Rising Costs Weigh on Phoenix Families and Small Businesses Ahead of Midterms

Residents, business owners and community leaders share how economic pressures are reshaping everyday life, while local organizers work to ensure eligible voters can enact change by making their voices heard.

PHOENIX, AZ — For many, rising rent, grocery bills, and everyday expenses have turned financial stability into a monthly struggle, even as their families keep working hard to get ahead. Growing uncertainty over the economy is adding another layer of anxiety, affecting everyday life and planning for the future.

El Tacazo restaurant owner Angelica Riggle was among the residents, small business owners, community organizers and local officials who met with UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía on Friday to discuss how economic policies are affecting their neighborhoods, livelihoods and futures.

“We can’t increase prices because people can’t afford to pay more, but then we can’t afford to pay for our products. So it’s just very difficult right now. I feel like these last two years have been the most challenging years of our entire career here,” said Riggle. 

“What we saw is clear: families are struggling. They are having a tough time staying in the neighborhoods they helped build. Small business owners are struggling. They are worried about keeping their doors open,” said Murguía. “But what stands out to me in Phoenix is the resilience of families and small business owners who are working hard to build a future, even as rising costs make that future feel increasingly out of reach. So that’s why we are going across the country reminding folks that their vote is their power and come November, they can use this power to ensure their families and neighborhoods are on a pathway to prosperity.”

The Economic Pressure Behind the Numbers

Latinos contribute more than $117 billion annually to Arizona’s economy and make up 29% of its workforce. Yet many of the families and entrepreneurs helping drive that growth face mounting financial pressure.

According to UnidosUS’s June 2026 Arizona economic analysis, 43% of Latino households in Arizona spend more than 30% of their income on housing, compared to 32% of all households statewide.

In South Phoenix, these challenges show up in neighborhoods where families try to stay rooted as housing costs rise and small businesses navigate changing economic conditions.

Phoenix City Councilmember Anna Hernandez joined residents, business owners and community development partners for conversations about affordability aand neighborhood stability.

“South Phoenix is home to families who have spent generations building this community through hard work, small enterprise and mutual support. When local business owners like Maria at Maleta Café or Angelica at El Tacazo express uncertainty about their next month of operations, that challenge impacts our entire neighborhood,” said Hernandez. “Escalating housing costs threaten to displace the very residents who established our community. We must ensure our city budget and governance priorities place these families at the forefront.”

The discussions highlighted the role of community investment in expanding housing opportunities. Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), a longtime Arizona community development organization and an UnidosUS Affiliate, developed Ascent on Broadway, an affordable housing community near public transportation in South Phoenix.

“Affordable housing is fundamental to a family’s economic security,” said Patricia Garcia Duarte, executive vice president of Homeownership Initiatives, CPLC. “When people can afford to live near their jobs, schools and support networks, they have a stronger foundation to build financial stability. The challenge is ensuring that communities experiencing growth have the investment and opportunities needed for longtime residents to remain part of that growth.”

Protecting the Ability of Every Eligible Voter to Participate

Economic uncertainty concerns are also shaping the conversations local organizers are having with voters ahead of the November election.

Raquel Terán, executive director of Proyecto Progreso, and Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo discussed civic participation, election access, and the importance of making sure eligible voters have accurate information and confidence in the voting process.

For Terán, whose organizing work includes engagement with Latino men and voters who have historically received limited outreach, the discussions always begin with understanding the challenges people face in their everyday lives.

“When we knock on doors, people want to talk about their jobs, what it costs to raise their families and whether the future they’re working toward still feels possible,” said Terán. “Those conversations tell us what matters to people and what information they need. Meaningful civic engagement begins by listening, building trust and making sure eligible voters have the resources to participate confidently.”

Maricopa County, home to a substantial share of Arizona’s electorate, plays a central role in administering elections statewide.

“Every eligible voter deserves a fair opportunity to participate and confidence that their ballot will be counted,” said Gallardo. “That means making accurate information accessible, addressing concerns about the process and ensuring that residents understand their voting options. Trust in our elections depends on transparency and a commitment to serving every community.”

Local Voices, Lasting Priorities

At a recent gathering of Phoenix-area community organizations, leaders shared perspectives on the challenges facing families, including affordability, healthcare, and economic opportunity. They discussed how local partnerships connect residents to essential resources and strengthen neighborhood resilience.

The conversations that day underscored the importance of bringing firsthand experiences into discussions about public policy and economic development.

“The people closest to these challenges understand how policies affect their daily lives, their businesses and their families,” said Murguía. “Phoenix residents and community leaders are sharing experiences that deserve the attention of decision-makers at every level. Their voices must help shape the policies that determine whether families can afford to stay in their communities, build economic security and participate fully in civic life.”

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