By Dustin Gardiner The Arizona Republic
Every week, The Arizona Republic asks Phoenix City Council members and the mayor to respond to a question about an issue affecting city government.
This week’s question was submitted by Connor Descheemaker, who lives in the Garfield Historic District, just outside of downtown Phoenix. He is the community outreach coordinator for Local First Arizona.
He asked: What tools can the city utilize to provide for affordable housing?
Background: A new state law prohibits Arizona cities from creating regulations that determine how much a landlord can charge in rent. It also prevents cities from mandating developers set aside housing intended solely for low-wage earners or any other specified group.