Support O-24-69!

O-24-69: Building a Stronger Albuquerque Together

Amending the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) to allow for more housing

Albuquerque is at a crossroads, facing a housing crisis that requires innovative and thoughtful action. O-24-69 offers a forward-thinking solution by enabling gentle density in key areas, streamlining development processes, and fostering inclusive, transit-oriented growth. This legislation is supported by recent findings in the Albuquerque Region Housing Needs Assessment, which highlights the pressing need for action.

What Does the Data Say?

• Housing Shortage: The Albuquerque Region Housing Needs Assessment reveals our region needs tens of thousands of new housing units to meet current and future demand. Without action, housing costs will continue to rise, exacerbating inequality and displacement.

• Transit Proximity Matters: National studies show that households living near high-frequency transit spend less on transportation costs compared to car-dependent areas. Increasing housing options near ART stations and transit corridors will help residents save money while promoting sustainability.

• Cost of Delays: Unnecessary permitting and appeals can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to development costs. The Urban Land Institute’s 2022 New Mexico Affordability Report cites permitting and appeals as costly, affecting both production of housing and its affordability. O-24-69’s reforms will reduce these costs, making housing more affordable and accessible.

How O-24-69 Works

1. Encourages Gentle Density:

   • Allows duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily housing near ART stations and key corridors (e.g., Central, Fourth, and Broadway).

   • Increases housing supply in areas with existing infrastructure and services.

2. Streamlines Design Guidelines:

   • Simplifies regulations for housing projects, reducing unnecessary delays and making the process more predictable for developers.

   • Encourages high-quality, timely housing development.

3. Reforms the Appeals Process:

   • Ensures broader community support for appeals while reducing opportunities for obstruction by a small minority.

   • Promotes meaningful and inclusive neighborhood engagement that aligns with Strong Towns principles.

Why Strong Towns ABQ Supports O-24-69

This legislation embodies Strong Towns principles by fostering incremental, financially resilient growth while prioritizing areas with existing infrastructure. It ensures:

• Efficient Resource Use: Encourages development where infrastructure is already in place, reducing the need for costly expansion.

• Balanced Neighborhood Engagement: Changes to the appeals process foster constructive collaboration while ensuring housing solutions meet the needs of the broader community.

• Transit-Oriented Development: Density near transit hubs creates vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, lowers transportation costs, and reduces dependence on cars.

Addressing Concerns About Appeals

Some worry these reforms will limit community input. Here’s how the changes support a balanced approach:

• Inclusive Input: Appeals will still be possible but require broader support to ensure they represent community interests.

• Collaboration Over Obstruction: Encourages meaningful engagement and dialogue rather than automatic opposition.

• Democratic and Fair: Prevents small groups from blocking projects that benefit the entire city.

Take Action: Add Your Voice!

1. Sign Our Open Letter
   Show your support for O-24-69 and help us demonstrate strong community backing for this critical legislation.

📋 Add Your Name Here

2. Contact Your City Councilor
   Your voice matters. Send a message to your councilor urging them to vote YES on O-24-69. If you're unsure who your City Councilor is, you can find out by visiting the City of Albuquerque's "Find Your Councilor" page.

Email Template to Your City Councilor

Subject: Support O-24-69 for a More Resilient Albuquerque

Dear [Councilor's Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your Neighborhood or District]. I am writing to express my strong support for O-24-69, a crucial piece of legislation that addresses Albuquerque’s urgent housing crisis.

The recent Albuquerque Region Housing Needs Assessment underscores the urgent need for additional housing units, especially near transit corridors. This bill enables gentle density near ART stations and key areas, creating housing options while supporting walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods. Its balanced approach to the appeals process ensures meaningful community input without unnecessary delays.

I urge you to vote in favor of O-24-69. It is a vital step toward building a stronger, more inclusive Albuquerque.

Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood]

Together, We Can Build a Stronger Albuquerque

With the data clearly showing the need for action, O-24-69 is a vital step toward a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant city. Let’s make it happen!

January Meeting

Next monthly meeting :

Wednesday,  January 15th 

6:00pm-7:30pm
 

Location: 

505 Food Hall, Humble Coffee Space

505 Central Avenue NW
Downtown Albuquerque

On the Agenda:

Curious about housing in New Mexico? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Daniel Werwath, the Governor’s Senior Housing Policy Analyst, as he presents on housing policy and the upcoming legislative session. 🏠

We’ll also hear updates from the Housing Task Force, reflect on our progress, and collaborate to set ambitious goals for Strong Towns ABQ in 2025. 🌟

✨ First-timers are always welcome! Whether you're new to Strong Towns or a seasoned advocate, no prior experience or special knowledge is required—just bring your curiosity and ideas.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Albuquerque. We’d love to see you there!

