Legislative Update - Winter 2020

Federal Update

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) amassed a great deal of momentum and positive press as it became one of the most cosponsored pieces of legislation this Congress, but unfortunately, none of its provisions were included in the Federal Fiscal Year 2020 spending package signed by the President. The 4 percent minimum rate provision for bond-financed deals nearly made it into the final legislation, but was pulled at the final hour. However, advocacy efforts are ongoing and housing stakeholders will continue accumulating momentum for this critical investment in affordable housing.

As 2020 is the second year of the 116th U.S. Congress, the AHCIA does not need to be reintroduced and cosponsors can continue to be added to the bill. In March 2020, ADOH Director Carol Ditmore and Legislative Liaison Zack Goetz will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Arizona’s delegation regarding the legislation and Arizona’s need for more affordable housing.

State Update

The 2nd Regular Session of Arizona’s 54th Legislature began on January 13, 2020 with Governor Doug Ducey’s State of the State address. While the Arizona Department of Housing expects to see housing-related legislation, the Department is not running any legislation of its own, and thus remains neutral on all legislation introduced this session. 

Zack Goetz is the Arizona Department of Housing’s Legislative Liaison.
He can be reached at [email protected].

Housing Matters | Winter 2020