PHX Reporter

Earlier today, Maricopa County leaders gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Salt River Flats, a newly constructed 192-unit affordable housing development in South Phoenix.

"When this Board invests in affordable housing solutions, we are strengthening neighborhoods for the long-term," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. "People need to understand - projects like this don't just provide lower-cost housing for residents now. These units are required to remain affordable for decades, meaning thousands if not tens of thousands of people will benefit from this one development over time."

Maricopa County invested $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to help fund Salt River Flats. The project was developed by Ulysses Development in partnership with the Affordable Housing Institute and broke ground in October 2022. Households are eligible to apply for one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units if they earn at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), meaning $61,680 for a family of four or $49,320 for a two-person household.

Salt River Flats sits on more than nine acres of land, and each unit features walk-in closets, energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water fixtures, vinyl flooring, balconies, and other amenities. The development includes a clubhouse with a full kitchen, business center, fitness center, swimming pool, playground, and accessible open space.

“Housing has gotten expensive, and it’s often the biggest expense many families have to budget for,” said Supervisor Gallardo, District 5. “When I talk to District 5 families, they tell me how hard it is to stay in their homes with rising costs on everything from groceries to clothing, medical costs, and other basic necessities. When housing is affordable it not only reduces the chance a family slips into homelessness but also helps ease their fears and gives them the ability to provide for their family’s other needs.”

This project is the latest development built with ARPA funds and is part of the $500 million commitment that Maricopa County has made to expand affordable housing options for its residents. To learn more about affordable housing projects funded by Maricopa County visit Maricopa.gov/Housing.

The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of county residents experiencing adversity through various programs and services aimed at helping people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education; housing; homeownership; independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities; career development for job seekers facing employment barriers; crisis rental; utility assistance; and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative equitable inclusive comprehensive services collaboratively that preserve dignity promote respect facilitate social economic mobility.

Learn more about financial educational support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.