Maricopa County has marked a significant milestone in affordable housing with the completion of Alta Vista Ranch, a housing community aimed at benefiting working families in South Phoenix. In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona and various community leaders, the county celebrated this addition of 25 homes.
Kate Brophy McGee, Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for District 3, highlighted the broader vision of the project: “Alta Vista Ranch exemplifies our commitment to expanding homeownership for working families. Projects like this can build strong communities throughout the county.”
Back in May 2022, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors allocated $2.56 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to facilitate the development of this community. The entire project, situated on a 4.52-acre plot at the junction of Alta Vista Road and 13th Place, was completed at a cost of around $8.9 million. The balance of the funding came from donations, sponsors, and additional community efforts.
The homes, designed for energy efficiency, range from 1,556 to 1,778 square feet and are built using Habitat for Humanity’s distinctive model involving community involvement and homeowner engagement. Prospective homeowners must have incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), are offered a no-interest mortgage, and are required to fulfill 400 hours of “Sweat Equity,” which includes participating in home construction and engaging in community strengthening activities.
Steve Gallardo, Supervisor for District 5, shared his thoughts on the impact of this development: “The families lucky enough to call Alta Vista Ranch home can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have long-term housing stability. These 25 new homes represent a fresh start, safety, opportunity, connection, and a brighter future for the entire community thanks to this partnership.”
Maricopa County’s commitment to affordable housing is further demonstrated by the $118 million investment of ARPA funds to support housing projects countywide. The county aims to ensure housing affordability, defined as costing no more than 30 percent of a household’s income. By 2027, 35 initiatives funded by ARPA are projected to either add or maintain 3,596 housing units, with 1,753 units already completed by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. For more information, visit Maricopa.gov/Housing.
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