Supporters urge supervisors to adopt Pima County 10-year regional housing strategy and funding plan

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — Supporters of the Pima County 10-year regional housing strategy told the Board of Supervisors on March 3 that formal approval will expand funding and development opportunities to address an acute shortage of affordable housing.

Elizabeth Coy, a United Way staff member, told the board the plan "is the next right thing and deserves your yes vote," citing years of county work with nonprofits, higher education and consultants to identify needed housing types and locations.

Mark Clark, chair of the county's Regional Affordable Housing Commission, said the draft strategy already is being used for local affordable-housing development and provides a framework for accountability and data-driven decisionmaking. "One clear benefit which will flow from this plan is its formal approval will expand the development opportunities with the identification of revitalization zones," Clark said, describing how zones make projects eligible for more diverse funding.

Several speakers asked the county to ensure public input on proposed uses of Project Blue land-sale proceeds, with one commenter saying allocations to economic-development functions would be "a slap in the face" to residents who opposed the underlying project. Other commenters urged that any proceeds be used to mitigate impacts, support utilities relief and protect housing for low-income residents.

The board scheduled the item for a 3:30 p.m. time certain later in the day; staff and consultants were expected to present the full plan during that session.

What happens next: Staff will present the regional housing strategy and funding plan at the time-certain agenda slot for board consideration. Supporters urged formal board adoption to unlock revitalization-zone tools and funding opportunities.