2024 Duplex Proposal
(Archive)

What is going on this year?

Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn has proposed an amendment to the IDO to permissively allow for duplex housing. This proposal will not allow for construction of a duplex on a vacant lot, or a tear-down without a conditional use permit and will not allow for a duplex and a casita on the same lot. In addition these duplexes will only be allowed within a 1/4 mile of designated urban centers and transit corridors (UC-MS-PT). These restrictions were included to address concerns that were raised when another version of this proposal was turned down by the EPC earlier this year. This proposed amendment is limited in scope, but it is important that we work hard to get this passed to prove that there is a critical mass of people who are willing put in the effort to gather support for increased housing options in the city. Although limited, this amendment will allow for more housing options in the parts of the city with the best public transportation options. If we can help get this passed,  we can then aim for the next “increment” of housing in the next IDO update. 

The Challenge

 Late last year Tammy Fiebelkorn, City Councilor for District 7, submitted a more encompassing Duplex Proposal to the EPC and was shot down. You can find the this proposal in the redline draft of this round of proposed changes. Many neighborhood associations submitted comment against the proposal. We should expect similar opposition with this new proposal even if the proposed changes are much lighter. Here is is some of the public comment that was submitted to the EPC meeting.

Latest Updates:

The City Council voted against the  duplex amendment  during the June 17, 2024, meeting in a 3-6 vote. Joaquin Baca (Dist. 2), Tammy Fieblelkorn (Dist. 7), and Nichole Rogers (Dist. 6) voted in favor, while Louie Sanchez (Dist. 1), Klarissa Peña (Dist. 3), Brook Bassan (Dist. 4), Dan Lewis (Dist. 5), Dan Champine (Dist. 8), and Renee Grout (Dist. 9) voted against the proposal.

While this result is disappointing, it is important to remember that housing reform is a long game. Strong Towns ABQ has gained experience and formed new alliances in the process of supporting the duplex amendment. Strong Towns ABQ is working on next steps to increase the supply of housing and diversify the types of housing in Albuquerque.

Call or Write a letter to your City Councilor

A letter you could send to your city councilor could read:

Dear Councilor <Councilor Name Here>,

I am writing to express my support for Councilor Fiebelkorn’s proposed duplex amendment.  Albuquerque is faced with inflated housing prices, little housing supply, and a rising rate of citizens experiencing homelessness. Permissively allowing duplex housing will allow for greater diversity of housing types and help increase the overall supply of housing.

Thank you for helping support incremental housing in Albuquerque.

-<Your Name Here>

Other hints to help tailor this letter to your city councilor:

• Consider your councilor's views on people experiencing homelessness. You may need to adjust your messaging accordingly.

• Include ideas about reduced infrastructure burden. Duplexes reduce the amount of linear feet of public infrastructure per housing unit.

• Explain why you or someone you know may want a more modestly sized house with less upkeep.

• Explain the benefits of additional housing along designated transit corridors and centers.