Program launches to address affordable housing crisis in Tucson, Arizona | Subscriber

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La Frontera’s largest complex to date, Gateway Apartments, on Oracle Road and Drachman Street, will have 120 senior units upon completion later this year.

Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star

Nearly 200 affordable housing units will open in the Tucson market as rents continue to rise, and a new program is encouraging developers to get involved.

As rental costs escalate quickly, the need for affordable housing has become urgent, officials say.

The state and National Housing Trust Fund has $ 24.5 million available for projects funded with low-income residential property tax credits of up to $ 2 million per project, said Tom Simplot, director of the Arizona Department of Housing.

Funding used to be limited to nonprofits, but now for-profit developers are welcome to apply, Simplot said.

He said government analysis found Arizona needed about 250,000 new housing units to meet demand for affordable housing.

In Tucson, two new downtown projects – one recently completed and one under construction – offer recreation for families or seniors living on a steady income.

Alborada Apartments – located at 250 E. Grant Road, near North Stone Avenue – recently opened 63 units for rent in one, two and three bedroom models.

It was full 10 days after it opened for rental, said Dan Ranieri, president and CEO of La Frontera, which developed the complex.

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