The Brief
- Arizona lawmakers passed a bill out of committee to exempt designated historic districts from a new state law that mandates “middle housing” in single-family zones.
- Supporters of the exemption argue it protects neighborhood character from “luxury townhomes,” while critics say it prioritizes old aesthetics over affordable housing for workers.
- The measure now heads to the full House for a vote; if passed, it would roll back January’s housing mandate specifically for neighborhoods with historic designations.
PHOENIX – An Arizona bill looks to strike a balance between Phoenix’s history and its future, with proposed changes to the middle housing law.
The law that passed last year was meant to address skyrocketing housing costs, but some say it threatens the state’s history.
What we know:…