Colfax County backs letter supporting Raton senior housing project seeking $3 million grant

Paul Jenkins, co-founder and president of the Raton Community Development Collaborative, asked the commission for a letter of support for a federal funding request and told the commissioners, “Our research indicates that the city of Raton and Colfax County have some of the highest concentrations of seniors senior households in New Mexico.”

Jenkins outlined the project: purchase land and build two single-level sixplex buildings (12 one-bedroom townhomes) restricted to residents age 55 and older with occupancy limits of two people and income limits at or below 120% of area median income. He said local data show 80–85% of the senior population falls below the 120% AMI threshold and that the median household income in Raton is about $52,000 (below the 120% AMI threshold of $70,000 for the grant).

Commissioners asked about identified properties and Jenkins said three possible locations are in negotiation. The project seeks the $3 million maximum for a congressionally directed spending grant; Jenkins argued the units would prevent outside, non-occupant buyers from purchasing and would support workforce stability and local economic activity.

Commissioner Trujillo thanked Jenkins for focusing on seniors and noted county and regional programs that also support senior housing and mobile-home replacement. The commission voted to approve a letter of support by roll call (Kern, Trujillo, Chairman Tatum voting yes).

The letter of support does not commit county funds; it endorses the grant application and supports local efforts to expand senior-targeted affordable ownership opportunities.