Supporting Bill O-24-61:

Addressing Vacancy and Encouraging Investment in Downtown Albuquerque

We are supporting Bill O-24-61, the Downtown Vacancy Ordinance, which aims to address the issue of underutilized and vacant properties in downtown Albuquerque.

The ordinance targets about 17 square blocks along Central Avenue, extending one block in each direction to Copper and Gold, between 1st and 8th Streets. This focused area includes some of the most vacant and troublesome properties in the neighborhood.

While this bill targets only a small number of properties, it’s a crucial first step in addressing the broader issue of land speculation and stagnation in downtown. The current system incentivizes absentee owners, often from out of state, to sit on valuable land without contributing to the local community or economy. Bill O-24-61 seeks to change this by placing a fee on vacant and underused properties, encouraging owners to either invest in their properties or sell them, rather than allowing them to remain idle.

Strong Towns founder, Chuck Marohn, often points out that even a couple of blocks receiving investment can have a significant spillover effect, revitalizing the surrounding area and creating momentum for further growth. Bill O-24-61 serves as a pilot for this concept, targeting a small but impactful area on our most important street where investment could catalyze revitalization beyond its borders. As the bill addresses vacancy in these key blocks, it can help stimulate broader economic activity, making the surrounding areas more attractive to developers, businesses, and residents.

This ordinance lacks the more controversial elements seen in earlier versions of the bill while also being far more limited in its scope, making it a balanced and viable approach. By addressing vacancy in this targeted area, we can unlock development opportunities, promote neighborhood revitalization, and better utilize our existing infrastructure.

While it may be a small step, Bill O-24-61 is a tool for discouraging speculation, thawing a stagnant market, and encouraging the types of value-adding development that will make downtown Albuquerque more vibrant and sustainable. We encourage our members to support this important initiative as a crucial part of creating a more dynamic and resilient city.

Find our open letter to City Council on this bill at this link

And templates to write your own letter of support at this link

Albuquerque Bike and Trails Update

🎉 Victory for Safer Streets: Bikeways & Trails Plan Passes! 🎉

Thanks to your support, Albuquerque's 2024 Bikeways and Trails Plan passed unanimously at City Council! Your emails, calls, and comments made this possible.

This plan creates a roadmap for expanding bike lanes, improving safety, and promoting sustainable transportation—key steps toward a stronger, more connected city.

Thank you for speaking up and making a difference. Together, we’re building a better Albuquerque! And special thanks and congratulations to our friends at BikeABQ for spearheading these efforts!

Comment on the I-25 S-Curve Project Before January 6th, 2025!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the December 3rd presentation on the I-25 S-Curve Study! Strong Towns ABQ members showed up in force, advocating for the no-build option and asking critical questions about traffic modeling, safety, and equity.

We remain deeply concerned about the proposed build options, which prioritize highway expansions, high speeds, and frontage roads—choices that would divide neighborhoods, increase traffic, and worsen pollution. Both designs neglect safer, proven alternatives like speed cameras and fail to meet best practices for pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Let’s make our voices heard! Submit your comments by January 6, 2025 to oppose the build options and advocate for a safer, more sustainable no-build alternative.

How to Comment:

• Complete their Survey at this link

• Email: study@i25scurve.com

• Call: 505-600-2232

Sample Comment and More Information:

For more information and an example sample comment, visit the call to action on our website at this link: I-25 Action Alert

January Team Meetings

Outer Districts Meeting Group

Time and Date: Tuesday, January 7th
Location: Canteen Taproom

417 Tramway Blvd NE

Housing Task Force

January 9th, 2025

6:00pm-7:30pm

Little Bear Coffee Nob Hill

3123 Central NE

I-25 Task Force

January 27th, 2025

6:00pm-7:00pm

Flock of Moons Brewing Company

111 Harvard Drive SE

From Strong Towns ABQ

In our September meeting, Tyler Jordan presented a deep dive into Albuquerque’s land use and density, showing how different properties impact our economy. One key insight: big-box stores often create less value than smaller lots like downtown businesses or townhomes. His analysis highlights the importance of smart, dense development that maximizes Albuquerque’s infrastructure and growth. Tyler’s presentation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the economic value of land use. Members are also encouraged to share their research and expertise on Strong Towns principles—reach out if you'd like to participate!