House Republicans in Arizona announced on Mar. 13 a series of legislative measures intended to address rising housing costs and expand home ownership opportunities for families across the state.
The initiative comes as many Arizona residents face increasing rents, higher home prices, and a shortage of attainable single-family homes. Majority Leader Michael Carbone said, “Affordability is top of mind for Arizona families, especially when it comes to housing. As rents rise, home prices climb, and fewer attainable single-family options remain on the market, more Arizonans are being priced out of the communities they call home and further away from the dream of homeownership. House Republicans are passing targeted reforms to reduce unnecessary government-driven costs, expand housing opportunities, and make it easier for Arizona families to buy a home of their own.”
The package includes several bills that form part of the House Republican Majority Plan. These measures aim to cut regulations, counter executive overreach, and increase both land and housing supply in an effort to lower living costs. HB 2946 seeks to limit local development fees by capping charges on accessory dwelling units, locking in builder rates for two years, and closing loopholes that allowed municipalities to shift new growth expenses onto existing ratepayers through increased water and wastewater rates. HB 2100 proposes giving counties more flexibility to approve small subdivisions, which could bring additional lots to market and help reduce land scarcity. HB 2426 would require the State Land Department to create a five-year plan for selling state trust lands near incorporated areas suitable for development.
Carbone said these steps are necessary because “housing prices are not complicated. When supply is choked off, prices rise.” He added that government policies often contribute to higher costs by imposing local fees or restricting where homes can be built: “Too often, government policies make it harder for families to buy a home by piling on local fees, restricting where housing can be built, and failing to bring buildable land to market. House Republicans are taking the opposite approach: increasing land availability, expanding housing supply, and removing barriers that drive up the cost of a new single-family home so more Arizona families have a fair shot at homeownership.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Arizona’s 25th House District after replacing Michelle Udall according to Ballotpedia.
The proposed legislation reflects ongoing efforts within the state legislature to address affordability concerns amid population growth and limited housing inventory.
