20260625 Work Session Affordable Housing Plan

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors held a work session on June 25, 2026, focused on the Affordable Housing Plan. The session included a detailed presentation by county staff and consultants on housing needs, affordability challenges, and potential strategies to address workforce and low-income housing shortages. Key procurement-related discussions centered on leveraging federal and state grants, promoting tax credit projects, and exploring the establishment of a local housing trust fund to support affordable housing development. The board discussed the role of Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) in providing gap financing and issuing tax-free municipal bonds to facilitate housing projects. There was also emphasis on targeting limited resources to unincorporated communities with the greatest need and expanding partnerships with nonprofit developers. Policy considerations included incentivizing affordable housing construction through tax adjustments and addressing barriers related to state trust land sales. No specific contract awards or RFPs were announced, but the meeting highlighted strategic funding and financing mechanisms to support future affordable housing procurement and development efforts in the county.