How Arizona has worked to balance its housing equation — and what's next

By Mark Brodie
Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - 11:44am
Updated: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - 11:46am

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tom simplot
Arizona Department of Housing
Tom Simplot

Arizona has a shortage of housing, and has for some time now.

Among her priorities, Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to empower local communities to build more affordable housing and lower costs for both renters and owners. Housing played a prominent role in her State of the State address on Monday.

Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) says he, too, wants to increase the housing supply. His plan would include reducing the amount of time it takes to build.

The outgoing director of the Arizona Housing Department has some thoughts on this, as well. Tom Simplot will be staying on for a few more weeks, before Hobbs’ nominee Joan Serviss takes over; she’s the director of the Arizona Housing Coalition.

The Show spoke with Simplot and asked where the state stands right now, in terms of housing supply.

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