• Major cities in Arizona must adopt middle housing ordinances by Jan. 1, 2026 • Law requires single-family residential lots near downtown areas to allow duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes • Phoenix City Council faces a $700 million budget cut if it doesn’t comply

Major cities across the state are working to adopt ordinances to comply with a new state law that requires higher density middle housing options near downtown areas. Now, many residents, including those who live in historic districts, are pushing back.

Cities of 75,000 residents or more are required to adopt a middle housing ordinance by Jan. 1, 2026, as a result of House Bill 2721, which was signed into law during the 2024 legislative session.

The 2024 law is intended to increase higher density housing options within larg

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