PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a partnership agreement with the City of El Mirage aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities through a Community Land Trust (CLT) initiative.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, Maricopa County Chairman Jack Sellers highlighted, "Maricopa County is creating pathways to ensure more residents have the opportunity to become homeowners." Sellers emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to homeownership, enabling more families to achieve the dream of owning a home and building family wealth.

Through this collaborative effort, El Mirage will contribute $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Maricopa County. These funds will be utilized to acquire and rehabilitate approximately five single-family homes, which will then be sold to eligible homebuyers earning at or below 120 percent of the Area Median Income.

Supervisor Clint Hickman, representing District 4, expressed his pride in the partnership, stating, "We are helping families secure a permanent and affordable place they can call home for years to come." The initiative aims to increase the supply of affordable housing in the community and provide long-term housing solutions for residents.

The CLT approach employed in this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the affordability of homes and expanding homeownership opportunities. Under this model, buyers only pay for the house itself, while the CLT retains ownership of the land, ensuring long-term affordability and equity-building for homeowners.

To further support homebuyers, the developer involved in the project will offer essential services such as homebuyer education, financial counseling, down payment assistance, and guidance throughout the home buying process.

This strategic partnership underscores Maricopa County's commitment to enhancing housing availability and fostering access to safe and affordable housing for its residents. Residents interested in exploring more housing initiatives by Maricopa County can visit Maricopa.gov/Housing.

The initiative reflects the broader efforts of the Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) to promote community resilience and well-being through various programs and services. These services encompass early childhood education, housing support, homeownership opportunities, assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development, crisis rental and utility aid, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

HSD's commitment to providing innovative, equitable, and comprehensive services underscores its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Maricopa County residents. To learn more about the range of resources available to residents, visit Maricopa.gov/HSD.