By Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus | Chamber Business News
Finding solutions to complex problems requires understanding the scope of the challenge ahead. Affordable housing, a much-discussed issue facing our Valley and our state, is no different. While we may disagree about how best to build and fund more housing for families at all income levels, we should at least agree on the basic facts – like how often renters are evicted in Maricopa County and statewide.
Media reports over the past few months have cited numerous eviction statistics. The numbers tossed around have been massive, from a recent Arizona Republic opinion piece which stated: “Maricopa County evictions rose 75% from 2017 to 2018,” to a much-quoted August KJZZ piece that cited “a 400% increase over the last 10 years” statewide.
The problem with these numbers? They’re wrong.