Starting July 1, Albuquerque property owners must register and maintain vacant buildings downtown under a new ordinance designed to reduce blight and boost economic activity. Passed by City Council in January, the Downtown Vacant Premises Ordinance targets unused properties within a defined downtown core area, where vacancy rates remain high and over 30% of land […]
Housing & Homelessness
Albuquerque completes first phase of Housing and Treatment Navigation Center
The City of Albuquerque unveiled a new patio space this week at the Gateway Center, aiming to enhance the facility’s commitment to providing low-barrier services that foster healing and community for its residents. The newly completed outdoor area features shade canopies, tables, benches, and a bike rack. It also includes a small dog park for […]
A new bill could change how Albuquerque handles homeless camps
Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers is proposing changes to the city’s Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Operator’s Permit Ordinance, aiming to reduce regulatory obstacles and make it easier to open and manage sanctioned encampments for people experiencing homelessness. Rogers is pushing to ease city rules on Safe Outdoor Spaces. She argues that current regulations create unnecessary […]
State program offers incentives to expand affordable rentals across New Mexico
To improve access to safe and affordable housing, Housing New Mexico has launched the Statewide Landlord Incentive Program (SLIP) in partnership with the State of New Mexico. The program is now accepting applications through June 30, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. SLIP aims to increase the availability of rental units for New Mexicans who […]
A Safe place to heal
Albuquerque’s new medical respite center is giving unhoused people a safe, supportive place to heal after hospital stays — and a better shot at stable housing. Mayor Tim Keller joined staff and a patient June 18 for a small-group conversation highlighting the early impact of the Gateway Medical Respite Center. Tucked inside the former Lovelace […]
Bernalillo County Commissioners extend deadline for major affordable housing projects
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to grant extensions for two major affordable housing redevelopment projects, allowing developers more time to secure crucial financing. The projects—Villa Hermosa and Desert Willow Apartments—will receive an additional 180 days to obtain tax credit letters from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA), a necessary step […]
New mixed-income housing project breaks ground in International District
Sol Housing has begun construction on Somos, a 70-unit mixed-income apartment community in Albuquerque’s International District. The project aims to provide affordable housing, particularly for seniors, and will include commercial space and access to transit. Located near Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard, Somos will feature 59 income-restricted and 11 market-rate units. Eighty percent of the […]
Albuquerque’s Gateway Sobering Center set to open after months of delays
The Gateway Center in Albuquerque is preparing to launch its long-awaited Medical Sobering Center this summer. The Albuquerque City Council recently approved a contract with California-based Horizons Services for $1.6 million in federal funds to operate the sobering center. Horizons Services, which currently operates two sobering centers in California, will provide a short-term space for […]
New Mexico Department of Health report reveals alarming health disparities among homeless population
A new report from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) highlights the severe health challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in the state. The report, A Novel Strategy for Counting Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Describing Their Health Outcomes in New Mexico Healthcare Facilities, 2019–2023, analyzes statewide hospital data and reveals that people experiencing homelessness […]
ABQ RIDE again hosting Summer Resource Fairs at Alvarado Transportation Center
Staff report ABQ RIDE is bringing back its Summer Resource Fairs to the Alvarado Transportation Center for the second straight year. These events aim to provide the public with “info on the go” as they utilize the transit hub in downtown Albuquerque. The fairs will feature various resources, including Open Space maps, recovery and housing […]