Flagstaff Development News

Flagstaff Council Explores Ordinance to Prohibit Source of Income Discrimination in Housing

The City Council engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the prohibition of discrimination in housing based on source of income (SOI). This discussion was prompted by a citizen's petition and involved input from city staff, housing experts, and community members. While the council acknowledged the importance of addressing potential discrimination, particularly for voucher holders, concerns were raised about the current prevalence of such discrimination in Flagstaff, the legal feasibility of implementing local ordinances given state preemption, and the potential administrative and financial burdens on the city. The council ultimately directed staff to explore drafting an amendment to the civil rights ordinance to prohibit SOI discrimination, with a focus on user-friendly implementation and careful consideration of enforcement mechanisms and costs. The discussion also highlighted the critical role of deposit assistance programs in making housing attainable for voucher holders.