Doña Ana County outlines updated affordable housing plan, targets 400 permanently affordable units

Doña Ana County commissioners heard an update Aug. 4 from Daniella Andrade of the county housing department on a draft affordable housing plan that draws on the 2024 U.S. Census, a 2025 county housing survey and stakeholder interviews. Andrade said the county collaborated with the city of Las Cruces and a consultant and submitted the draft for preliminary review by Housing New Mexico, which must approve the plan and a county ordinance under the New Mexico Affordable Housing Act.

The presentation outlined demographic and market trends driving demand: the county grew about 9.6% between 2010 and 2024, Las Cruces now represents roughly 51% of the county population, the population is aging, and vacancy rates for low-cost rentals are “critically low,” Andrade said. The plan estimates a countywide need of about 10,174 housing units over the next 10–20 years, with roughly 4,560 units needed in the balance of the county outside Las Cruces.

Andrade described four mandatory plan sections—community and housing profile, needs assessment, land-use and policy review, and goals/policies—and identified zoning and infrastructure constraints that limit higher‑density development in unincorporated areas. To create permanently affordable homeownership, the plan includes a five‑year commitment to develop at least 400 permanently affordable units using a community land trust model. "A community land trust is the right tool for this goal because it permanently retains the public subsidy invested in each home," Andrade said.

The housing department also laid out operational objectives, training and outreach plans, and a portfolio of about 30 prioritized programs intended to help residents access rental assistance, repair grants and tenant education. Staff said the county will incorporate board feedback and Housing New Mexico’s comments, and will return with ordinance updates and a proposed resolution to begin implementation.