PHOENIX — Funding for housing is not often thought of as a county undertaking.
However, for a county with 4.42 million people, such as Maricopa, it stands to reason that local government would have to commit funds to nearly everything, at some point.
By approving a short series of Human Services items at last week’s meeting, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $3.1 million in funding for affordable housing at two Broadway Road locations in Phoenix.
The two projects include 74 townhomes will be constructed at Sixth Avenue and 161 apartments at Third Avenue.
The funding comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds and is part of a larger strategy Maricopa County leaders have been deploying to contribute a wide range of housing solutions in response to the Valley’s housing shortage.
“As we allocate money, we are looking at barriers to home ownership and the rentals in this tight housing market,” Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor Bill Gates said. “We are helping developers construct affordable housing in the metro area where people need it most and we have plans to connect people to that housing as it nears completion.”
Both projects are being developed in the same neighborhood because of a partnership with Chicanos Por La Causa, led by the Maricopa County Human Services Department, Gates said.
The $3.1 million in ARPA funds will be almost split evenly between the two projects. The Sixth Avenue townhomes will receive $1.5 million while $1.6 million will go toward the Third Avenue apartments.
The Sixth Avenue property is a 5.3-acre site that the county says will be developed into a pedestrian-friendly community that will incorporate features to encourage walking, biking, and outdoor enjoyment. Amenities are set to include shade trees, benches, walkway and other lighting, walking paths, open space, gathering areas, a bicycle repair station and bicycle racks.
Home ownership opportunities and down payment assistance will be available to applicants who meet select federal criteria.
The Third Avenue apartments, to be located at 316 W. Broadway Road, ell be known as Pueblo Apartments.
The 161 units, on a 4.2-acre site, will include a mix of types units, ranging from studios to three bedrooms, to accommodate families.
The rental units will be reserved for households with total income below a federal standard.
Amenities at the apartments will include a business center, clubhouse, central laundry facility, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas, a playground and a splash pad.
The projects will be overseen by Maricopa County Human Services. That’s the division of county government responsible for childhood education, housing, and homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers, workforce development services for businesses, and support for the homeless.
Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at HSD.maricopa.gov.
Jason W. Brooks is a News editor for the Daily Independent and the Chandler Independent.
He covers the Chandler area for both yourvalley.net and the monthly print edition while writing for and assisting in the production of the Daily Independent.
Brooks is a well-traveled journalist who has documented life in small American communities in nearly all U.S. time zones.
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised there and in suburban Los Angeles, he has covered community news in California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and northern Arizona.
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