Tempe is moving forward with an ambitious plan to reshape the Food City Plaza into a vibrant mixed-income housing development, complete with a grocery store and a potential police station, as part of its commitment to tackle the affordable housing shortage. The City of Tempe reported that the efforts are part of a larger strategy which includes the Hometown for All initiative, driving the creation of more affordable housing opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the community.
In an effort unanimously supported by municipal leaders, the city utilized a combination of city, county, and federal funding to purchase the plaza for a reported $20 million. The acquisition saw an amalgamation of $10.8 million from Maricopa County awarded last year, an $8 million contribution from city funds, and additional federal support amounting to nearly $1.7 million, spearheaded by Congressman Greg Stanton, as reported by the City of Tempe. Among the promises made by city officials was a commitment to ensure that at least 50% of the housing units would be allocated to those earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). However, the exact number of units will be determined in the final design phase of the mixed-use site.
Mayor Corey Woods has expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential to revitalize north Tempe, stating, "Our investment in the Food City Plaza represents the ongoing commitment to north Tempe and to creating more housing opportunities for anyone who wants to call our city home," according to a statement issued by the City of Tempe's news release. Notably, Jack Sellers, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of collaboration between local entities in addressing Arizona's housing crisis, a sentiment echoed in the city's development vision.
Interested parties can stay updated on the progress of these projects, as well as get more information about the Hometown for All initiative, by visiting tempe.gov/HometownforAll, where details are available on the city's dashboard. For direct inquiries, media contact Susie Steckner is available at [email protected] or by calling 480-604-6128.
