HB 554 - Incremental Density Reforms in New Mexico - Legalized Casitas

Unlocking Affordable, Flexible Housing Across New Mexico

About the Bill:

HB 554 is a transformative piece of legislation aimed at expanding housing choices in New Mexico by:

1. Legalizing Casitas (Accessory Dwelling Units - ADUs) statewide.

2. Limiting restrictive permitting practices that discourage casita construction, ensuring that municipalities cannot create unnecessary barriers.

3. Legalizing multifamily housing in commercial zones near public transit—promoting dense, walkable, and transit-accessible communities.

This bill addresses the critical housing shortage in New Mexico by making it easier for homeowners to build casitas, while also increasing affordable housing opportunities in areas already served by infrastructure and transit.

Why Strong Towns ABQ Supports HB 554:

This legislation is deeply aligned with Strong Towns principles of creating more resilient, connected, and financially sound communities.

Smarter Growth:

• By enabling more casitas and multifamily housing near transit, HB 554 encourages infill development over costly sprawl.

• It supports the use of existing infrastructure, reducing long-term maintenance costs for municipalities.

Expanding Housing Options:

• Casitas offer flexible housing for aging parents, extended family, renters, or homeowners seeking extra income.

• Legalizing multifamily housing near public transit fosters more inclusive communities, giving residents affordable, car-free living options.

Sustainable & Equitable Communities:

• Building near transit reduces reliance on cars, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and making neighborhoods more walkable.

• The bill breaks down exclusionary zoning practices that have historically limited housing opportunities in many communities.

Boosting Homeowner & Community Resilience:

• Homeowners can unlock new sources of income by renting casitas.

• More housing diversity increases economic resilience and can stabilize rents and home prices.

Why This Matters Now:

New Mexico is facing a housing affordability crisis. Families are being priced out, young people can’t find starter homes, and older residents often lack options for downsizing. HB 554 offers a practical, community-centered solution that empowers homeowners, fosters economic resilience, and builds stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

Take Action: Support HB 554!

Your voice matters. Urge your legislators to vote YES on HB 554 and help expand affordable housing options in New Mexico.

Current Status of HB 554: Passed first Committee and onto the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee – Contact Information

Representative D. Wonda Johnson (Chair) – d.wondajohnson@nmlegis.gov
Representative Charlotte Little (Vice Chair) – charlotte.little@nmlegis.gov
Representative John Block (Ranking Member) – john.block@nmlegis.gov

Representative Janelle Anyanonu – janelle.anyanonu@nmlegis.gov
Representative Cynthia Borrego – cynthia.borrego@nmlegis.gov
Representative Tara L. Lujan – tara.lujan@nmlegis.gov
Representative Angelita Mejia – angelita.mejia@nmlegis.gov
Representative Reena Szczepanski – reena.szczepanski@nmlegis.gov
Representative Martin R. Zamora – martin.zamora@nmlegis.gov

Sample Email Template

Subject: Support HB 554 – Legalize Casitas & Expand Affordable Housing

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

I am writing to urge you to support HB 554, which would legalize casitas (Accessory Dwelling Units) across New Mexico and promote multifamily housing near public transit. This legislation is an essential step toward expanding affordable housing, supporting local homeowners, and fostering smart, sustainable community growth.

Casitas offer flexible, affordable housing solutions for families, seniors, and renters, while also providing homeowners with an opportunity to earn supplemental income. Meanwhile, encouraging multifamily housing near transit ensures that more residents have access to jobs, education, and essential services—without increasing car dependency.

By limiting unnecessary permitting barriers and legalizing more housing options, HB 554 helps New Mexico build more equitable, walkable, and resilient communities.

Please support HB 554 and help create a stronger, more affordable New Mexico.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or ZIP Code]