix council approves District 5 affordable housing, vertical farming and public art projects
Summary
The council approved three District 5 initiatives: a True Local Solar Container Farm project, Habitat for Humanity infill housing for eight households at or below 80% AMI, and a 55th Avenue public art shade structure; staff and council noted community partnerships and a Jan. 24 ribbon cutting for the farm.
The Phoenix City Council approved a set of District 5 projects on Dec. 18 that include an urban vertical‑farming pilot, Habitat for Humanity infill housing and a public art installation.
Councilwoman Guardado described the True Local Solar Container Farm, led by Homer/Home Farms in partnership with the Office of Environmental Programs, Salt River Project and Arizona State University. The project will use indoor vertical farming and solar panels to grow primarily leafy greens with water‑efficient techniques; the developer agreed to donate 20% of produce to the community and to provide training to residents and entrepreneurs. Guardado said a ribbon cutting is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2025.
Also approved was a Housing Department recommendation to work with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to construct and sell eight attached owner‑occupied townhomes for households at or below 80% of area median income adjacent to John F. and Mary P. Long Homestead Park. Council members praised the partnership, community feedback and homeowner counseling components intended to support successful home purchases.
Council also approved a public art project on 55th Avenue: three vertical shade elements depicting local natural and cultural motifs developed with community input and participation from local students. Council members highlighted the project’s compatibility with neighborhood character and its educational and placemaking benefits.
All three items passed by roll call. City staff and council members said they hope the projects will be replicated in other neighborhoods if successful.
