Interview with Housing Policy Advisor to the Office of NM Governor, Daniel Werwath – January 25
6 Days Left – Final Push for Game-Changing NM Housing Bills – SB71 & HB195 Advance to Senate Finance
In a First, Governor MLG Personally Presents Housing Bills before an hours-long committee hearing Wednesday and makes the case for why it is crucial for New Mexico to join 42 other U.S. States with an Office of Housing.
Make Calls to your Senate Finance Committee in SUPPORT of HB195 & SB71
Senate Finance Committee Members contact info is at the bottom of this email.
- HB195 Passes Committee with unanimous bi-partisan support
- SB71 Passes 5-4
- NMHBA legislative update at 8AM, today, ZOOM in (info below)
An exceedingly well-hydrated Jamie Aranda (far left), Association 2nd Vice President and Government & Public Affairs Chair speaks with Daniel Werwath, Chief Housing Policy Advisor to the Office of the Governor (far right) about the need for a comprehensive housing strategy on Wednesday.
Head over to our ISSUE ACTION PAGE for succinct talking points and more info on the bills
A Call to Action from Association 2nd Vice President, Jamie Aranda
Dear Members and Friends of the Association,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to urgently request your support for two crucial-for-housing pieces of legislation – SB 71 and HB 195 – heading to the Senate Finance Committee. Call Senators and urge them to support and hold a hearing on both these bills, ASAP!
SB 71 would establish a new (and small 5-person) Office of Housing tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic housing plan for the entire State. This office will serve as a hub and the GLUE for various entities, including agencies working with the homeless population, low income individuals, and all of the other many agencies that touch housing issues. The goal? Help the many agencies involved in housing initiatives work as one and collaborate their efforts for the betterment of our communities.
…imagine for a moment you’re building a home alongside your team of sub-contractors, but there are no drawings, no project management, and no schedule…you would NEVER! Well, that’s kinda what we’re doing today with New Mexico’s long term housing goals….
HBA Members from our sister locals in ABQ and Lincoln County drove North Wednesday to fight for the home-building industry issues that impact you.
It’s important to note that both pieces of legislation do not duplicate the commendable efforts of the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (NMMFA). Rather, they are designed to complement and increase the impact of NMMFA’s work to other deserving residents, like the local workforce, who earn too much to qualify for Affordable Housing programs, but also cannot afford market rents or purchase home prices today – New Mexico’s missing middle
HB 195 creates a fund to provides access to (otherwise unavailable) critical infrastructure and gap-financing for private sector builders & developers – many of whom are members of our (9) nine Local Home Builders Associations across the State. This financing is essential for enabling the construction of housing developments, which in turn helps meet the growing demand for housing in our area.
…for example, it is very difficult to get traditional financing for a bridge that might connect existing city streets to new developable land.
Local governments tend to expect the builders to pay these prohibitively high costs. And so…a lot of housing projects we’ve been needing years for aren’t happening…because, builders have to eat too.
If you’re in Santa Fe, think Tierra Contenta and Mid-Town. HB195 creates a fund that offers a new answer to this problem.
Visiting w/ Rep. Meredith Dixon (center) who has fought for, crafted, and sponsored bills (including HB195) benefitting our industry for years
I want to emphasize the unheard of occasion where the Governor took a seat in the expert position to show her well-reasoned and immense support for these pieces of legislation in committee, Wednesday. It is evident from this gesture how important these bills are for the betterment of our State.
Believe it or not, there is opposition to both pieces of legislation, and that is why it is imperative that we mobilize ALL our efforts to ensure the successful passage of both bills through the Senate Finance Committee. Your advocacy and support are crucial in driving positive change and creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
I urge you to take action today by contacting members of the committee and expressing your support for SB 71 and HB 195. Let them know why these bills are important to you and your community, emphasizing the significant impact they can have on addressing housing challenges, fostering economic development, and providing essential support to builders in our area.
Please commit to reaching out, not just today, but every day until both bills are heard and pass.
Thank you for your dedication to serving our community and for your support of these critical pieces of legislation. Together, we can make meaningful progress towards a brighter future for everyone.
Sincerely,
Jamie Aranda, 2nd Vice Presidnet & Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair
Northern NM Builders Association | Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association
Head over to our ISSUE ACTION PAGE for succinct talking points and more info on the bills
|
Call 8AM to 5PM on weekdays and emails whenever you’re able. If you only have time for a few calls, CALL the Senator in your region, then start at the top of the list w/ Chair Munoz and Vice Chair Rodriguez. |
|
|
|
|
|
Senate Finance Committee members:
|
