ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix passes source-of-income housing discrimination ban

Mar 4, 2023, 5:45 AM

(Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)...

(Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

(Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council approved an ordinance that keeps landlords and sellers from discriminating against renters and buyers based on their source of income.

In an 8-1 vote Wednesday, councilmembers adopted the amended ordinance that is designed to prevent rejection of anyone using housing choice vouchers, checks from child support, Social Security disability benefits, veterans’ benefits, among others, as income.

Only Sal DiCiccio voted against the amendment.

“As we continue rising to the challenge of ensuring that Phoenicians can access affordable housing, this is another important step among the many others we’ve taken as a city,” Mayor Kate Gallego tweeted.

Anyone who is found to have discriminated against potential renters or buyers based on income source is subject to a first-offense fine of up to $2,500, with a step up in the amount for ensuing violations.

Other penalties include a daily fine of up to $2,500 for noncompliance of the policy.

The amendment won’t be enforced until after Attorney General Kris Mayes has reviewed a similar ordinance in Tucson that her predecessor Mark Brnovich said was a violation of state law in a December 2022 report.

“Phoenicians should not have to wait 3-5 years on a Section 8 Voucher waitlist, only to be turned away from using that very voucher,” Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari said in a press release.

She added there were over 15,000 residents on the waitlist.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

3 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

4 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

6 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

7 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

9 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Phoenix passes source-of-income housing discrimination ban