Preserving Albuquerque Through Critical Housing (PATCH) Program

What is the PATCH Program

The PATCH Program will offer financial assistance in the form of no-interest forgivable loans to income-eligible homeowners in Albuquerque to make health, safety, and structural repairs to their home.  City Council approved the program on September 15, but it is currently not funded. 

The program is anticipated to launch in 2026.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Applicants?

To qualify for PATCH assistance, the applicant must:

1. Reside in a low-income household that earns at or below 80% AMI
2. Own and occupy the property as a primary residence
3. Not have liens or judgments against the property exceeding $5000
4. Owner must be current on mortgage and taxes
5. Home must be located within the Albuquerque city limits.

What Types of Repairs are Eligible?

1. Plumbing, such as replacement of failing pipes, fixtures, and/or water supply systems to ensure water conservation, safe and sanitary water access, or drainage.
2. Electrical systems, such as repairing or upgrading wiring, electrical panels, and/or circuits that improve safety or support energy efficiency upgrades.
3. Space conditioning improvements such as installation or repair of heat pumps or efficient HVAC systems needed for year-round comfort and safety, protection from extreme weather, or lower utility bills.
4. Roofing, such as replacement or structural repair of roofs that are leaking, collapsing, or otherwise compromised, including related water damage.
5. Foundation, such as structural repairs to address cracked, sinking, or unstable foundations that may threaten the overall safety of the home.
6. Sewer and water connections, such as replacement or repair of deteriorating or failing service lines to ensure reliable water access and prevent backups or environmental hazards.
7. Energy Efficiency and electrification improvements, such as insulation, weatherization, and/or installation of efficient windows and/or doors, provided such improvements contribute to the long-term habitability or affordability of the home.

How are the Loans Structured?

The loans will be 0% interest, deferred payment loans, secured by a recorded lien on the property and subject to a requirement that the owner occupies the property as their main residence for the entirety of a specified affordability period.  Affordability periods are 5, 10, or 15 years, depending on the amount of the loan.

The loan will be fully forgiven if the homeowner continues to occupy the property as their primary residence for the entirety of the specified affordability period.  If the property is sold or transferred before the end of the affordability period, the property owner would be required to repay to the City a prorated portion of the loan, based on the amount of time remaining in the affordability term.

How do I Apply For Assistance Through the PATCH Program?

The PATCH program is expected to launch in 2026, contingent on funding.  At that time, the City will publicize information about how and where to apply for assistance, as well as contacts for more information.

Is There a Waiting List?

No, there is not a waiting list.  The City will publicize more information about the program and how to apply in 2026 after the program is funded and ready to launch.

How do I Find Out More?

The City will provide updates in 2026 on cabq.gov and will publicize the program when it launches.