A bipartisan plan to increase Arizona’s housing supply through zoning deregulation has stalled for the second year in a row at the state Capitol.
The Starter Homes Act awaits a vote in the House, but it faces opposition from both the political right and left. The bill would limit municipalities’ power to reject housing projects.
Democratic Sen. Analise Ortiz (Phoenix) is one of the bill’s supporters.
“The proponents are working on several amendments, but basically since the last meeting it has been radio silence from the governor’s office, and to me that signals that they are not prioritizing this bill,” she said.
Nick Ponder, a lobbyist for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns says municipalities have made offers to amend the bill, but the bill’s proponents won’t accept them.
That’s the same allegation Ortiz made against the League. Far-right lawmakers in the Legislature’s Freedom Caucus are also against the measure.
-
Arizona lawmakers are not making a concerted effort to regulate the artificial intelligence industry. Lawmakers hope to build guardrails that don’t hamper progress. -
Supporters of Charlie Kirk and his Turning Point USA won't get to declare it publicly, at least not with a state-issued license plate. -
Emmanuel Damas, 56, died Monday at Honor Health hospital in Scottsdale after complaining of a toothache in mid-February in ICE custody. -
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes thanked lawmakers for approving millions of dollars to pay for election-related expenses this year, but said the state’s elections systems are still critically underfunded. -
The Phoenix Union High School District passed a student-led climate resolution Thursday. The resolution intends to transition the district to renewable energy. But, the action could face financial challenges as Trump administration continues assault on climate projects.
