Bernalillo County approves acquisition for tiny home village expansion in Albuquerque

In a recent administrative meeting held on June 24, 2025, the Bernalillo County Commission addressed several key issues impacting the community, with a significant focus on housing initiatives and employee compensation.

One of the primary topics discussed was the proposed acquisition of a property located at 105 Texas Street in Albuquerque. The county manager presented a request to authorize the purchase agreement with the Albuquerque Indian Center, aiming to expand the existing tiny home village. This expansion will add 18 new tiny homes, providing transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The tiny home village, which opened in 2021, has been recognized as a model for addressing housing shortages in New Mexico. The initiative aligns with the county's commitment to enhancing housing options and supporting behavioral health efforts within the community.

The tiny home village not only offers shelter but also provides on-site services to help residents achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The program includes a structured 18 to 24-month timeline, during which residents work with case managers to set and meet personal goals. This approach aims to empower individuals and foster long-term housing solutions, particularly for historically underserved populations.

In addition to housing discussions, the meeting also covered updates on employee compensation. The county manager announced a 2% pay increase for both unionized and unrepresented employees, reflecting efforts to remain competitive in staffing, particularly in hard-to-fill positions. Negotiations with various employee groups, including firefighters, are ongoing, with some discussions reaching an impasse. The county is exploring mediation options to resolve these issues and improve recruitment and retention.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency in future negotiations, particularly regarding the timeline for discussions with the firefighters' union. The county manager emphasized the importance of engaging with commissioners earlier in the negotiation process to ensure collaborative decision-making.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Bernalillo County's proactive approach to addressing housing challenges and supporting its workforce, underscoring the administration's focus on community resilience and well-being. As the county moves forward with these initiatives, the anticipated expansion of the tiny home village and ongoing employee negotiations will be critical in shaping the region's social and economic landscape.