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UnidosUS outlines pilot to spur homeownership in Nogales; estimates county needs roughly 1,000 affordable homes
Summary
Enrique Davis Masaloum of UnidosUS presented a Nogales pilot and coalition to reduce regulatory barriers, spur entry‑level homeownership and develop workforce housing; the plan includes a 32‑home first phase to identify permitting and cost barriers and calls for county‑city coordination on zoning, infrastructure and broadband.
Dr. Enrique Davis Masaloum, Arizona state director for UnidosUS, presented the "Novalis Home Initiative," a pilot to support entry‑level homeownership and workforce housing in Nogales and Santa Cruz County.
"What we're trying to identify is what are those barriers... how can we change it?" Davis Masaloum said, describing efforts to reduce indirect costs from lengthy permitting, code interpretations and infrastructure requirements that he said can increase home prices by 15% to 40%.
Davis Masaloum laid out a coalition of city, county, legislative and nonprofit partners and said the pilot's first phase is a planned 32‑home subdivision intended to test regulatory hurdles and cost impacts. He cited a countywide shortfall — an estimated 1,000 affordable homes needed over four years — and said public‑private coordination is necessary for workforce housing, broadband, transit and other supporting infrastructure.
During Q&A, the presenter and supervisors discussed specific local barriers: lot sizes, sewer capacity, fire‑safety code interpretations (including the 2027 International Fire Code and sprinkler requirements), and the potential cost implications of additional subdivision entrances. Davis Masaloum and local officials stressed identifying alternatives that achieve safety without unnecessarily increasing costs for buyers.
Supervisors and the board commended the pilot and noted the potential economic impacts of housing supply that supports local employment and tax base growth. Davis Masaloum said the pilot will supply policy recommendations and a roadmap for reducing regulatory delays and increasing predictability for developers.
The board presented Davis Masaloum with a certificate recognizing his appointment to the Arizona Latino Advisory Board and wished him success with the pilot work.
