The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has co-authored an op-ed concerning the city's ongoing housing challenges. The piece was published in the Sunday Journal and highlights a recent ordinance passed by the city council aimed at easing restrictions on housing developments in certain areas.

On January 5, Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, signed the op-ed. The article focuses on a proposal by Councilors Dan Lewis and Joaquín Baca, known as 0-24-69, which seeks to address Albuquerque's housing crisis. This ordinance aims to streamline processes for housing projects along busy corridors such as Central Avenue and reduce barriers to initiating these developments.

The proposal received approval after 14 amendments with a 7-2 vote from the council. Councilors Louie Sanchez and Klarissa Peña voted against it.

Sal Perdomo, Director of Acquisitions and Development for Titan Development and member of NAIOP, authored the op-ed. It states that Albuquerque faces several crises affecting life across the city: "Rising housing costs, an increase in the unhoused population, slow job growth and limited access to medical care are problems that need to be addressed immediately," it reads. The article also notes that nearly half of Albuquerque's apartments were built before 1965 and emphasizes the need for over 27,000 additional units to meet current demands.

According to data from the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, access to workforce is crucial for corporate location decisions. CNBC ranked New Mexico No. 43 overall in its "America’s Top States for Business in 2024." The op-ed warns that without competitive solutions to the housing crisis, it will be challenging to attract and retain essential workers.

The process for approving new housing developments is lengthy and complex, involving numerous hearings and reviews by different groups including neighborhood associations and multiple agencies. Even approved projects can face delays due to appeals from individuals claiming community representation.

The op-ed underscores that these appeals have hindered significant projects such as housing developments and facilities offering jobs and services: "These appeals have delayed and even stopped important projects," it said.

In addition to Cole and Perdomo, other signatories include Ernie C’deBaca from the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce; Alan LaSeck from the Apartment Association of New Mexico; Carla Kugler from Associated Builders and Contractors New Mexico; Kelly Roepke from Associated General Contractors of New Mexico; Nathan Brooks from Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico; Lana Smiddle from Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico; Todd Clarke from New Mexico Apartment Advisors Inc.; Ian Robertson from ULI New Mexico.