ABQ Times

Albuquerque is taking steps to address its housing challenges through new legislative measures. Councilors Dan Lewis and Joaquín Baca have sponsored ordinance O-24-69, which aims to facilitate responsible growth and support those most affected by rising housing costs and homelessness. The ordinance was passed with a 7 to 2 vote.

The bill introduces changes to the City of Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) to streamline processes and ensure appeals reflect genuine concerns from directly affected residents. Key changes include making duplexes, townhouses, and multifamily housing permissible in Main Street and Major Transit Corridors, eliminating administrative appeals for projects on city property, requiring petitions for Neighborhood Association appeals with majority support from nearby property owners or tenants, and holding losing appellants responsible for appellee's legal fees.

District 5 Councilor Dan Lewis expressed enthusiasm for the passage of O-24-69, stating that it addresses pressing needs by reducing red tape and encouraging housing development along main streets and transit corridors. "It will also streamline the City’s own projects making for a more nimble government that can move faster on desperately needed public works projects," said Lewis.

The legislation permits multifamily housing within residential zones near Premium Transit Stations (ART) and Main Street areas, promoting new construction in central locations. District 2 Councilor Joaquín Baca highlighted the importance of this measure in addressing affordable housing shortages. "This valuable legislation will help speed up the construction of desperately needed housing in our City," said Baca.

These reforms aim to create a quicker approval process that aligns with residents' needs while supporting job creation and efficient delivery of medical services. The city hopes these changes will lead to a better future by addressing current inefficiencies.