Phoenix Housing Trust Fund approval a step toward more affordable housing

Kesha Hodge Washington

Submitted photo/City of Phoenix

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on the Phoenix Housing Trust Fund allocation plan? 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 affordability and access continue to be among my top priorities. At a recent policy meeting, City Council advanced the Housing Trust Fund allocation plan, to advance affordable-housing goals and address the city’s ongoing housing needs.

The funding supports priorities in the city’s strategic Housing Phoenix Plan, to increase housing. This plan directs $15 million toward creating and preserving affordable housing, supporting first-time homebuyers, reducing development barriers and strengthening eviction-prevention efforts.

These investments build on our housing plan and help ensure that more families have pathways to stable housing. 

Phoenix has demonstrated that when we make housing a priority, we can achieve results. While reaching the plan goal ahead of schedule is an accomplishment worth celebrating, we know the work is far from over.

The Housing Trust Fund gives us a powerful local tool to invest in attainable housing, support working families, create pathways to homeownership and help residents remain in the communities they call home.

This council action aligns with the needs that have been expressed by the community. These investments reflect our commitment to turning resources into real housing opportunities while building stronger neighborhoods and a more-affordable future for Phoenix residents. 

This work becomes even more meaningful when we see its impact in our communities. In my recent “Kesha on the Job,” I visited a home where Housing Department staff are helping a longtime resident transition from renter to homeowner.

After living in this home for 34 years, she is now purchasing it through one of the city’s homeownership programs. I joined the team to help with painting and flooring as the home is prepared for her next chapter. Watch the highlights and learn more about how these investments are changing lives across Phoenix.

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.