Walter ‘Walt’ Jack Blackman, Arizona State Representative from the 7th District, said on April 11 that he is focused on addressing economic challenges facing residents across the state. Blackman made his remarks in a video shared on social media as part of his work as Chairman of the Government Committee. The statement comes as Arizona families continue to experience rising costs, housing shortages, and workforce challenges.
The issue is significant for many Arizonans. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that Arizona’s rental housing crisis is driven by a severe shortage of homes that are both affordable and available to renters with the lowest incomes. Only 26 rental homes are affordable and available for every 100 extremely low-income households. According to the 2026 Arizona Housing Profile, the state needs an additional 131,000 affordable homes for extremely low-income households, underscoring ongoing challenges in the rental market statewide.
Blackman addressed these concerns directly in his statement: “Arizona families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, housing shortages, and workforce challenges. As Chairman of the Government Committee, I am focused on solutions, not excuses. Lower costs. Stronger economy. Real results,” according to Blackman’s video shared on social media.
Housing supply remains a pressing concern in Arizona. The Common Sense Institute reported that Arizona faced an immediate housing shortage of 56,047 units as of the first quarter of 2025. That figure was only slightly better than the revised estimate for the previous year, highlighting continued supply constraints across the state. Although the construction sector added 3,900 jobs in one recent month, broader labor shortages continue to affect key industries tied to housing development.
Blackman represents Legislative District 7 and regularly uses social media to engage with constituents about issues within his committee’s purview—a practice common among lawmakers seeking to highlight their work in state legislatures.
A retired U.S. Army veteran who served for 21 years and received the Bronze Star for combat service, Blackman became the first Black Republican elected to the Arizona House of Representatives after retiring from military service. He founded W.B. Inclusion & Diversity Consulting and volunteers with local schools and veterans’ organizations, according to information from his official biography.