A Recent History of Housing Reform in Albuquerque

Recent History of Housing Reform in Albuquerque

The Housing Forward Ordinance (2023)

In 2023, the original draft of the Housing Forward Ordinance presented a bold vision to address Albuquerque’s housing crisis. It proposed permissively allowing up to three units of housing—a duplex and a casita—on any R-1 zoned lot. This was a transformative policy for a city where R-1 zoning accounts for approximately 68% of all zoned lots and 49% of the total land area.

Unfortunately, the ordinance was not passed in its entirety. While some changes were made to regulations allowing for casita construction, these came with additional design restrictions, and the provision to legalize duplexes was removed entirely. This partial measure fell short of unlocking Albuquerque’s full potential to meet its housing needs.

The Duplex Amendment (2024)

In 2024, the City Council revisited the idea of legalizing duplexes, albeit in a much narrower scope, proposing to allow them only on Main Street Corridors. This scaled-back amendment aimed to increase housing density along transit-friendly, walkable areas, but it too faced resistance.

On June 17, 2024, the City Council voted against the duplex amendment in a 3-6 decision:

• In Favor: Joaquin Baca (Dist. 2), Tammy Fiebelkorn (Dist. 7), Nichole Rogers (Dist. 6)

• Opposed: Louie Sanchez (Dist. 1), Klarissa Peña (Dist. 3), Brook Bassan (Dist. 4), Dan Lewis (Dist. 5), Dan Champine (Dist. 8), Renee Grout (Dist. 9)

This outcome was a setback for housing advocates and underscored the entrenched resistance to even modest zoning reforms.

O-69: A Step Forward in Housing Reform

Despite setbacks, progress was made with the passage of O-69 in late 2024, marking a significant step forward in Albuquerque’s housing reform efforts. Strong Towns ABQ played a key role in championing this ordinance, mobilizing community support, educating residents about its benefits, and engaging with policymakers to build consensus.

What O-69 Achieves:

• Allows duplexes and small-scale housing developments in designated "priority growth areas," aligned with Albuquerque’s regional housing assessment.

• Expands opportunities for housing near transit hubs and job centers, promoting sustainable, walkable communities.

Why O-69 Matters:
O-69 addresses critical gaps left by previous housing measures, creating new pathways for incremental development and laying the foundation for broader zoning reforms. Its passage demonstrates that sustained advocacy can shift public opinion and policy, even in the face of opposition.

What This Means for Albuquerque

The failure to pass the Housing Forward Ordinance in its entirety—and the subsequent defeat of the duplex amendment—represents missed opportunities to address Albuquerque’s severe housing shortage. By keeping duplexes illegal across most of the city, the Council upheld policies that perpetuate unaffordability, limit housing choices, and hinder the city’s ability to meet the needs of its growing population.

However, the passage of O-69 is a reminder that progress is possible. Strong Towns ABQ’s efforts have galvanized community support, formed new alliances, and built momentum for housing reform. These victories, while incremental, bring us closer to a full realization of the Housing Forward vision that aligns with Albuquerque’s regional housing assessment and the diverse needs of its residents.

Looking Ahead

Strong Towns ABQ remains committed to pursuing meaningful housing reform that will make Albuquerque a more equitable and resilient city. Together, we will continue pushing for policies that reflect the urgent need for abundant, diverse housing. The passage of O-69 proves that change is achievable, and it sets the stage for future efforts to revisit and expand on the Housing Forward Ordinance.

With persistence, collaboration, and a shared vision, we will continue to advocate for a city that prioritizes housing affordability, density, and equity for all.

You can read our archived updates on the Duplex Amendment and information about it, here.