The cities of Sedona and Cottonwood are teaming up to help address a problem plaguing the entire Verde Valley — housing.
Due to the need to develop regional solutions, officials from both cities began discussion to jointly hire and fund a housing manager. This person will lead the implementation of the housing initiatives and is expected to work with, and cultivate, a strong network of community stakeholders to develop affordable housing solutions, a city report states.
“Cottonwood and Sedona are intertwined with tourism, jobs, and housing. Having a professional on staff who is experienced with housing solutions will give both communities more options to alleviate the pressures of the housing shortage,” it states.
While the position will support both communities, the housing manager will be a Sedona city employee. The city of Cottonwood will contribute 45% of the salary and benefits, with Sedona paying the remaining 55%, which includes travel, training, overhead and departmental costs.
The position is now listed on the city’s website.
The Sedona City Council approved the position on June 23 as part of its consent agenda. No discussion took place in public by staff or council but last week, the mayors of both communities expressed the need for this new position.
Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty said it’s crucial to have more diversity in the area in terms of housing as apartments in Sedona make up less than 5% of the total housing in the city compared to 20% or more in most other communities.
“Our housing study documented the need, and we were expecting to hire someone on our own, but with a similar need throughout the Verde Valley, and the willingness of Cottonwood to share the position, it seems like a good way to start,” she said. “We can’t fill the need in Sedona alone, especially with the sharp increase in prices of both rents and homes for sale, so working regionally makes sense.
“Neither city has the capacity with current staff to really focus on housing, and it is definitely a priority, so having someone to spearhead the effort will help both communities to get things moving. The goal is, of course, to produce more diverse and affordable housing.”
Like Moriarty, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski said he’s excited about the cities teaming up to address this matter.
“The position works well as a joint hire because Sedona and Cottonwood’s housing needs are very united,” he said. “Cottonwood has long provided the workforce housing necessary for workers employed in Sedona. With the cost of housing increasing across the entire Verde Valley, it is now necessary to work together to provide solutions so that our economy can continue to thrive. I foresee only positive outcomes with the two communities sharing this position.”
