HB 571 - Building Housing Communities

Expanding Housing Choices Across New Mexico Through Local Flexibility and Smart Growth

Quick Summary:

HB 571—the Building Housing Communities Act—encourages cities, towns, villages, and counties across New Mexico to voluntarily adopt pro-housing policies aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability. The bill provides technical support and recognition for municipalities that reduce zoning barriers, streamline development processes, and promote diverse housing options.

Key Provisions Include:

• Voluntary participation by municipalities.

• Strategies to expand housing options, reduce construction costs, and streamline permitting.

• A “Building New Mexico Community” certificate awarded to cities that implement housing-friendly reforms.

• Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) oversight to support local governments and ensure consistency.

Why Strong Towns ABQ Supports HB 571:

HB 571 aligns with Strong Towns principles of creating resilient, people-centered communities by promoting smart, incremental development that strengthens local economies and expands housing access.

Here’s Why This Bill Matters:

• Increases Housing Variety: By promoting zoning reforms and flexible land use policies, HB 571 makes it easier to build everything from single-family homes to duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

• Encourages Infill Development: The bill incentivizes municipalities to focus on areas with existing infrastructure, reducing sprawl and long-term maintenance costs.

• Respects Local Contexts: It offers a voluntary framework, allowing municipalities to choose strategies that fit their unique needs while still promoting broader housing goals.

• Fosters Financial Resilience: By expanding the housing stock, HB 571 helps create stronger tax bases and makes housing more attainable for a broader range of residents.

• Supports Sustainable Growth: Encourages development near transit and community hubs, helping to reduce car dependency and strengthen neighborhood connectivity.

Take Action: Support HB 571!

Help us advocate for smarter housing policies that benefit communities across New Mexico. Reach out to your legislators and urge them to vote YES on HB 571.

Current Status: Passed first Committee and now 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 571 – Building Housing Communities Act

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong support for HB 571, the Building Housing Communities Act. This legislation offers a forward-thinking approach to New Mexico’s housing challenges by encouraging cities, towns, and counties to adopt pro-housing policies that increase the availability and affordability of homes for all New Mexicans.

HB 571 promotes strategies that reduce unnecessary zoning barriers, streamline permitting, and expand housing types—while respecting local contexts and needs. It empowers communities to implement flexible, smart-growth policies that not only boost housing supply but also strengthen local economies and support sustainable development.

By supporting HB 571, you’re backing a bill that creates more resilient, inclusive, and economically sound communities throughout our state.

Please vote YES on HB 571 and help New Mexico build a stronger, more connected future.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our communities.

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