ARIZONA NEWS
Phoenix City Council approves millions in community investments
Jul 8, 2022, 4:45 AM | Updated: 7:40 am
Homeless kids meet with Hennepin County Commissioners. -- Five-year-old Dontavious (the Learning Center allows only first names for the kids) diligently holds his sign calling for affordable housing and reduced shelter use during the Hennepin County Board meeting in which homeless shelters were on the agenda. (Photo by Joey McLeister/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joey McLeister/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — Millions of dollars in community support funding were approved last week by the Phoenix City Council and Mayor Kate Gallego, officials said.
The funding will go toward affordable housing, assistance and housing to those who are unsheltered and vulnerable, and to nearly 100 arts and cultural organizations that work to keep the city vibrant, the Phoenix City Council said in a July 1 press release.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in residents on the verge of losing their homes, and worse, some who have become unsheltered. Today’s actions are an investment in solutions for people and families,” Gallego said in the release.
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“As basic needs are covered, we also feed our individual and collective spirit by preserving and promoting arts programs and performances, and by celebrating the wide cultural diversity that makes Phoenix strong.”
Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds made available by the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority will be issued to build affordable housing at Falcon Park located near 35th Avenue, south of Interstate 10, with bonds set to be capped at $25 million.
More than $8.1 million — made available through the American Rescue Plan Act — will go toward Community Bridges, an organization entrusted with leasing and operating 120 hotel rooms and to continue its work helping the unsheltered find long-term permanent housing, the release said.
Victims of human trafficking will have access to safe housing, case management and support services through a program with Phoenix Starfish Place Corporation. More than $1 million will be distributed over three years, with resources used to heal and empower victims.
The city is also extending a contract for home delivered meals through the Area Agency on Aging, approving up to $2.4 million in funding for those who are homebound and adults with disabilities.
The last of the investments, approximately $1.3 million in Community Arts Support Grants, went toward 98 arts and cultural organizations.
“At the heart of each of these investments is a mother, father, son, daughter or grandparents in need of a better, more fulfilling life. As a city, we have shown our strength and resilience during harsh times. We’re now reconfirming our commitment to improve experiences in every sector of our community,” Gallego said.
