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PHOENIX, Ariz. — Governor Katie Hobbs issued a strong endorsement of Joan Serviss as the Arizona Senate prepares to vote on her nomination for Director of the Arizona Department of Housing, highlighting her leadership in addressing housing affordability and homelessness across the state.
“Joan Serviss is a highly qualified leader and passionate public servant who has a proven track record of making housing more affordable and combating homelessness,” said Hobbs. “She remains the best person for the job.”
Historic Investments Under Serviss’ Leadership
Since her appointment, Serviss has spearheaded major initiatives to address Arizona’s housing crisis, overseeing unprecedented investments in the Housing Trust Fund ($165 million) and the Homeless Shelter and Services Fund ($60 million). Under her leadership:
- 4,155 affordable housing units broke ground in 2023 and 3,875 units in 2024 — the highest two-year total in Arizona’s history.
- Over 4,500 affordable housing units and 320 transitional housing units have been created.
- 500 first-time homebuyers accessed down payment assistance, with plans to reach 1,000 in 2025.
- More than 21,000 individuals received crisis housing assistance, including 8,500 people experiencing homelessness who gained access to expanded shelter capacity.
- 65 homeowners were supported with emergency home repairs, and 16 new substance abuse recovery beds were created.
Serviss also directed swift allocation of $20 million from the Homeless Shelter and Services Fund to local governments during Arizona’s extreme summer heat and led 10 community listening sessions to ensure funding aligned with local needs.
Policy Innovations and Bold Moves
Serviss made history by fully forward-allocating all of Arizona’s 2024 Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to fund development projects in 2023, marking the first time the state used 100% of next year’s credits ahead of schedule. This decision funded 15 new affordable housing projects — including 7 in rural areas — generating 1,049 new housing units statewide.
Her leadership ensured that over 40 of 102 awarded housing projects were in rural communities, addressing disparities and broadening housing access across Arizona.
Broad, Bipartisan Support for Confirmation
Serviss has garnered widespread backing from nearly 60 housing partners, spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her supporters include:
- Republican leaders
- Nationally recognized affordable housing developers
- Manufactured housing industry leaders
- Nonprofits focused on affordable housing and homelessness
“She has earned the respect of leaders and Arizonans across the state—from both the Democratic and Republican parties, from the housing industry and nonprofit spaces,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs Urges Senate to Confirm Serviss
Governor Hobbs stressed the critical role Serviss plays in keeping Arizona affordable amid rising housing costs and the state’s growing population.
“As Arizona continues to grow, it is essential we have a leader like Director Serviss at the helm to expand housing options and lower housing costs for Arizonans across the state,” Hobbs emphasized.
With a record of results and bipartisan support, Hobbs is calling on the Arizona Senate to confirm Serviss and ensure the state continues its progress in tackling housing challenges head-on.