Commissioners approve Bernalillo County 2026–27 housing annual plan; rapid‑rehousing and donation station added

Bernalillo County commissioners accepted and approved the Housing Department’s 2026–27 annual plan on March 24, fulfilling a HUD requirement and authorizing the county to submit the finalized plan for HUD review.

Deputy Housing Director Carrie Ellis and Program Coordinator Lianne Montoya presented the plan, which the department said aligns with the county’s five‑year housing strategy. Montoya described public engagement steps, resident advisory board input, required HUD forms and administrative plan chapters, and supporting materials that were made available for public review. Staff said the finalized plan will be submitted to HUD after commission acceptance.

The annual plan adds two new inclusions: a Bernalillo County rapid‑rehousing program to help families avoid eviction and a county donation station (a volunteer‑run pantry and resource closet) to help bridge client resource gaps. Ellis told commissioners the rapid‑rehousing funds currently identified are state dollars; staff also described a memorandum of understanding with Albuquerque Public Schools and use of McKinney‑Vento pathways to stabilize families.

In response to commissioner questions, staff said the county’s voucher portfolio is about 95% leased and that roughly 1,800 people are on the current housing voucher wait list; average wait times were described as approximately 2–5 years. Staff described quarterly landlord engagement, "knock and talk" outreach to nonparticipating landlords, and efforts to recruit more participating landlords.

Commissioners voted to approve the plan (resolution AR2026‑35). The county manager and housing staff said they will continue to seek stable funding for rapid‑rehousing supports and return with implementation details.

The vote was recorded by voice and the resolution will be submitted to HUD as required.