SB1118 Lives to Fight Another Day! But We Need Your Help.

 SB1118 Lives to Fight Another Day! But We Need Your Help. 

Yesterday’s vote shows just how much we still need your engagement and support. The opposition, sensing defeat, pulled out all the stops to stall 1118 until next week. 

A few key supporters were absent yesterday, and after an intense lobbying effort by opponents, several legislators who had previously supported protecting Arizona’s historic neighborhoods changed their votes. Representatives Pamela Carter, Lupe Diaz, Gail Griffin, Alexander Kolodin, Michelle Peña, Cody Reim, and Justin Wilmeth all voted “No” yesterday. Some “no”s were strategic to give the bill a reconsideration opportunity. 

The good news? We have another chance.

SB1118 will return to the House floor next week for another vote.

 Now, more than ever, is the time for respectful outreach.

Let your legislator know:

 SB1118 supports housing while discouraging demolition of historic homes.

 Historic districts are already among Arizona’s most diverse and densely populated neighborhoods.

 Preservation and housing can work together.

 Local residents care deeply about protecting the neighborhoods they call home.

Please also take a moment to thank the legislators who stood with us, especially Rep. Matt Gress, the bill’s sponsor and Reps. Betty Villegas and Stephanie Stahl Hamilton who have worked hard to help craft a balanced bill that allows for expanded housing options while protecting irreplaceable historic homes from demolition. Gratitude and positive reinforcement matter.

This bill has united historic districts from Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, Bisbee, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert, and beyond. We’ve overcome obstacles before, and we’re not done yet.

 One more week. One more opportunity to get this across the finish line in the Arizona House.

Thank you for every phone call, email, RTS position, postcard, and conversation. Your advocacy has brought us this far, but we can’t afford to let up now.

Please call the following representatives and respectfully ask them to reconsider their vote and support SB1118 with a “YES” vote when it comes back before the AZ House next week. 

Pamela Carter (602) 926-3153, Lupe Diaz (602) 926-4852, Gail Griffin (602) 926-3153, Alexander Kolodin (602) 926-3560, Michelle Peña (602) 926-3696, Cody Reim (602) 926-3436 and Justin Wilmeth (602) 926-5044.

Thank you for lending your voice to this effort and continuing to support Arizona’s historic neighborhoods – irreplaceable treasures worth preserving, protecting and fighting for.