URGENT: Save Phoenix's Historic Neighborhoods – Action Needed Nov. 5

Phoenix stands at a crossroads. As the fifth largest city in the nation with one of the richest collections of early- and mid-20th-century neighborhoods in the Southwest, we must decide: Will our future growth respect our past — or erase it?

The Threat: HB 2721 Misapplied

Arizona's HB 2721, the "Middle Housing Law," mandates duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in single-family zones. However, Phoenix's 36 historic districts already exceed these requirements and should be legally exempt.

Why HB 2721 Doesn't Apply to Historic Districts

Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, including Willo, F.Q. Story, Encanto-Palmcroft, Roosevelt, Garfield, Coronado, and Del Norte Place, are already zoned R-1-6 and R-1-10, which:

• Explicitly allows duplexes on subdivided lots (Phoenix Zoning Code Table 6.11B & 6.13B since 1998-1999)

• Do not meet the statute's definition of "single-family only zoning"—the very condition required for HB 2721 to apply

• Already provide density, diversity, and walkability that outpace citywide averages

The Preserve Phoenix Plan 2025 confirms these neighborhoods already deliver the housing diversity the state seeks, with proven economic performance, higher property values, and stronger small-business growth.

The Irreversible Consequences of Misapplication

If HB 2721 is incorrectly applied to historic districts despite their existing zoning:

• Demolition of historic homes for higher-yield speculative developments

• Loss of historic designation when contributing structures fall below 51%

• Displacement of residents through luxury development and short-term rental conversions

• Erosion of community fabric and the city's cultural heritage

• No affordability guarantees – the bill contains no requirements for affordable housing

The City has invested millions protecting these areas. Residents have invested generations of stewardship that significantly increased property values. These represent the living heart of Phoenix – our cultural, economic, and environmental assets.

Take Action Now

Attend and speak if you can at the November 5 meeting on Z-TA-1-25-Y

• When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.

• Where: 200 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix City Council Chambers

• Wear white to show neighborhood unity

Additional Actions:

• Sign the petition at https://savehistoricaz.com/

• Write to City Council urging historic district exemptions in Z-TA-1-25-Y

• Donate to Save Historic Arizona at https://savehistoricaz.com/

• Report unpermitted demolition to historic@phoenix.gov

• Receive more information: https://savehistoricaz.com/

What We're Asking

The City of Phoenix must:

1. Formally adopt a legal interpretation confirming HB 2721 does not apply to historic districts

2. Exempt all affected historic districts within the Middle Housing Zoning Text Amendment Z-TA-1-25-Y

3. Uphold the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance and existing preservation guidelines

4. Ensure transparency and engage affected residents in decisions about their neighborhoods

Phoenix's historic districts already embody the density, walkability, and housing diversity envisioned by the state. Imposing HB 2721 here is redundant, destructive, and contrary to the law's intent. Once these historic homes and neighborhoods are gone, they are gone forever.

Phoenix can grow without losing its soul – but only if we act now.

A Joint Statement from:

• Save Historic Arizona

• Preserve Phoenix

• Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition

• Arizona Preservation Foundation

• Arizona Downtown Association