Vice Mayor Announces Housing Solutions Plan to Address Phoenix's Affordability Crisis

Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien unveiled her comprehensive Housing Solutions Plan designed to tackle Phoenix's housing affordability crisis through innovative local policies, regional partnerships, and strategic state-level advocacy. The plan addresses the urgent need for diverse housing options across all income levels while positioning Phoenix as a regional leader in housing policy reform.

"Stable housing is the foundation for everything else," O'Brien said. "It's where children learn and grow, families build a secure future, and neighborhoods can flourish. When we get housing right, we strengthen our entire community and economy."

The housing crisis did not happen overnight, and won’t be solved by any single action, but with coordinated effort and bold leadership, O’Brien’s plan can ensure Phoenix remains a place where people can build their futures, regardless of their income. Find the full plan here.

The Challenge

• Housing costs have risen dramatically, with median home prices increasing by at least 68% from January 2020 to January 2025 across all housing sizes. Source: ARMLS Statistics
• Within Phoenix alone, there is a shortage of 59,000 affordable and available housing units for households earning 50% or less of the area median income. Source: City of Phoenix
• In many Phoenix neighborhoods, a household earning the regional median income would need to dedicate 40% or more of their earnings toward housing—well above the 30% affordability benchmark. Source: Harvard University and Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The housing crisis extends far beyond individual hardship—it threatens Phoenix's economic competitiveness and community stability. When households spend excessive portions of their income on housing, it reduces spending on groceries, healthcare, education, and savings. For businesses, limited affordable housing makes it difficult to attract and retain workers.

Comprehensive Solutions Framework

Vice Mayor O'Brien's plan tackles the crisis through four key pillars:

1. Local Development Streamlining

• Implement expedited permitting for small-scale housing projects
• Establish an alternative materials and methods commission to help reduce construction costs
• Develop a fee reduction or waiver program for projects that meet affordability requirements to make it easier for developers to build more housing options for low-income households

2. Regional Coordination and Efficiency

• Develop a shared set of standard building plans used across the region for commonly built housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and casitas
• Create standardized development processes across municipalities
• Advocate for a dedicated Housing Committee with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to coordinate strategies Valley-wide.

3. State-Level Policy Reform

• Advocate for legislation requiring all cities and towns to provide a basic level of services to support unhoused people and prevent homelessness.
• Support statewide source-of-income discrimination bans to protect vulnerable renters
• Promote condo defect law reforms to encourage "missing middle" housing development
• Endorse Arizona adoption of Florida's Live Local Act model to speed up housing for essential workers

4. Housing Creation and Preservation

• Launch updated Housing Phoenix Plan with ambitious new targets
• Expand Community Land Trust program to create permanent affordability
• Establish Phoenix Land Bank to transform vacant properties into housing opportunities
• Provide sustainable funding for Phoenix Housing Trust Fund

About Vice Mayor O'Brien's Housing Solution Plan

The comprehensive plan represents a year of research, stakeholder engagement, and policy development, drawing on best practices from cities nationwide while addressing Phoenix's unique challenges and opportunities.

About Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien

Vice Mayor O'Brien has been a consistent advocate for affordable housing, sustainable development, and regional coordination. She serves as Chair of the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee. In June 2023, O’Brien released a comprehensive Homeless Solutions Plan, which has seen more than 60% of its solutions implemented or in the process of implementation.

Media Contact:

Christina Estes
Director of Communications, Office of Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien
Christina.estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text

About District 1
District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit Phoenix.gov/District1.