Hi renters,

Welcome back to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, I’m crossing over with our regular Copper Courier newsletter to share our first-timer’s guide to voting in Arizona.

If you think this has nothing to do with renting or housing—think again.

The Phoenix City Council members you vote for hold sway over zoning and policy decisions that impact affordable housing and city-level assistance programs. They also make decisions about public transit and quality of life for residents.

The Arizona Corporation Commission members you vote for approve or deny utility rate hikes, which can affect the cost of living somewhere.

The Arizona House and Senate legislators you vote for determine housing policy at the state level, as well as the state budget. The governor you vote for will decide whether to sign or veto the bills the Legislature passes.

The Congress members you vote for make decisions about housing at the federal level. Remember the ROAD to Housing Act that became law earlier this year? That was all them.

If you care about housing affordability, that’s a great reason to cast a ballot this fall. I hope our article helps make it easy for you!

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, Oct. 21. If you’re already on top of your voting plan but know someone who might be dragging their feet, send this edition their way!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🏠 Mortgage rates are the highest they’ve been in three years, which means lots of potential buyers are sitting on the sidelines. (Axios)

😬 In a span of eight months, Scottsdale police responded to 665 calls for service at short-term rentals. (KTAR)

🛠️ Three things are draining the country’s supply of skilled workers: immigration deportations, the aging workforce, and the demand for data center construction. (Arizona Mirror)

💸 Here’s how much residents of Arizona’s cities spend on groceries compared to other places in the US. (Wallethub)

💡 Are you an APS customer? If. so, you’ll see a credit for $14.70 on your November bill. (KTAR)

💰 Residents of an apartment in Glendale are facing huge rent increases and fees, with the threat of eviction if they can’t pay in five days. (FOX 10)

🧱 If you like industrial-style lofts, check out this apartment at the Orpheum Lofts in downtown Phoenix. (Instagram)

Is this your first time voting? Here’s how to cast a ballot in Arizona

A sign marks the entrance to a voting precinct on the first day of early voting in the general election in Phoenix, Oct. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Voting in Arizona can seem intimidating at first. You have to register to vote and then figure out how you’re going to cast your ballot.

But once you do it, you’ll realize it’s actually pretty simple. And there are steps you can take, like joining the Active Early Voter List, to make it easier on yourself for future elections.

If you’re a first-time voter looking for some tips here, way to go! You’re already on your way to becoming a regular voter and making a difference in your community!

And even if it’s not your first time, it’s still a good idea to review your options and make voting as easy as possible this fall.

Here are all the ways you can vote

This is a space to share events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

🗣️ Evans Churchill Community Meeting

When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Formation Brewing

“Join us in conversation with Barry [S]chwartz, resident of the Emerson house to speak about how the historic home was saved from demolition. Also, Artlink to discuss the call for muralists at the Garfield substation and Esteban Barron will be giving insight on his painting process for his upcoming day of the dead exhibition at the Central arts market at Joy on Third Friday.”

🗳️ No Kings: Vote Early

When: Saturday, Oct. 17

Where: Locations across Arizona

“[O]rganizers say the emphasis will be on getting people to vote early, making voting plans and election-protection efforts, while local communities can still hold rallies, marches, visibility events, block parties, walks to the polls, canvassing and other gatherings. The organizers describe the Oct. 17 events as nonpartisan voter-participation activities intended to encourage eligible voters to participate, rather than simply another nationwide protest.”

🚮 Roosevelt Neighborhood Clean Up

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 8:45 a.m.

Where: Proof Bread

“RAA will provide everything you need to get started—gloves, trash grabbers, and plastic bags. And thanks to our friends at Proof Bread, RAA cleanup volunteers will receive a 20% discount!”

💰 YMCA Tenants Benefit Show

When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m.

Where: Linger Longer Lounge

“We are asking for financial support from our community for organized tenants’ moving costs and future living expenses. Show material support and solidarity for your working class neighbors in Downtown Phoenix.”

Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Jessica Swarner and Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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