Density in the Desert: Analyzing the Infill Incentive District in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

This study investigates the outcomes of the Infill Incentive District (IID) in Tucson, Arizona. Implemented in 2009, this program was designed to reduce blight and high vacancy rates in downtown Tucson and surrounding areas. The program also had the goal of creating more pedestrian and transit-oriented development along the Sun Link streetcar route. The intention of this study is to determine if the goals sought out by the city at the time of the program’s implementation were realized. Several incentives were offered by the program including reductions in parking restrictions, application fees and setback limitations as well as relaxations on height limitations determined by existing zoning restrictions. There were also financial incentives through tax abatements for developers. The findings of this study were that, as of the date of writing, 2,199 new multi-family units were approved under the program, as well as over 300,000 square feet of new retail, office, restaurant/bar and entertainment space. Additionally, several existing locations have had their parking requirements reduced or eliminated.