Mayor Keller Launches “Housing Now” Campaign

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Mayor Tim Keller today launched Housing Now, a bold, people-first initiative designed to alleviate Albuquerque’s housing crisis by reducing rents, preventing displacement, and increasing access to stable housing through innovative tools like the newly proposed PATCH Program.

“Housing Now is about dignity, opportunity, and making sure every resident can afford to live in the city they love,” said Mayor Keller. “We’re not just building homes, we’re stabilizing families, preserving our historic neighborhoods, and giving people a real shot at staying housed.”

Watch the full press conference

The Housing Now campaign introduces a range of strategies:

More Homes Where They’re Needed Most

Prioritizing density along transit-heavy corridors and commercial centers while preserving community character, the City will build on its record of financing nearly 2,500 affordable housing units.

PATCH Program

The first major piece of the campaign is the proposed PATCH Program, a 0% interest, forgivable loan initiative that helps low-income homeowners make critical health and safety repairs—such as replacing a failing roof or fixing broken plumbing, so they can remain in their homes.

“Too many families are just one critical repair away from losing their home. That’s where the City can step in,” said Mayor Keller. “PATCH protects family homes and prevents the kind of displacement that breaks apart neighborhoods and dissolves generational wealth.”

The PATCH Program will uplift families throughout our City, especially in historic neighborhoods where urgent repairs are needed,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “Many of these are generational homes where one major repair can threaten a lifetime of stability. Any way we can help the most vulnerable stay in their homes is a win for the entire community.”

In our existing federal Home Rehab Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by Homewise, 29 households have received assistance, while 11 home repairs are nearing completion, and 21 repairs are in the works this year. Only about $1 million in funding is left, making the new PATCH Program crucial.

“Buying a home of your own is key to stabilizing your biggest monthly expense and building intergenerational wealth,” said Homewise CEO Mike Loftin. “Just as important is being able to maintain your home asset, making necessary repairs, and maximizing the home’s energy efficiency.  The proposed PATCH Program would be an important tool to help low-income homeowners make needed home improvements and improve their overall well-being.” 

Real Choices in Every Neighborhood

Zoning reforms will build on previous code enhancements that allowed casitas, by expanding allowable housing types like cottage courts and corner duplexes. These changes will expand affordable options in existing neighborhoods and helping multigenerational households intact.

Using City Tools to Create Housing

The City will continue to increase the use of public land, streamline permitting, and support the conversion of vacant hotels and other buildings into affordable and mixed-income housing.

Community-Guided Growth

Neighborhoods can opt to opt into growth corridors, shaping the way housing is added while ensuring it upholds community values.

Why It Matters Now

Alongside the PATCH proposal, the City is ramping up support for renters, expanding home repair grants, and developing educational campaigns to connect families with housing resources.

PATCH specifically prioritizes households earning under 80% of the area median income (AMI), focusing on historic and underserved neighborhoods. Repairs covered include roofing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing, and sewer/water lines.

“Home repair isn’t just maintenance, it’s the difference between stability and losing everything,” said Director of Health, Housing, and Homelessness Gilbert Ramirez. “Preventing displacement is foundational to our city’s housing and care systems.”

What’s Next

The City will launch a revamped Housing Now website, distribute multilingual materials in partnership with tenant groups, and hold a series of community town halls across neighborhoods this fall. The PATCH legislation is currently pending City Council approval.

“This is a new era for housing in Albuquerque—one that centers people, stability, and equity,” said Mayor Keller. “Housing Now is our commitment to act with urgency and compassion.”Follow the campaign: #HousingNOWABQ