Southern Arizona, like the entire country, is in the midst of a housing crisis.

With high demand and declining inventory, median home prices in Tucson have risen 34% in just two years, and apartment rents have risen more than 30% in just one year.

One solution, both here and across the country, is to build more housing at every level. We know low-income housing is part of the solution for our homeless neighbors, but how do we build affordable housing for entire growing communities? And can we responsibly develop housing in an environment where water and habitat conservation are so important?

One creative example is the proposed Quail Canyon development in the Southern Foothills. This is turning an abandoned golf course into a home. The site has already been landfilled (surrounded by existing developments and utilities) and is now abandoned.

The proposed development includes 116 single-family homes and 210 apartments, landscaped with native plants and incorporating a myriad of sustainable features. Its projected water usage is less than half that of the previous golf course, protecting the Pima Wash (and restoring areas disturbed by the golf course) while providing a substantial wildlife corridor.

As seen here, creativity must be used to meet the evolving needs of the Arizona population. Instead of bulldozing the desert, we must utilize landfill sites, especially those prepared for access and utilities.

I’ve attended several conferences where rezoning has been discussed, including in Quail Canyon, but a significant barrier to infill projects is that of existing single-family home neighbors who are working hard to discourage such development. and its potential new neighbors.

I was struck by the amount of emotion and negativity that greeted these proposals (which merely placed new housing developments next to existing housing), but there were no constructive solutions and There was nothing but firm opposition.

I understand that change is difficult, but I would encourage my neighbors to use reason and restrain their emotions when considering proposed developments. Certain development patterns should be accepted by everyone. New development should be permitted on infill sites where roads and utility infrastructure already exist and should be done at high density to maximize the use of existing infrastructure.

These basic concepts must become the norm if our region is to grow responsibly. If the “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) sentiment continues to be the norm, the only viable development option is in the open, undisturbed desert. I don’t think it’s responsible or accepted.

I am a third generation Tucson. My grandmother was born in a time when there was nothing around Old Main and desert on every side. I understand the nostalgia when we were sleepy desert settlements, but those times are long gone.

We live where people want to come and live. Pima County currently has a population of over 1 million. we have changed. Change is naturally scary, but we need to face it with optimism and excitement. who can we be? How can we grow in a way that provides more water and energy efficient homes? Will it become a city without housing?

Across the country, housing stock at all levels has been shown to help combat the housing crisis and boost local economies. I hope our communities and residents will recognize and support this path.

The status quo does nothing for Tucson, its residents, or the environment. We encourage Tucson-area residents to raise their voices for responsible and thoughtful development, looking to the future of their communities and Tucson.