Pilars of Housing now
Housing Now campaign introduces a range of strategies. Learn more about what we are doing below.
PATCH Program (Preserving Abq Through Critical Housing)
The first major piece of the Housing NOW 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.
Learn more about how the City is supporting homeowners.
Research
City leaders from the Economic Development Department and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency participated in the Bloomberg Harvard City Fellowship in Spring 2025. Over a four-day workshop, this group analyzed data and learned about strategies to unlock growth. They found that Albuquerque’s housing challenges are constraining the city’s economic growth and deepening affordability issues.
Learn more about key findings, 2025 livability speaker series, and housing fund report.
Creating a Casita
Casitas, also known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), are now allowed on residential properties throughout Albuquerque.
Why Casitas?
- Great for multigenerational families, caregivers, or renters
- Adds gentle density in existing neighborhoods
- Helps homeowners generate rental income
- Makes use of land and infrastructure we already have
How the City can help you build a casita
- Download a one-page casita overview
- Download free pre-approved construction plans from the Planning Department
- Learn more about zoning requirements on the Planning Department’s Accessory Dwelling Unit FAQ
- Coming soon! The City’s Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department is working on a program to help homeowners finance a casita.
Zoning: Making It Easier to Build
To make it easier to build the housing Albuquerque needs, the City continues to update local zoning rules—regulations that shape what types of buildings can be built and where. These changes are intended to give homeowners, developers, and communities more options to build homes for people at every stage of life.
Learn more about proposals, updates, and what didn't pass.
Upcoming Projects
The City of Albuquerque assists in financing key affordable housing projects across our City.
Learn more about key developments and projects.
A First Step to Housing: Safe Outdoor Spaces
The City of Albuquerque is proposing changes to local ordinances that would make it easier for trusted community partners to open and operate Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS)—secure, designated areas where people experiencing homelessness can safely sleep and access services.
Learn more about why safe outdoor spaces matter and proposed changes.