Payson, Arizona

4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 called the Montezuma Castle Land Exchange, it’s a mix of planned housing including both single and multifamily units, as well as commercial and industrial developments. Construction on the project just started. Deschaaf also stresses a need for affordable housing. In the past, the town has sought out public-private partnerships, like the non-profit organization Foundation for Senior Living (FSL), that can bring this type of housing to the community. There has also been a demand for more workforce housing. “We have folks who are police officers, nurses, etc. who need reasonable living arrangements. So, we want to continue partnering on projects that can provide that,” Deschaaf adds. In fact, a large portion of the town’s Build Back Better (BBB) Regional Challenge grant application focused on the possibility of finding projects that include workforce housing units. Deschaaf and her team also requested additional funding for the current developments underway. Payson’s BBB application was completed in TOWN OF PAYSON, AR I ZONA partnership with the Rim Country Regional Chamber of focused on several different aspects of business such as development, retention, and workforce. “Our application also included some infrastructure because we want to have shovel ready sites available for companies actively looking to relocate here,” says Deschaaf. The town’s application was one of approximately 530 that were submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) by October 29, 2021. Although some of the other applications included water infrastructure, Payson’s didn’t because the community already has a sustainable water supply. “We’re a rare gem in the American southwest,” exclaims Tanner Henry, Water Department Manager. “We have a robust aquifer along with the C. C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir and groundwater recharge from our wastewater system. With all the water shortages in the Colorado River, the Town of Payson is in good shape, which is unique.”