What can local governments do to support affordable housing?

The upcoming elections for Mayor and Town Council in the Town of Taos could have a significant impact on housing affordability across our region.  While the local government cannot solve the housing affordability crisis alone, there are several concrete steps they can take to tackle affordable housing.  Here’s a brief summary of some of these steps! 

Prioritizing public land for affordable housing. 

Many municipalities own underutilized land which could be donated for affordable housing development. The price of land can be a larger driver of development costs, and donated land can go a long way to make housing more affordable to develop and eventually sell or rent. Jurisdictions in New Mexico who have adopted an Affordable Housing Plan (which includes the Town of Taos and Taos County) can circumvent concerns around the state’s Anti-Donation Clause. If the donated land is already connected to infrastructure, or if the local government can provide the infrastructure, it increases the feasibility of affordable housing development even further. 

Directing State funding to local housing partners and projects. 

In New Mexico, housing funding from state entities often requires a local government pass through. By cultivating relationships with State level funders, and by encouraging local development efforts, local governments can play a crucial intermediary role in distributing this much-needed funding. Local governments can also advocate at a state level for funding streams and reporting requirements that better fit the needs of smaller, capacity-strapped communities. 

Championing pro-housing land use reforms. 

Land use codes play a large role in what kinds of housing development are possible and how long and onerous and therefore expensive the process is to get a home approved.  Land use codes are largely local, so local governments can take steps to create pro-housing reforms.  Local governments can also help communicate about the necessity of these reforms to stave off and convert community opposition. 

Collaborating with existing community efforts

Many communities already have existing ecosystems of builders, developers, and non-profits working steadily to chip away at the affordability crisis.  Supporting these existing efforts and not duplicating the work can ensure efficacy and a community focus.

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Speaker Series: Affordable Housing Development