Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy studied six Arizona counties and pinpointed what they see as the problems underlying the housing crisis: Low wages, with a side of short-term housing and vacation homes. In all six counties, 40 percent of renters were cost-burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent, and affordability—especially for buying a home—was particularly dire for people of color. Focus group participants suggested solutions such as diversifying housing stock, building more affordable housing and increasing housing assistance to renters.
