Recently, Tempe held two meetings to discuss how the city was planning to update its land use ordinances to comply with HB2721.
The bill requires cities to allow Missing Middle housing, such as duplexes and townhomes, within one mile of downtown. We wrote recently that this provides Tempe with an opportunity to do more to meet its housing needs. Sadly, at the meetings it became clear that the city intends to do as little as legally possible.
Why your rent is so high
City staff demonstrated an unwillingness to commit to any widespread changes which did not originate entirely from their own department. Tempe city planners reiterated on multiple occasions that they believed state intervention was not necessary, and that city originated plans would be enough to meet our housing needs.
Displaying a map of the area where Missing Middle would be allowed, staff described it as the smallest possible area they could manage. When asked if they considered going beyond what state law required, they flatly stated no.
Staff frustration with state law may be at an all time high, but here’s the truth: Arizona cities have killed, delayed, or watered down every serious housing reform that has been recently proposed. The cities have proven themselves ill equipped to manage our housing production needs.
This is why our rent is so high. More people want to move to Arizona and Tempe than ever, and the outdated permitting process that council and staff cling to isn’t capable of creating enough homes for everyone (let alone the types of homes which are in highest demand).
Stalling out
Doing as little as possible to expand Missing Middle would be bad enough. But Tempe also intends to delay implementation of the law until after this year’s legislative session, hoping additional legislation will further weaken the law and get fewer units of housing built.
Legislators should take note: Any loophole or exemption you give cities in housing bills will be used to make the legislation less effective. Cities will not go a step further than what is required of them. Statewide housing legislation needs to be airtight in order to get homes built. And claims from cities that they are doing their part should be treated with extreme skepticism.
Take Action
You can give feedback here until tomorrow and tell city staff that Tempe should adopt the required Missing Middle provisions citywide.
You can also contact your legislators. Tell them you are frustrated with how your local government is handling the housing crisis and let them know you want to see more statewide housing legislation passed this session.
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