A bill that will set up a small agency tasked with developing a statewide housing plan is now working its way through the New Mexico State Legislature as that body nears the end of its winter session.
As proposed by Senator Michael Padilla, Senate Bill 71 would see the creation of an Office of Housing that would be a part of the Department of Finance and Administration, taking on a holistic approach to a myriad of housing issues across the state.
According to an analysis of the bill put together by the Legislative Finance Committee, the Office of Housing would study “housing issues and work with governments and private developers to plan projects and acquire funding to address housing needs.”
The office would also coordinate its efforts with “regional housing authorities, local governments, tribal governments, and private housing stakeholders,” as well as any number of state agencies, to make up an annual state housing plan.
While lawmakers have lauded the intent of the bill, some have wondered if in its work, the proposed Office of Housing will end up duplicating the work of the existing New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.
Despite those reservations, the measure has won the support of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, along with the Northern New Mexico Builders Association, Santa Fe Home Builders Association, and Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
According to an estimate produced by the Office of the State Auditor, the proposed Office of Housing would require around $375,000 annually to support a four-person staff.
The measure is currently under review in the Senate Finance Committee.
By Garry Boulard
