A year after taking the helm in District 6 and with a run-off election victory freshly under his belt, Phoenix City Councilmember Kevin Robinson is zeroing in on the city's most pressing issues. The former assistant police chief, now turned city official, reflects on his first year in office and outlines his priorities for tackling Phoenix's affordable housing and homelessness crises.
In an interview with ABC15, Robinson shared, "A few years ago, if you told me I would be a City Councilmember talking to you about things, I would have thought you were crazy." Yet, he brings 36 years of experience on the Phoenix Police Department to his role – an expertise that’s seen as beneficial in navigating the needs of the community he serves. According to ABC15, Robinson's first year has been particularly challenged by city-centric issues like homelessness, a problem he asserts the city is tackling with conviction.
The District 6 councilmember has been vocal about creating more affordable housing, a stance he reiterated when he said, "We have to look for ways to incentivize developers and builders so they are able to bring down the cost of those houses," in a statement obtained by ABC15. He further emphasizes the importance of making these homes accessible to those who qualify.
The conundrum of rising living costs remains a hot-button issue for Phoenix residents. Parents and working professionals alike feel the squeeze, with some equating childcare costs to that of a second mortgage. An interview by ABC15 had residents express concern about skyrocketing expenses and the future affordability of education and housing. On this, Robinson maintains that a multi-faceted plan is essential - one that explores every available option for increasing affordability.
Homelessness presents a growing problem, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s latest report revealing a 160% increase in Arizona’s unsheltered population over ten years. When asked about this issue, Robinson told ABC15, "I think it's a multi-level approach. I think the solution is working with non-profits as well as business owners to really find the best solutions." By coupling the push for cheaper housing with better services for those facing mental health or substance abuse issues, Robinson aims to address not just the symptoms but the root causes of homelessness.
