Chris Baca, YES Housing, receive Cleve Matthews Vision Award

Chris Baca's vision for Albuquerque can be traced back to 1973, when he founded Youth Development, Inc., which supports children and families.

He noticed that a child's outcome was often directly linked to stable housing.

Flash forward to 1990, and Baca founded YES Housing, where he still works as the top executive.

"It seemed to be the natural extension of the work we were doing with families," Baca said. "Doing work with families and their kids and the situations they were in, we finally came to the realization that where they lived made a big impact on their life outcomes."

Baca and YES Housing were recognized this year with the 2024 Cleve Matthews Vision Award by NAIOP New Mexico. The award is named after a man who is credited with shaping the foundation of NAIOP New Mexico.

YES Housing is a nonprofit community development organization that aims to build and revitalize communities through quality affordable housing.

Today, YES Housing operates six apartment complexes in Albuquerque and 15 throughout the state, which houses about 1,500 families.

Part of the goal of YES Housing is to not just provide affordable homes but to create communities.

For example, Baca said the residential buildings have mixed uses and homes available to families of different income levels — as opposed to all tenants having the same affordable housing requirements.

At Imperial Apartments, 205 Silver SW in Downtown, there is a garden on the building's rooftop and the fresh fruits and vegetables are made available to tenants. There is also a grocery store and other retail stores on the ground level in a part of town that doesn't have many other grocery store options nearby.

"We think in terms of not only helping families, but helping communities," he said. "If you bring in folks of different income levels (you) also bring in opportunities for other types of amenities and businesses. Our vision is to have a community that is more cohesive with more options and the ability for folks to live a healthier and more well-rounded lifestyle."

NAIOP, in a memo explaining why Baca was chosen for this year's award, said that he is recognized as a national expert on affordable housing and his leadership has made a significant impact on New Mexico's real estate landscape.

YES Housing has several additional housing projects that are nearing completion.

"YES Housing's innovative model reflects Chris Baca's deep understanding of the complex challenges facing affordable housing development," the NAIOP memo states. "His ability to assemble the right teams, build strategic partnerships and navigate the intricacies of financing has resulted in projects that not only meet immediate housing needs but also contribute to the long-term revitalization of communities."