Opt-In Zoning Conversion Critical for More Housing

ALBUQUERQUE – Resolution 25-167, a key pillar of the City’s Housing NOW plan, is on its way to the Land Use, Planning, & Zoning Committee on Wednesday, August 13. If passed, the measure would increase housing options and foster communities where residents can live, work, learn, shop, and play together. Opt-in zoning is about inviting growth where it’s wanted—making it easier to build homes where infrastructure already exists, supporting small business vitality, and giving residents more housing choices without imposing one-size-fits-all changes.

Resolution 25-167 was put forth by the Keller administration and sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. It establishes a process for legislative zoning conversions and allows for mixed-use development, including more housing, along collector and arterial streets, as well as designated Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas. If passed, this would give property owners in certain zones the ability to apply for a zoning change to allow for more diverse development.

“Vacancy rates are still low and rents are too high,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “If passed, this resolution will encourage development that expands housing options for a range of incomes and lifestyles.”

By electing to “Opt in” to higher density, mixed-use, or affordable housing incentives, the resolution would directly increase the number of homes available—often in areas close to jobs, transit, and amenities. This targeted growth can lower competition for housing and help stabilize or reduce rents.

“This voluntary process gives neighborhoods and Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas new tools to grow thoughtfully and sustainably,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “By allowing mixed-use development in the right places, we can support vibrant, walkable communities while addressing our housing shortage head-on.”

“This legislation will allow property owners to have more control over their property and is 100% voluntary,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “This step forward is long overdue because our community and economy simply cannot thrive without abundant housing options.”

Opt-in zoning is a flexible, pragmatic strategy that has a track record of expanding housing options in many other cities nationwide, like San Diego, Raleigh, Miami, and Cincinnati.

These changes would promote more housing opportunities that can bring more residents to areas that already have business services and public investments in facilities such as community centers and libraries. Additionally, mixed-use zone districts along collector and arterial streets will allow for more non-residential uses where businesses can serve existing residents and have appropriate access for pedestrians, drivers, and transit users.