Is Converting Vacant Commercial Property a Housing Solution?
Dec 11, 2023
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This podcast delves into the housing crunch in cities, exploring the potential of converting vacant commercial properties into residential spaces. It discusses the benefits for property owners and the pushback from local communities. The comparison of housing reforms in California and Arizona is also covered, along with the costs of a housing crisis and its impact on residents and politics. The importance of bipartisan support for housing policies is emphasized.
Housing policy reform should be addressed by state and local governments, balancing an abundance of housing with political realities.
Transforming vacant commercial buildings into apartments or condos can alleviate the housing crisis in Arizona by removing red tape and bureaucratic delays.
Deep dives
Housing policy reform is primarily a task for state and local governments
Leo Biasucci, the Republican Majority Leader of the Arizona House of Representatives, emphasizes that housing policy reform should be addressed by state and local governments. He discusses the need to find a balance between an abundance of housing and political realities. Biasucci highlights the unused land in Arizona that can be utilized for housing, as well as the problem of rising housing prices and the lack of affordable options. He proposes transforming empty commercial buildings into apartments or condos to alleviate the housing crisis, stressing the importance of removing red tape and bureaucratic delays.
The housing crisis in Arizona and the need for flexible regulations
Biasucci describes the serious housing crisis in Arizona, particularly in smaller towns like Lake Havasu City, where the shortage of affordable housing has led to inflated prices. He emphasizes the impact of the housing crisis on the workforce, with people having to live far away from their jobs due to the lack of available housing. Biasucci argues that allowing property owners to have more control over their properties, without excessive government regulations, would help address the crisis by utilizing vacant commercial buildings for residential purposes and easing the burden on prospective homebuyers.
Looking to other states for successful housing reform strategies
Biasucci mentions the success of housing reform measures implemented in states like Washington and Rhode Island. He suggests that Arizona should consider adopting similar reforms as part of their efforts to increase housing availability and affordability. Biasucci highlights the need to streamline the process of acquiring land for housing developments, pointing out the challenges posed by excessive regulations and bureaucratic hurdles. He also notes the impact of housing costs on property taxes and the importance of finding ways to make it easier for people to invest in Arizona by reducing unnecessary obstacles.
The housing crunch affects so many parts of the country. In Arizona, it's harder to build than you might think. Leo Biasiucci is the Republican majority whip of the state's House of Representatives. We talked about how best to advance flexibility for new housing.