Clovis commission introduces ordinance to establish affordable housing program under state law

The Clovis City Commission voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance to establish a city-administered affordable housing program under the state Affordable Housing Act.

City staff attorney Meredith Burrows told the commission the draft ordinance follows a model prepared by Housing New Mexico and is the format most municipalities in the state use. Burrows said the ordinance adds a revision to the infrastructure definition in section 2.86.020 to permit the use of "city's portion of the municipal gross receipts tax" for infrastructure purposes if the commission so chooses, and otherwise preserves broad, flexible incentives for future projects.

Commissioners said they favored keeping a wide array of incentives available rather than limiting options. Commissioner Casaus moved introduction of the ordinance; Commissioner Garza seconded. The vote to introduce was unanimous.

The vote was to introduce the ordinance for further review; the transcript records no final adoption vote at this meeting. The city clerk will carry the draft forward for the next ordinance-reading steps required by municipal procedure.