SB 205 & HB 488 – Creating a State Office of Housing Planning and Production

Quick Summary of the Legislation:

SB 205 and its mirror bill HB 488 propose the establishment of a State Office of Housing Planning and Production. This office will be tasked with coordinating statewide efforts to address New Mexico’s housing shortage by:

• Developing a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses both urban and rural needs.

• Streamlining permitting processes and identifying funding opportunities for affordable housing projects.

• Collaborating with local governments, nonprofits, and private developers to close housing gaps.

• Tracking housing production data and setting statewide goals for new housing development.

Why This Legislation Matters:

New Mexico is facing a growing housing crisis — with rising rents, home prices outpacing wages, and a critical shortage of affordable units. Local governments often lack the resources or capacity to plan and produce housing at the scale needed.

This bill creates a centralized office to:

• Coordinate statewide housing efforts and avoid duplication of efforts at the local level.

• Streamline the development process, making it easier to build more homes, more quickly.

• Support rural and under-resourced communities that struggle to attract investment or navigate complex planning processes.

Why Strong Towns ABQ Supports It:

• Holistic Planning: A coordinated approach ensures housing is planned with transportation, infrastructure, and community needs in mind.

• Affordable Housing Solutions: This office can help direct resources to communities most affected by the housing crisis.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Tracking housing production helps align future development with real community needs.

• Local-Regional Balance: While local decision-making remains important, statewide coordination is crucial for addressing large-scale issues like housing shortages.

Creating this office is a critical step toward ensuring Albuquerque — and communities across New Mexico — can meet housing demands while promoting resilience, equity, and smart growth.

Template Email of Support:

Subject: Please Support SB 205 & HB 488 – Establishing the State Office of Housing Planning and Production

Dear [Legislator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong support for SB 205 and HB 488, which would establish a State Office of Housing Planning and Production. New Mexico is facing a severe housing shortage, and this legislation represents a proactive and strategic step toward ensuring that our communities have the resources and coordination needed to address this crisis.

By streamlining processes, supporting local governments, and using data-driven strategies to guide housing production, this office will help expand housing opportunities across the state — from urban centers like Albuquerque to underserved rural communities.

A well-coordinated housing strategy not only addresses affordability but also supports economic growth, public health, and community stability.

Please vote YES on SB 205 and HB 488 to help build a more resilient, equitable, and thriving New Mexico.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address (optional)]
[Your Email]

Current Status in the Senate: under consideration of the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee

Contact the members of the Senate Health & Public Affairs Committee in support!

Senator Linda M. López (Chair) – linda.lopez@nmlegis.gov

1. Senator Martin Hickey (Vice Chair) – martin.hickey@nmlegis.gov

2. Senator Larry R. Scott – larry.scott@nmlegis.gov

3. Senator Jay C. Block – jay.block@nmlegis.gov

4. Senator Pat Boone – pat.boone@nmlegis.gov

5. Senator Angel M. Charley – angel.charley@nmlegis.gov

6. Senator David M. Gallegos – david.gallegos@nmlegis.gov

7. Senator Cindy Nava – cindy.nava@nmlegis.gov

8. Senator Shannon D. Pinto – shannon.pinto@nmlegis.gov

9. Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez – antoinette.sedillolopez@nmlegis.gov

Current Status in the House: under consideration of the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee

Contact the members of the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee in favor of HB488! 

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