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County seeks changes to affordable‑housing rules and proposes larger down‑payment assistance program
Summary
Staff presented proposed amendments to align Santa Fe County rules with MFA updates and proposed increasing the down‑payment assistance cap to $40,000, raising income eligibility and expanding allowable uses. Commissioners asked about outreach, tribal consultation and targeting one‑bedroom supply; staff will return a draft ordinance and accompanying DPA regulations for future action.
County staff briefed commissioners on proposed amendments to Ordinance 2023‑05 and a separate resolution to modernize the county's down‑payment assistance (DPA) program. Key staff proposals: increase income eligibility from 120% to up to 150% of area median income (AMI), expand allowable loan uses beyond down payment and closing costs, include tribal jurisdictions and tribal housing agencies in eligibility, modify multifamily set‑aside calculations to a proportional approach and raise the maximum DPA from $20,000 to a flat $40,000 for qualifying buyers.
Jonathan (presenting staff) said the changes were prompted by MFA rule updates and current market conditions. Denise Benavidez said staff is looking at outreach to title companies, mortgage lenders and community partners and noted city programs already offer higher assistance levels. Commissioners asked for data on the scope of need, marketing plans to reach lower‑income applicants, and consultation with tribal governments; staff said they will return with draft rule language, data and implementation recommendations. Commissioner Kokari Stone specifically urged tribal consultation before finalizing eligibility expansions.
Why it matters: raising DPA levels and adjusting eligibility could make homeownership accessible to public‑service workers and households priced out under current program limits, while changes to multifamily rules affect developer obligations and program structure.
