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Council approves resolution to accelerate District 2 affordable housing projects, adds review steps
Summary
The council unanimously approved R-177 after amendments clarifying affordability targeting and review steps to comply with MFA rules; the administration must review applicants and submit qualifying grantees to MFA by Oct. 15, 2025.
The Albuquerque City Council on Monday approved R-177, a resolution intended to expedite state capital outlay funds for a set of shovel‑ready affordable housing projects in Council District 2.
Councilor Baca introduced the measure, saying the resolution clears administrative steps so the city can use available state funds to speed construction. The council adopted two technical amendments before final passage: one that requires the administration to accept applications from the projects listed and to complete an impartial review of each applicant under MFA (Mortgage Finance Authority) rules, and a second that corrected a drafting error to state that the units will serve households at 80% of area median income (AMI) or less.
Under the adopted amendment, the administration must complete its review and submit qualifying grantees to MFA no later than Oct. 15, 2025. The amended resolution also directs the administration to notify applicants immediately if they do not meet MFA standards and to offer guidance on addressing deficiencies.
Public commenters included project partners and neighborhood coalition representatives who urged the council to approve the resolution so projects could move forward quickly. Karina Ortiz, president of the Barelas Community Coalition, supported the measure and said the project would serve seniors and low‑income residents in the neighborhood.
Council discussion focused on transparency of affordability requirements and ensuring long‑term affordability protections. Several councilors asked the administration to include land‑use or other covenants to preserve affordability; developers and partners said low‑income housing tax credit financing and related land‑use restrictions are anticipated for some projects and that they are open to formalizing long‑term affordability covenants where required.
The motion for a due pass as amended passed unanimously. Councilors asked the administration to provide any further conditions or land‑use restrictions that will guarantee long‑term affordability and to ensure projects follow MFA requirements and procurement rules so state funds can be drawn without delay.
