Housing an essential component of Phoenix economic development

Kesha Hodge Washington

Submitted photo/City of Phoenix

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on affordable housing as a key to Phoenix economic development? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to azopinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — Housing is not separate from economic development. Housing is a key part of economic development.

As Phoenix continues to grow, we must be intentional about ensuring that housing is part of our economic-development strategy. That means expanding affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, supporting workforce housing and making investments that allow families to live, work and thrive in our city. A strong economy depends on our ability to create opportunities while ensuring that everyone can afford to call Phoenix home.

I was honored to join leaders from across Arizona at the recent Phoenix: The Future Works Here forum, hosted by The Wall Street Journal and Philip Morris International. During the discussion, I emphasized the importance of connecting housing policy, workforce growth and strategic investments to sustain Phoenix’s economic momentum. Achieving that vision requires collaboration and innovation across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Thank you to The Wall Street Journal, PMI, Arizona State University, the Arizona Commerce Authority and my fellow panelists for helping advance this important conversation about the future of Phoenix.

Read more about the event and key takeaways online at Phoenix leaders highlight innovation, collaboration as keys to sustaining economic growth.

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington represents District 8 on the Phoenix City Council. This was distributed as part of her newsletter. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.