Councilwoman Ann O'Brien Champions $8.1 million to Streamline Development, Boost Housing

The City of Phoenix is investing $8.1 million to make it easier to build housing, with new budget additions that are consistent with Councilwoman Ann O’Brien’s Housing Solutions Plan. Her comprehensive plan calls for funding for the City’s Housing Trust Fund, fee reduction programs for affordable housing, and improvements to the planning and permitting experience.

Councilwoman O’Brien said, "These investments are designed to remove barriers between families and a stable home. Phoenix has a shortage of 59,000 affordable units, and too often it's our own processes standing in the way. Fees don't build homes. They just make them more expensive. And a confusing permitting process turns away the very developers we need. This investment addresses both. It waives fees, creates pre-approved plans so builders can move without delay, and makes City Hall easier to navigate for developers of every size. Real dollars, directed at the people and projects to keep Phoenix livable — because every waived fee, every streamlined permit, every pre-approved plan is a family that gets housed faster."

Today’s vote finalizes the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. No changes will be made before the final adoption in June.

Housing Trust Fund - $6.6 million

· $2 million will waive or reduce plan review, permit and inspection fees for affordable housing units for residents earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

· $1 million will fund a competitive process to create pre-approved housing plans focused on affordability and the character of Phoenix’s villages. The City will develop a library of design that are already code-compliant and ready to build, which will reduce timelines, lower design costs, and deliver homes to families faster.

· $3.6 million will support affordable construction, preservation of existing homes and partnerships with the nonprofits and private developers working to keep Phoenix livable for residents of every income level.

Planning and Development Department - $1.5 million

· Funding will improve the physical flow and check-in experience at Phoenix City Hall. Potential improvements include creating collaboration spaces, enhancing signage, and evaluating security and check-in procedures.

· It may also support website improvements, educational materials on services, and technology upgrades — all designed to make the system easier to navigate from the very first touchpoint.

“These investments signal to residents and the development community that Phoenix is serious about getting housing projects done efficiently and professionally,” O’Brien said.

Media Contact
Christina Estes, Director of Communications
christina.estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text