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.
Students from the School of Geographic Sciences and
Urban Planning (SGSUP) conducted a demographic and economic
analysis of Peoria’s housing market. Students split into three teams to
conduct housing analyses, including Demographic Conditions and
Trends Analysis, Economic Conditions, and Housing Analysis, and
Housing Market and Needs Assessment. Using Census data and leading
affordable housing research, students studied housing trends to identify
affordable housing gaps. For their final deliverable, students developed
a professional profile of Peoria’s housing that will advise on the existing
state and inform housing policy decisions for the future.
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.