Housing in Arizona

Vitalyst Health Foundation believes housing is health—that it has the power to improve health outcomes and enhance community well-being. Housing is also fundamentally linked to equitable economic development, community development, employment, education, social cohesion and so much more. We hope this inventory of promising policies and practices sparks inspiration, more ideas and action to create housing solutions for Arizonans throughout the state.

The cost of housing is a burden for too many Arizona households. More than 48 percent of renters pay more than the recommended 30 percent of their monthly income on rent and utilities. The immediate and long-term consequences of rent-burdened households work against goals to create and sustain resilient communities.

Our latest Spark Brief, Promising Housing Practices in Arizona, presents case studies that highlight a variety of housing initiatives—from expanded use of accessory dwelling units and other creative land uses to mixed-use communities and the application of innovative building technologies. Project summaries also include website links to additional resources.

Also, be sure to read the Appendix to Promising Housing Practices in Arizona containing detailed interviews on land use and zoning challenges, and links to actual ordinances.