The need for affordable housing solutions affects cities around the
country. Still, in particular, the City of Peoria is experiencing exponential
population and economic growth, posing a challenge to keep up with
housing availability needs. To capture the current state of affordable
housing, the City of Peoria partnered with two classes in the ASU
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning to tackle two
topics of interest: the existing state of housing and its challenges, and
the potential of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in addressing those
challenges.
Students assessed Peoria’s existing affordable housing state through
demographic and economic trends analysis, then devised and
recommended solutions based on peer community analysis and a
literature review of emerging trends in affordable housing.
In a culminating experience for the Master of Urban and
Environmental Planning program (MUEP), students worked with Peoria’s
Planning & Zoning department to review and advise ADU strategies.
Students split into teams that each took a different approach to their
research. Students conducted a literature review, peer community
analysis, and stakeholder engagement to inform their recommendations
for the City of Peoria. As part of the stakeholder engagement, students
worked with the City of Peoria to conduct a series of interviews and
focus groups with key housing stakeholders to identify themes and best
practices for determining ADU feasibility in the City of Peoria.
The student work reveals several trends: Peoria’s population is growing
rapidly, and for the influx of millennials, housing is not attainable due
to the unaffordable costs and limited availability on the market. Peoria is
experiencing increased economic growth and opportunities compared to
the rest of Arizona, priming the City to address its housing needs while
transitioning it out of its historic role as a commuter town.
This work seeks to provide Peoria with a snapshot of its existing
housing market while providing insights into what the future holds for
Peoria residents. Students offer unique recommendations to the City
and encourage cutting-edge solutions to an evolving challenge. By
diversifying its housing opportunities and expanding its support for
residents, the City of Peoria will be equipped to sustainably meet the
needs of its growing community while maintaining its reputation as a
forward-thinking community.