A recent report from Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona highlights the affordable housing crisis in the Flagstaff area, with Executive Director Devonna McLaughlin calling the state of affairs, “The worst I’ve ever seen it.”
The 2022 rental attainability report is based on a survey of 50 traditional apartment homes totaling 8,405 units and 10 income-restricted developments totaling 730 units. The survey was conducted between November and January.
The report finds a Flagstaff minimum-wage worker would have to work approximately 87 hours/week to rent a two-bedroom apartment, which average $1,758/month. A household would have to have an annual income of more than $70K. The 2019 Census showed a median individual income of $21,503.
McLaughlin referred to the disparity as “extreme,” and pointed out it creates difficulty across all income levels and property types.
While most economists and market experts say the best way to improve affordability is to increase supply across all housing types, McLaughlin claims the solution is more complex, stating, “We can’t build our way out of the affordability crisis.”
She advocates reversing a state ban on municipalities’ ability to regulate short-term rentals, along with addressing other issues.
She also said Flagstaff’s recently adopted 10-year housing plan is a good first step, but that the planning is the easy part in addressing the crisis.
Implementing the plan goals may include asking voters to approve a bond measure to fund housing projects, which often face resistance from already established residents. (Source)
1 Comment
IT’S THE COST!! My old apartment was sold to build another NAU student housing building. I was forced to move to a smaller apartment with 30% higher costs of rent utilities and storage. I’m a senior citizen working for minimum wage. It is close to impossible to survive in flagstaff with the high rent prices.