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 Shannon Fowler (The University of Arizona), Victoria Tullercash (Youth On Their Own), and Austin Puca (City of Tucson Department of Housing and Community Development) at the Arizona Housing Forum
“One of the greatest successes we have had in combating homelessness is the way in which our leadership supports the projects we are applying for.” - Austin Puca
The Arizona Department of Housing’s 2021 Housing Forum took place Thursday, August 19, through Friday, August 20 in Tucson. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero provided opening remarks at the Forum and reiterated the Tucson Mayor and Council commitment to affordable housing development. Around 400 leaders throughout Arizona gathered to discuss housing.
The forum and presentations were focused around:
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Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
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Community Development
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Combating Homelessness
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A Comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy discussion took place at the Mayor and Council Study Session on Tuesday, August 10. HCD Director, Liz Morales, gave a presentation to the Mayor and Council with updates and recommendations on Affordable Housing efforts in Tucson.
Ward 3 Council Member Uhlich made a motion to move to direct HCD to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for affordable housing working with the City’s Commission on Equitable Housing and Community Development (CEHD) and come back to the Mayor and Council in 90 days.
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 The City of Tucson Commission on Equitable Housing and Development's September meeting included an update from subcommittees, hearing about the Phoenix Housing Plan, a presentation from the Arizona Department of Housing, updates from Housing and Community Development, and an update on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance letter.
Visit the Commission's website below to view past meeting recordings, materials and agendas, and to join the upcoming meeting.
Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 4-6 p.m.
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 HCD Deputy Director, Ann Chanecka, gives an introduction at an in-person Choice Neighborhoods meeting at Pima Community College
Meetings Recap
Three meetings (two in-person and one virtual) were held in August for residents and those that are employed in the Choice Neighborhoods area. Attendees were given a presentation focused on goals and strategies surrounding neighborhoods, housing, people and education, workforce and economic development, and upcoming action activity projects. After the presentation, attendees were asked to complete an online survey and give feedback on the strategies and goals of the Transformation Plan.
Choice Neighborhood Background
In the fall of 2018, the City of Tucson received a Choice Neighborhoods planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. The Choice Neighborhoods boundaries, better known as a part of the larger initiative, Thrive in the 05, is located in the Oracle Road/Miracle Mile area in the 85705 zip code. Thrive in the 05's three main focus areas are:
- Choice Neighborhoods (City of Tucson)
- Community-Based Crime Reduction (Arizona State University)
- Workforce and Economic Development (Pima Community College and City of Tucson)
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 The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to end the eviction moratorium, but applications are still being accepted for the Eviction Prevention Program in Tucson. The Mayor and Tucson City Council approved spending $27.1 million ($19.1 million from the City of Tucson and $8 million from Pima County) for the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program. Through the coordinated efforts of the City, Pima County, and the Community Investment Corporation, both tenants and landlords/property managers (acting on behalf of tenants) can apply for funds. Dual enrollment of tenants and landlords is accepted. Funding requests for unpaid rent and utilities are available for up to 12 months in arrears and three months in advance. For information, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program website linked below. Those without internet access can call (520) 447-4423 to apply, and bilingual case managers are available.
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 The Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH) partnered with the University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women and the City of Tucson Housing & Community Development Department to publish an in-depth analysis of multi-year homelessness data in Tucson and throughout Pima County. People Experiencing Homelessness in the Tucson/Pima County Continuum of Care provides a detailed examination of the current demographics, conditions, and experiences of homelessness in our region.
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The City of Tucson is proposing a change to the zoning code to make it easier to build casitas in Tucson. Casitas, also known as Accessory Dwelling Units, are independent living spaces with their own kitchen. They provide more flexible housing options, support aging in place, and are a way of promoting sustainable infill development.
The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on this proposal on Wednesday, September 15 at 6pm. You can submit written comments or request to speak at the continued hearing on September 15, 2021, by emailing PlanningCommission@tucsonaz.gov.
Legacy Business Program
The City of Tucson Economic Initiatives department's Legacy Business Program is now accepting applications. Know a Tucson business that’s been around for at least 25 years? Encourage them to apply!
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Community Conversation: The Costs of Southern Arizona's Behavioral Health Policies
Are you a community leader, government, nonprofit, or public service employee whose work intersects with behavioral health policies in our community? If so, the Pima County Public Library is pleased to offer you an opportunity to join a community conversation centered on this topic. View more information and registration details about the Sept. 21 online event is available by following the link below.
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