GOVERNOR SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENT COUNCIL Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed an executive order which created a Housing Investment Council with a mission to bring New Mexico’s affordable housing development up to pace to meet demand in the state. The council’s work begins at a crucial moment as average rent in the state has increased by 70% since 2017, but wages have only grown by 15%. “It is time to go big on affordable housing. We need thousands of homes to meet demand and give New Mexicans a stable foundation,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “We secured more than $82 million in the last legislative session to address housing, and an investment plan is the next step in ensuring we make the most of every housing dollar in our state.” The members of the council selected by the governor include: • Brian Egolf, Former House Speaker, Chair • Senator Michael Padilla • Representative Meredith Dixon • Izzy Hernandez, Mortgage Finance Authority • Lorrie Chavez, CEO, Santo Domingo Housing Authority • Kent Thurston, CEO, KT Homes, LLC The executive order signed by the governor directs the council to develop a strategic housing investment plan that addresses gaps in available housing resources, inefficiencies in regulatory and zoning that impact housing development, workforce and business shortages in the housing development industries, the facilitation of public-private partnerships and more. “We have a big job to do,” said Brian Egolf, former House Speaker and Chair of the council. “The next six months will be a spring so that we can have a package to present to the legislature. I’m looking to have results a year from now.” “I think this is one of the most important things we can do for our young families especially,” said Senator Michael Padilla. “It is going to give them a sense of place which leads to a better home life for their children. If you don’t know where you are going to sleep at night, the last thing you are going to focus on is your homework if you even got to school that day. This is going to lend itself to a lot more down the road.” “Housing that is accessible and affordable is central to getting families in stable and safe environments,” said Representative Meredith Dixon. “The council’s work will happen before January, so there will be something for us to put into action when the next session starts. It’s imperative the work starts right away to help get New Mexicans into the homes they deserve.” 25
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==