The City of Tucson and Pima County have secured a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This funding will address rising housing costs by removing barriers to affordable housing development and preservation in the region.
Tucson Takes A Step Toward Housing Affordability
Housing prices in Tucson have surged in recent years, with home sales increasing by 68% and rental prices up 48% since 2019.
This has outpaced the region’s average household income growth of just 22%. The HUD grant offers a significant opportunity to counter these trends and bring stability to Tucson families.
Grant Objectives and Implementation
The HUD Pathways to Reducing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program supports local governments actively reforming policies to improve housing affordability. Tucson and Pima County’s initiative includes:
- Zoning reforms: Updating regulations to encourage diverse housing types like tiny homes and duplexes.
- Infill development: Providing resources and capacity building for small-scale developers.
- Affordable housing incentives: Offering subsidies and gap funding to lower costs for new projects.
- Land utilization: Prioritizing affordable housing on city-owned parcels.
These efforts align with the region’s Housing Affordability Strategy and Prosperity Initiative, which target systemic poverty reduction and increased housing access.
Community and Government Collaboration
Strong collaboration between Tucson, Pima County, and the Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability (ARCHES) was pivotal in securing the maximum funding available.
Mayor Regina Romero praised the effort, stating,
“This grant reflects our commitment to creating housing opportunities for all Tucsonans by addressing systemic challenges.”
A Closer Look at Housing Needs
Metric |
Increase Since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Home Sales Prices | 68% |
| Rental Prices | 48% |
| Average Household Income | 22% |
The disparity between housing costs and income growth underscores the urgent need for initiatives like the PRO Housing grant.
What’s Next for Tucson?
Over the grant’s six-year duration, Tucson and Pima County aim to create lasting change by enacting regulatory reforms and fostering community engagement.
These steps will improve access to affordable housing, particularly in areas of low poverty and high opportunity.
“This funding provides the momentum we need to address our community’s growing housing challenges,”
said Ann Chanecka, Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Director.
Affordable housing is a cornerstone of a thriving community. Stay updated on how these programs evolve and explore ways to support housing equity initiatives in Tucson.
Sources: THX News & City of Tucson.
