SE Valley Times

Increasing funds for affordable housing, protecting Tempe's historic places, and restoring all of Tempe's streets may be on the ballot this November as part of a proposed bond election. At the recent Work Study Session on February 8, councilmembers discussed leveraging bonds to address these important issues.

The City of Tempe has already invested $72 million in housing solutions and assistance for the community's unsheltered population. To further accelerate efforts in affordable housing, an additional $32 million is being requested, with $8 million annually for four years. The cost to the average household would be approximately $1.58 a month or $19 annually. Mayor Corey Woods emphasized the importance of housing options for teachers, nurses, and first responders, stating, "This bond question would turbocharge the progress we could make for our affordable housing program."

The City of Phoenix and Flagstaff have recently passed bond elections to address affordable housing, with Phoenix bonding for $63 million. However, Tempe's per capita investment would be higher at $173 per resident compared to Phoenix's $39 per resident. Tim Burch, Director of Community Health and Human Services, highlighted the impact of these funds in catering to vulnerable populations such as low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and at-risk families with children. He stated, "An infusion of new funds would support both our Hometown for All initiative and Affordable Housing Strategy to ensure a diverse mix of housing opportunities in Tempe."

Aside from affordable housing, the proposed bond election also includes funds for historic preservation. Approximately $12.3 million is being requested to restore, maintain, or purchase historic properties in Tempe, including well-known places like Hayden Butte, the Petersen House Museum, Double Butte Cemetery, Gonzales-Martinez House, and Eisendrath House. The funds would also be used for the potential acquisition and rehabilitation of endangered historic properties. These funds would provide the city with the ability to purchase properties for affordable housing development and protect endangered historic properties.

Another item being considered for the November ballot is $180 million to restore all of Tempe's streets within four years. Without bond funding, it would take 15 years longer and cost more to achieve the goal of excellent street conditions citywide. The cost to the median household would be around $81 per year.

Councilmember Arlene Chin expressed that this plan reflects the values of the city, honoring Tempe's past, present, and future residents with historic preservation, renewed roads, and affordable housing.

The decision on whether to move forward with these potential bond items has not been made yet. The November bond election will be discussed further at a future Work Study Session in March, and the council would need to call the election in April to have the questions on the November ballot.

If these bond measures are approved, the City of Tempe would pay them back over a period of 20 years.