State lawmakers are moving a bill forward that would allow churches and religious nonprofits to build affordable housing on their land.
But some are cautious of the potential for abuse by developers.
The bill would allow affordable housing on sites owned by religious institutions regardless of local zoning laws.
40% of the units would have to be for low-income families. The single or multifamily homes could not be built within a half mile of industrial areas, an airport or military base.
Supporters say it could help solve Arizona’s housing crisis.
"I grew up in multifamily housing. My district actually has many multifamily housing developments. And I'm looking at our housing prices right now that are going for sale. We have townhouses in my district going for $350,000," Democratic Rep. Lorena Austin said.
But Rep. Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton, a Tucson Democrat, abstained from a committee vote, saying mayors in her district don’t like the measure.
“This has me over a barrel. Because if I take to heart that title 'representative,' I am at odds with how to represent my constituents in this piece of legislation," Stahl-Hamilton said.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. David Livingston, said he would amend the bill before it goes to the House floor.
