The Phoenix City Council has given overwhelming approval to a measure that would prevent landlords and property owners from discriminating against renters or buyers who rely on public assistance for income.
Phoenix City Council voted 8-1 to pass an ordinance banning “source of income” discrimination for anyone who rents or buys a home. The March 1 vote followed a push from Phoenix residents and affordable housing advocates who said people on public assistance and Section 8 housing vouchers face discrimination from landlords.
Despite some legal uncertainty, Phoenix leaders have approved an ordinance meant to ban housing discrimination based on a person’s source of income. “Source” encompasses a wide range from paychecks to child support to pensions, but the focus during Wednesday's City Council meeting was on preventing discrimination against residents who get public assistance.