Mohave Today

Tempe, AZ – Tempe’s City Code includes new protections for those seeking housing, making it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their source of income such as a Housing Choice Voucher.

The Tempe City Council late last month unanimously approved changes to the city’s Code. It is the second time in two years that the City Council has broadened protections under its Code; in 2021, Tempe prohibited race-based hair discrimination by incorporating the CROWN Act.   

The source of income proposal came through the city's Workforce Readiness and Livable Communities Council Committee, which includes Councilmembers Berdetta Hodge and Randy Keating. Making it illegal to discriminate against source of income protects people using a range of payment types.

“I don’t care whether a person has cash, a check, money order, a Housing Choice Voucher, veterans’ benefits or any other source of income. That is payment and no one should face discrimination or be turned away based on the form of payment,” said Mayor Corey Woods. “That is no longer going to take place in the City of Tempe.”

At the Nov. 30 City Council meeting, Hodge noted that she previously relied on a Housing Choice Voucher for housing. Now a homeowner, Hodge said she wants to help others create their own success stories. “I’m not just someone who is a supporter on the side, I’ve lived this life,” she said.

Keating said skyrocketing home prices across the country, state and landlocked Tempe make it all the more crucial to increase available housing for renters. Source of income protection is one more tool the city can use to help residents.

“We’re securing housing for folks most affected by the housing crisis,” Keating said.

Learn more about source of income protection.

Media contact: Susie Steckner, susie_steckner@tempe.gov or 480-604-6128.

Original source can be found here.