Economic development begins with a pro-housing policy.
Without ample housing for the workforce, we are going to lose our ability to recruit top employers, who bring good, high-paying jobs. For the employers that are already here, they will lose their ability to recruit and retain top-talent.
But don’t just take our word for it. Ask the CEOs and business owners who employ thousands of Arizonans.
“We want our employees to be able to live close to where they work so that they can spend more time doing the things that really matter, like spending time with their families. Our employees do a lot for us. The least we can do is make sure that they have safe and quality housing. And when we can’t deliver on that, it becomes much harder to attract and retain talent.”
Sissy Shank, President and CEO of Chas Roberts
From a micro level, our children will not stay in Arizona, destabilizing families and the state’s ability to retain young talent. Young professionals who do remain in state will be forced to either live at home or hours away from their families, jobs and roots.
This isn’t hyperbole. We’ve all watched what has happened in several other previously desirable cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado.
Without ample housing, Arizona will become less competitive. Homelessness will increase, and the quality of life for everyone will suffer.