Resources & Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) 101
Resources
We understand that there are many elements to Transit Oriented Community planning so in order to further aid in understanding, we have provided additional resources below!
Equitable Housing Resource Guide
Purpose of the Guide
This guide is a proactive tool to prevent ensure housing stability, and support business continuity. It provides access to city, county and state programs that assist renters, homeowners, business owners, and community organizations in preparing for changes brought by new development. By consolidating resources from the City’s Housing Department, Planning and Development, Neighborhood Services, and Valley Metro, it empowers the community to take early action to build capacity and safeguard against displacement.
City Resources
The City of Phoenix Housing Department programs provide public housing, Section 8 housing vouchers, affordable rental apartments and single-family homes to more than 35,000 area residents. This includes partnering with non-profit and for-profit community organizations on the preservation and development of affordable housing units. These partnerships have led to sustainable and affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities.
Open Doors Down Payment Assistance | Housing Department:
Provides down payment grants and other assistance for first-time home-buyers at or below 80% of AMI. www.phoenix.gov/pdd/development/office-of-customer-advocacy
Section 32 Homeownership Program | Housing Department:
Provides a 20% discount on appraised home value through a 10-year no-interest, no-payment loan for first-time homebuyers at or below 80% of AMI. www.phoenix.gov/housing/buying-affordable-housingPhoenix
Tenant Eviction Assistance Project | City of Phoenix and Community Legal Services
In partnership with Community Legal Services, the City provides no-cost legal assistance to tenants facing the threat of eviction. https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/landlordandtenantinfo
Project | City of Phoenix and Community Legal Services:
In partnership with Community Legal Services, the City provides no-cost legal assistance to tenants facing the threat of eviction. www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/landlordandtenantinfo
Home Improvement Fund | Neighborhood Services:
Programs are available to help residents under income limits to pay for energy efficiency weatherization and other home repair projects.
www.phoenix.gov/nsd/programs/housing-repair-programs
ADU Guide | Department of Planning and Development:
Provides an overview of options and eligibility criteria for considering a new ADU.
Office of Customer Advocacy | Department of Planning and Development:
Contact this office if you are considering renovating an existing building for commercial purposes.
Love Your Block | Neighborhood Services:
Eight groups annually receive an $5,000 award to implement a project to beautify or improve their community.
Neighborhood Commercial Patch and Paint Program | Neighborhood Services:
Funds exterior façade improvements for commercial buildings in low-income census tracts.
One-Stop One-Call Concierge Service | Community and Economic Development:
Business owners can contact TeamPHX toe receive help navigating through a variety of City services, programs, and departments for business needs.
Vacant Storefront Improvement Assistance | Community and Economic Development:
Business owners can contact TeamPHX toe receive help navigating through a variety of City services, programs, and departments for business needs.
The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network Provides high-quality, high impact one-to-one advising, resource assistance, and training to preserve and create small business jobs and revenue, and to facilitate capital formation throughout Arizona.
What Are Transit Oriented Communities?
Transit oriented communities are compact, walkable neighborhoods centered around transit. Residential homes are placed close together with businesses such as restaurants, retail, and grocery stores. Buildings are built to the sidewalk and parking is located away from the street.
Displacement Prevention Resource Guide
What Is A Displacement Prevention Resource Guide?
A displacement prevention resource guide is a comprehensive tool designed to help individuals and families at risk of losing their housing. It provides essential information about available resources, including financial assistance programs, legal aid, and social services. The guide outlines steps to secure stable housing, such as budgeting tips, eviction prevention strategies, and connections to community organizations. Additionally, it offers insights into tenant rights and local housing laws, empowering users to navigate challenges effectively. By equipping those in need with knowledge and support, the guide aims to prevent homelessness and promote long-term housing stability.
The City of Phoenix has a wealth of programs and activities to assist businesses, both large and small like the city’s commercial development review process, how to do business with the city, business opportunities for small and disadvantaged enterprise businesses, and privilege and sales tax information.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Raza Development Fund
Invests capital and creates financial solutions to build generational wealth for Latino and underserved families across the country. Raza Development Fund is now the largest Latino focused national CDFI with that strives to advance economic opportunity, social mobility, and racial justice.
Local First Arizona’s work shapes the future of Arizona by advocating that every individual and community deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that entrepreneurship is at the core of any lasting economy. Local First Arizona strengthens local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy.
The MCBA Lawyer Referral Service will put you in touch with an attorney to schedule an initial consultation. The fee is $50. You will be referred to a licensed and insured attorney, not a paralegal or document preparer. Many of the attorneys have decades of experience. The service will try to find an attorney near your home or work, and the consultation can occur in person or over the phone. During the consultation, you’ll be able to speak personally to the attorney for up to 30 minutes. After this consultation, any legal work, and payment for that work will be determined by you and the attorney.
Greater Phoenix SCORE have over 70 experienced business mentors available to assist business owners in identifying and exploiting opportunities to mitigate business impacts. GPS provides individualized support through one-to-one mentoring. GPS can assist with business planning, identifying and applying for financial and other assistance, as well as supporting business networking and other communications.
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce promotes the success of Hispanic-owned businesses by facilitating business relationships, economic development and sharing of knowledge for the benefit of the State of Arizona and the growth and success of the members of our Chamber.
The Black Chamber of Arizona increases entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by building stronger businesses that serve all communities by providing tools and education to create more “bankable” businesses, removing barriers that impede access to capital, and partnering with leading educational institutions to help create competitive business advantages through workforce diversity.
Displacement Prevention Resource Guide Trifold
Why Are Transit Oriented Communities Important?
How You Help Create Transit Oriented Communities
Because each community is different in its needs and priorities, a plan is created with local residents, business owners, and community members that reflects their vision for the area. Each station area will vary in scale and intensity, but will still be planned to connect transit to more destinations and more people.
Each planning process focuses on six planning elements.
Land Use
Housing
Economic Development
Health
Mobility
Green Systems
Check Out Other TOC Projects Underway in Phoenix
Northwest Extension Phase II
Equitable Housing Resource Guide Trifold
Supporting Community
Stability and Building Capacity Valley Metro is extending the light rail through the Capitol District and along the I-10 West Corridor, offering affordable transportation, improving job access, and attracting more visitors to local businesses. However, these transit investments can raise concerns about rising housing costs and challenges for small businesses. To address these, the City of Phoenix has developed this Equitable Housing Resource Guide to help residents, and community organizations maintain stability before, during, and after construction.
County Resources
The Housing Authority of Maricopa County mission is to improve the quality of life and strengthen communities by developing and sustaining affordable housing programs; and to become a leading housing authority by exemplifying best practices, offering innovative affordable housing programs, and expanding accessibility throughout Maricopa County.
State Resources
The Arizona Department of Housing mission is to fund quality affordable housing and community revitalization to benefit all Arizonans and ensuring safe manufactured buildings throughout the state by offering rental assistance, down payment assistance, first-time home buyer, low-income housing and eviction prevention programs.
Non-Profit Organizations
Trellis assists in making the dream of homeownership come true. Tellis provides homeownership counseling, financial access and neighborhood development. Regardless of income, education or background, Trellis helps individuals and families across Arizona. As a NeighborWorks America member and a Freddie Mac Borrower Help Center, Trellis is connected to a strong network spanning all 50 states.
Chicanos Por La Causa is one of the largest Latino nonprofits in the country, providing services to people of all backgrounds while honoring our Mexican American roots. CPLC’s programs give individuals and families a seat at the table. CPLC facilitates growth through five Areas of Impact: Health & Human Services, Housing, Education, Economic Development and Advocacy.
South Central
