Following the collapse of a major bipartisan housing legislation package in the 2023 session, hopes were high for progress in 2024. Governor Katie Hobbs signed three significant housing bills—HB2297, HB2720, and HB2721—during the session. HB2297 mandates major cities to create standards allowing up to 10% of vacant commercial buildings for multifamily residential use without traditional rezoning. HB2720 permits homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their lots. HB2721 requires municipalities to allow the development of middle housing options near downtown areas, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes. While these bills are seen as progress, policymakers on both sides of the aisle agree that substantial efforts are still required to address affordable housing effectively.
Source: https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2024/07/03/affordable-housing-bills-pass-3-signed-1-vetoed/