Save Historic Willo
We support protection of the Willo Historic District and its unique character per the Willo Conservation Plan. We believe the neighborhood should keep its single-family zoning and not be sub-divided to build townhomes, duplexes, tri-plexes and four-plexes. We support following the City of Phoenix's Historic Preservation guidelines when new buildings such as ADUs are constructed in Willo. This page contains updates information on the actions taken.
Passed in 2024, HB2721 was meant to ease Arizona’s housing shortage. However, the law did not exempt historic neighborhoods that local preservation laws had long protected. These homes are vulnerable to redevelopment, even with wait periods. Save Historic AZ has consistently supported affordable housing and responsible growth, but has been urging residents to speak up and demand stronger action to ensure redevelopment protects historic districts and delivers truly affordable housing. HB2375 represents fixes to the gaps left in HB2721.
Diversity and inclusion are deeply rooted in Willo’s history, which risks getting lost in the noise around this housing issue. Our concerns over historic preservation are focused on architecture, not exclusion. The conversation should be centered on common-sense solutions that solve the housing crisis without destroying Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods. - W. Aaron Montaño Searles, Phoenix New Times
Below is the timeline of Save Historic AZ's preservation activities:
2026 Actions
The latest news for 2026 can be found in our News Section
2025 Actions
November ’25
A huge thanks to everyone who showed up last night at the Phoenix City Council meeting
Release: Council Backs In-Depth Review of HB2721’s Community Impacts
Phoenix City Council delays decision on middle housing mandate amid public outcry
Phoenix historic neighborhoods face uncertain future under new state housing law
Phoenix leaders stuck on ‘middle housing’ vote
Phoenix council delays vote on zoning plan that would reshape housing in historic neighborhoods
Why Phoenix residents are clashing over this new housing ordinance
Neighbors speak out in opposition to HB 2721 at the Phoenix City Council meeting
Vote is delayed until November, 19th
Phoenix City Council delays vote on middle housing plan in historic neighborhoods
October ’25
Neighbors speak out in opposition to HB 2721 at the Phoenix Planning Commission meeting
Preserve Phoenix Position Statement on HB 2721 and the Protection of Phoenix Historic Districts
September ’25
Crunch time as more neighborhoods get involved
Arizona law will allow multi-family homes on single lots. Historic neighborhoods want to be exempt
Historic Phoenix neighborhood pushing back on Arizona law
Op-ed: Arizona housing bill puts Phoenix historic homes at risk
August ’25
Hired Lobbyist
Public meeting at Burton Barr Library
Public meeting at Memorial Hall (Steele Indian School Park)
Save Historic AZ speaks with AZ Family about HB2721
Hundreds pack the public meeting at Burton Barr Library discussing HB2721
Residents of Phoenix’s Willo neighborhood oppose law that could destroy historic homes
What is Middle Housing? Downtown Phoenix residents attend community meeting about new zoning law
Brad Brauer: Saving Arizona’s historic neighborhoods
July ’25
Team meetings with potential lobbyists.
August public meeting prep.
June ’25
Team meetings discussing current progress updates and future strategies.
Meetings with village planning committees and boards.
Lobbyists interviews.
May ’25
Meetings with potential lobbyists.
Meetings with the City of Phoenix.
Presentations with local neighborhood boards.
AZFamily News Spot
April ’25
Team meetings and general planning.
Speaking with local Block Watch communities.
Interview with AZ Central
March ’25
Team meetings and signature collection events.
February ’25
Team meetings and signature collection launch in local neighborhoods.
January '25
Initial team meetings and first contact with local legislators.