Commission streamlines housing approvals, extends bond ordinance and approves $500,000 Family Promise grant

Bernalillo County commissioners on Aug. 4 approved an amendment to the county affordable housing ordinance intended to let staff and the commission move more quickly on housing projects, approved a 180‑day extension to an existing project revenue bond ordinance for the Casitas del Camino housing project, and introduced an ordinance to provide $500,000 to Family Promise for family housing. Director Marcos Gonzales told the commission the proposed change to the Bernalillo County Affordable Housing Ordinance would allow the county to approve project applications more swiftly — removing the need for a separate ordinance for each project in some cases — and speed use of funding, including potential state allocations. Gonzales said the intent is to streamline administrative steps so the county can process affordable housing applications more quickly. On Casitas del Camino, staff said the developer needs additional time to complete HUD financing and plans to close the transaction in December 2025; the proposed amendment would extend the project revenue bond ordinance by 180 days. Gonzales said the Casitas project is an 88‑unit development on the West Side that would refurbish 42 existing units and build 46 new units; the financing involves low‑income housing tax credits and state volume cap allocations. Commissioners also introduced an ordinance to provide a $500,000 county grant to Family Promise for purchase and capital costs at 314–316 Tennessee — a multi‑partner, church‑operated program that provides family shelter and supportive services. The commission’s introduction vote moves the item toward final adoption at a later meeting. Commissioners said they supported the ordinance changes and the Family Promise funding as ways to accelerate housing production and to get capital into community projects more quickly. The board approved the housing ordinance amendment and the Casitas extension on unanimous votes.