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City & County Government Issues & Policy Positions

The Chamber’s current local policy positions are all contained in the 2007 Metro Policy Book, which can be viewed here.

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Policy on Housing that is Affordable

The Chamber supports housing that is affordable because it is good for the economy, reduces turnover and increases competitiveness. In order to achieve this, the Chamber supports a long term solution that promotes private sector involvement which includes:

  • An Employer Assisted Housing Program (such as the Arizona Association of Realtors’ “Housing Arizona’s Workforce”) in any affordable housing program. It is important to involve businesses throughout the process as an employer assistance program promotes recruitment, retention, reduced commutes, and revitalization of communities. Partnering with the business community also allows both the public and private sectors to reap the benefits of homeownership while creating a more sustainable fund/program.
  • Incentives for individuals to purchase homes in the empowerment zone and developers to build affordable housing in the zone.
  • Modifications to the Land Use Code to encourage developers to build affordable units. Financial and procedural incentives (assured variances, expedited permitting) may be included.
  • Reducing impact fees and other regulatory costs that create affordable housing issues in the city. Impact fees are typically used in high growth areas in need of infrastructure, but are generally accepted as deterrents to infill opportunities and impediments to affordable housing.
  • Education programs when possible as many issues associated with affordable housing are rooted in a lack of education and knowledge of purchasing and owning a home.
  • Merging all programs and administration within a municipality, county or region into one efficient program, therefore reducing duplication of efforts.
  • Having broad stakeholder/business support and knowledge of any program to ensure that monies are distributed to the maximum number of beneficiaries (and funds do not go unused).
  • A voluntary contribution check-off box for home owners and all other participants (e.g. lenders and realtors) at the closing of a home.

The Chamber opposes unilateral government decisions or additional regulations that ultimately make homes less affordable.