Tactic C4.1
Workforce Housing
Continue to investigate new approaches to provide range of workforce housing for Sedona employees.
Sedona is working to expand workforce housing options for people who work in the city.
This tactic will ensure tourism industry professionals are participating in expanding housing alternatives within the city.
Given the nature of workforce housing needs, it will be important to coordinate regionally. Metrics should be considered at city and regional levels.
IMPACTED PILLARS
TIMEFRAME Short-term (12-18 months)
LEAD PARTNER Housing Taskforce
SUPPORTING PARTNERS City of Sedona, SCC&TB, Local Nonprofits, Sedona Businesses
ALIGNING RESEARCH Business Survey, Public Input
TARGET / STATUS TO DATE
1. Track number of affordable units/affordability index (in Sedona and region)
2. Proportion of Sedona employees living in Sedona area
3. Benchmark through business and employee surveys
PROGRESS TO DATE
Workforce Housing
Continue to investigate new approaches to provide range of workforce housing for Sedona employees.
FY22: Sedona and Cottonwood have jointly hired Shannon Boone as Housing Manager. The two cities created the role as a partnership to lead the implementation of affordable and workforce housing initiatives in both communities since jobs, housing and the economy are linked.
FY21 & FY20: At the end of FY21, two workforce housing-related projects were moving through the City of Sedona review and approval process. Jordan Lofts, a 6.5 acres project along the east side of Jordan Road north of Wilson Canyon Road would allow for 84 townhome-style loft apartments and is slated to go before Planning & Zoning Commission early in the third quarter of calendar 2021.
Also, early in the first quarter of FY22, the City of Sedona Council is expected to vote on a development agreement to construct a multi-family workforce apartment complex at 220 Sunset Drive with 20 one-bedroom units with a minimum 600 square feet and 26 two-bedroom units with a minimum of 900 square feet. All are deed-restricted to limit rents and utilities costs to 30% of gross income for wage earners making 80%, 90%, and 100% of area median incomes.
In December 2020, the City of Sedona accepted the final housing assessment report prepared by consultants Elliott D. Pollack and Sheila D. Harris. The report had been scheduled for delivery in FY20, but delivery was delayed by the COVID crisis. The report cites ten “tools” available to the City of Sedona to address the shortage of workforce housing. The final report is posted on the City of Sedona website.
During the report’s assembly, the SCC&TB served on the housing advisory committee and assisted with organizing surveys and focus groups.