Matching Items (4)
Description
Arizona and the Phoenix metropolitan area are experiencing a housing crisis, both in terms of affordability and supply. While the number of affordable and available units has been shrinking, a separate trend has emerged that is also adding pressure to the housing market, particularly for renters—a demand for transit-oriented, walkable, sustainable communities. As governments invest in projects and infrastructure falsely branded as sustainable, environmental gentrification often occurs resulting in displacement of current residents. Without new, moderately priced housing being built, displaced residents remain housing cost burdened. Workforce housing, priced to serve lower-middle to middle-income residents, offers a release from the pressure on the housing market, but innovative models for workforce housing development are necessary to navigate the regulatory and financial barriers in place. During a Solutions Round Table event facilitated by my client, a variety of potential tools for mitigating the housing crisis and removing barriers to workforce housing development were discussed. Based on conversations documented during the event, a robust list of workforce housing development tools was created. With the help of my client, the list was winnowed down to six tools for focused research—off-site construction, cohousing, land banks, missing middle infill models, community land trusts combined with limited equity cooperatives, and public-private partnerships. This project describes these tools and outlines best practices for developing and implementing them in the Valley. The best practices are organized to serve as guidance for the private sector and public sector separately, and for embedding health and social equity. Each tool is assessed using a simplified version of Gibson’s (2006) sustainability criteria, combined into four dimensions—environment, social, economic, and holistic. The findings from the assessment are embedded as guidance throughout the final product, a white paper, which will be delivered to Urban Land Institute (ULI) Arizona District Council Task Force for Health, Equity, and Housing Affordability, my client for this project.
ContributorsVan Horn, Elizabeth (Writer of accompanying material)
Created2020-05-26
Description
Access to life-saving veterinary care is often determined by financial constraints of pet owners
rather than medical necessity, raising ethical concerns about the value placed on animal life. This study examines the accessibility and affordability of veterinary treatment, focusing on the
financial barriers pet owners face and the consequences of those barriers, including neglect,
unnecessary euthanasia of animals, and emotional distress of pet owners. Using a qualitative
approach, survey responses of veterinarians were analyzed to identify recurring themes related to financial limitations, ethical dilemmas, and perceptions of veterinary care pricing. The findings
highlight systemic challenges in veterinary affordability, such as high treatment costs, lack of pet
insurance, and limited financial assistance options. Many pet owners expressed emotional strain
when forced to make life-or-death decisions based on their financial situation rather than medical best practices set forth by veterinarians. The study also explores potential policy interventions, including increased financial aid programs, expanded insurance options, and changes in veterinary pricing structures to improve accessibility. By addressing these financial barriers, policymakers and veterinary professionals can work toward a more equitable system where economic status does not determine an animal's right to medical care.
ContributorsBond, Alexis (Author) / Young, Jacob (Thesis director) / Cortese, Denise (Committee member) / Hughes, Danny (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Arts, Media and Engineering Sch T (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Valley Equity Living proposes an innovative student housing model that blends cooperative ownership with traditional renting to address rising housing costs. Focused on affordability, autonomy, and community, the project targets ASU students as a pilot market. Students can purchase shares in the apartment co-op, gaining the right to live in and influence the space, then resell upon graduation. Backed by a financial model leveraging tax shields and low-leverage financing, the plan projects sustainable cash flows. The team has also built a marketing strategy using social media and a website, aiming to grow brand awareness and scale nationwide.
ContributorsSchoenborn, Justin (Author) / Hurley, William (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Pierce, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
EC EyeCare is a nonprofit mobile vision clinic that is designed to address the gap in access to eye care among underserved populations in Arizona. Inspired by the founder's personal experience, the initiative provides free affordable eye exams, access to corrective lenses, and referrals for advanced treatment. Utilizing fully equipped RV, EC EyeCare brings optometry services to schools, shelters, retirement homes, and rural areas. The RV eliminates barriers such as transportation, cost, and doctor availability. The organization is driven by grants, scholarships, and partnerships with optometry school and medical suppliers. EC EyeCare has a mission to restore sight and empower lives through a mobile equity driven approach to healthcare delivery.
ContributorsChartrand, Estelle (Author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Dearman, Jeremy (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor)
Created2025-05