Prescott Arizona News and Events - Read It News Magazine

The Affordable Housing Forum scheduled for October 26-27^th in Prescott will focus on Entry Level Homeownership. Recent articles in both The Courier and the Arizona Republic noted the disparity in wages and home costs in Central Yavapai County and across the state and the challenges of hiring for local businesses and jurisdictions. Those affected are critical professionals and include teachers, firefighters, and police.

Prescott Area Leadership’s Central Yavapai Institute (PAL CYI) is presenting the forum, modeled after the former Prescott and Tri-Cities and Arizona Town Halls. Research materials are being prepared by the Rural Policy Institute at NAU and demographic data from the recent Governor’s Arizona Housing Forum will be distributed to participants. The outcome is to have a “call to action” to effect legislative change and private/public collaboration.

Speaker’s and a panel of experts include: Dr. Fred Karnas, newly appointed Director, Arizona Department of Housing, Kathern Mitchell (Prescott), Executive Director, Choices Arizona (formerly Affordable Housing Resources, Inc., a local developer of Affordable Housing), and other local and state-wide notables in the area of Affordable Housing, business, and community.

Access 13 will be filming the panels and speakers and upload the summary conclusions and recommendations in DVD format for distribution to participants, jurisdictions, and local service organizations.

Attendees to date include policy makers and staff from Arizona Department of Housing and Department of Commerce, Yavapai County Government, City of Prescott and the Town of Prescott Valley. Others include local architects, contractors, builders, bankers, educators, health care professionals, business, realtors, economic and community development, planning and zoning, utilities, renewable energy groups, non-profits, youth leaders, and interested stakeholders and citizens.

Participation is limited but applications are still being accepted. The participation fee is $125 and includes meals and materials. Sponsorships and partnerships are being solicited to support the event. Donations of building supplies and gift certificates are also being accepted for a drawing at the conclusion of the program.

For more information, to inquire about attendance and sponsorships, or to donate, contact Muriel Haverland, Chair, at 443-5353 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it