Interim Director Johanna Nelson outlines Santa Fe's affordable housing achievements and goals

The Santa Fe City Council held a budget meeting on May 5, 2025, focusing on the city's Affordable Housing initiatives. Alisa Montoya, the community development director, introduced Johanna Nelson, the interim director of the Office of Affordable Housing, who presented the office's recent accomplishments and future goals.

Nelson highlighted the critical role of the Office of Affordable Housing in addressing the community's pressing need for affordable housing. The office aims to increase housing supply, prevent displacement, and support vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness. Key achievements over the past year included expanding access to rental assistance, down payment help, and homebuyer education, as well as preserving existing homes through strategic funding programs.

Looking ahead, Nelson emphasized the need to fill key positions within the office, particularly a housing planner, to enhance collaboration with local developers and streamline processes. She noted the importance of improving organizational efficiency in managing housing funds, particularly those from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is known for its administrative challenges.

The council discussed the ongoing funding of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has been consistently allocated $3 million each budget cycle for the past three years. This funding is crucial for supporting various housing initiatives aimed at low and moderate-income residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing affordable housing access and the importance of strategic partnerships to address housing challenges in Santa Fe. The council's continued support for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will be vital in achieving these goals in the upcoming fiscal year.