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Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority director asks county to partner on housing and voucher challenges
Summary
New Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority executive director introduced himself and asked Doña Ana County for partnership to address a long housing waiting list and rising rent pressures that strain the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Art Marufo, newly appointed executive director of the Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority, introduced himself to the Doña Ana County Commission on July 8 and asked for county support in addressing regional housing needs.
Marufo described his background in housing work, noted the authority operates properties in Anthony and Hatch, and said the region faces limited new construction. He told commissioners the housing choice voucher program is under strain as rental increases outpace voucher payment standards, contributing to a waiting list the presenter and commissioners described as substantial. Marufo said the authority has paused new applications and that resources — including staffing and advocacy — are needed to reduce the backlog and pursue new development.
Vice Chair Chaparro and other commissioners acknowledged the problem, noted recent federal funding changes that may reduce available resources and referenced the judicial system’s count of roughly 800 homeless children in the county. Commissioners invited the housing authority to coordinate on revisiting the county’s 2015 housing plan and to work with county staff to identify partnerships and funding strategies.
Marufo asked commissioners for “voice, teamwork and human capital” in addition to funds and said he will seek partnerships with state and federal officials to pursue new construction and supportive services.
