Legislative Update
Old wounds and new priorities for a COVID-focused Legislature Lawmakers resume last year’s legislative efforts while addressing the ongoing pandemic By Jake Hinman and Bastien Andruet
With the 2021 Arizona legislative session in full swing, lawmakers have introduced an overwhelming 1,800 bills and resolutions. Despite all else with the pandemic, affordable housing has proven to be one of the focal points of the Legislature this year, with multiple bills attempting to increase housing supply and funding. Unfortunately, we have also seen an inordinate amount of bills aimed at the rental housing industry, including proposals to enact statewide rent control in Arizona. Fortunately, the AMA was able to ensure that all these harmful bills never progressed through the process.
Affordable housing remains AMA top priority Picking up where last session left off, the AMA is focusing its legislative efforts on creating new tools and incentives for the production of new affordable housing units. In tandem with longtime allies at the Legislature and partners in the private sector, the AMA has helped author and champion a bill establishing a state LIHTC. –Continued on next page
Apartment News | March/April 2021
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