Council signs MOU to sponsor Catholic Community Services’ proposed 100‑unit affordable housing project

Sierra Vista — The City Council on March 26 agreed to a memorandum of understanding to serve as fiscal sponsor for Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona (CCS) as the nonprofit pursues $2 million in congressional directed funding for a proposed affordable housing development on East Busby Drive.

City staff explained the MOU would allow the city to receive and administer federal funds on CCS’s behalf, maintain required financial records, and provide fiscal oversight in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. Terrence, who represents CCS and the Cochise County Local Coalition to End Homelessness, said the conceptual project includes about 100 units with a mix of 20 transitional housing units, 40 low‑income units for those under 60% AMI and 40 workforce units for underemployed residents.

Terrence described a community resource center as the project’s core, offering case management, childcare, telemedicine and workforce development with wraparound supports designed to help residents achieve stability. He said the design partnership with Arizona State University and the Massive Change Network is intended to lower construction and occupancy costs and inform a prototype that could be replicated in other communities.

Councilmembers asked about zoning and permitting; staff said the site zoning accommodates the proposed development but that additional approvals will be required once a final concept is selected. Council approved the MOU and agreed to provide a letter of support from the mayor for CCS’s congressional funding application.

What’s next: CCS will continue design and funding applications; staff will serve as fiscal agent for any awarded congressional directed spending and will assist with required administrative compliance.