Maricopa County is closing a multi-million dollar shortfall, allowing it to build about 800 affordable homes in Glendale.

City officials said inflation and soaring construction costs were jeopardizing four planned apartment complexes due to be completed in the next few years.

Glendale is spending about $4 million in cash and fee waivers to build the apartment complex. And Maricopa County is adding just over $7.1 million from the federal Pandemic Assistance Fund.

“The increase in affordable housing is really, really important for Glendale, especially because we have a highly developed hospitality industry and retail in our community,” said Jan Moreno, the city’s director of community services. .

Hospitality and retail jobs are entry-level jobs and require affordable housing, Moreno said.

He also said the new development fee waiver program is a sign that Glendale is building partnerships to ensure a place for all residents.