OPINION: Growing Albuquerque's economy starts with housing

Albuquerque is at a crossroads. We can build a future where families and businesses thrive, or we can fall behind. The most important step we can take now is updating our Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) so we can build the housing our community urgently needs.

Housing is the No. 1 economic constraint facing Albuquerque today. We cannot grow jobs without growing housing.

Housing is the foundation of economic growth

Housing is not just a social concern. It is an economic, business and workforce issue. Every company considering expansion or relocation asks the same first question — not about incentives or taxes, but: “Where will my people live?”

If we cannot answer confidently, jobs go elsewhere. Without housing, growth stops.

Cities from Minneapolis to Austin to Denver faced the same challenge. They reformed their zoning codes, built more housing and their economies strengthened. Albuquerque can do the same while protecting neighborhood character and giving residents real choices about how they want to live.

A city that builds wins

Albuquerque will face a housing gap of roughly 30,000 units by 2040. This shortage drives up rents, pushes home prices higher and squeezes families at every income level. In many neighborhoods, the most affordable homes now see the fastest price increases, making it harder for young families and leaving seniors stuck in houses too large for their needs.

This is why so many young people “drive until they qualify.” They move farther and farther out — trading hours of their time for the chance to buy a home. This pattern separates families, increases traffic and drains life from our city’s core.

IDO reform is a pro-family, homegrown strategy

The proposed IDO changes will:

• Accelerate housing production and infill housing near jobs, schools, parks and transit.

• Create real choices for every income level: starter homes, townhomes, workforce units, casitas and more.

• Encourage density where it makes sense, boosting walkability, sustainability and neighborhood vitality.

• Strengthen local businesses by giving cafés, barber shops, panaderías, child care centers and food trucks the nearby customers they need.

• Use existing infrastructure, saving taxpayer dollars and making the city more financially resilient.

Housing is deeply human

Behind the numbers are real people: Parents whose kids can’t afford to move out, seniors who want to downsize but can’t find options, teachers and nurses who want to live near work but face rising prices and workers who lose precious time commuting because they can’t afford a home in the city they serve.

A smarter path forward

Endless outward growth is not sustainable. Building new roads and utilities costs millions, while many existing neighborhoods already have the infrastructure to support more homes and businesses. These areas would benefit from additional investment, upgraded infrastructure, and more local customers.

Smart, incremental development strengthens communities. It makes neighborhoods more walkable, safer and more vibrant. It supports businesses and creates new housing options for seniors, families and young workers. And it strengthens the tax base that funds our parks, roads, police, libraries and schools.

We Must Remove Barriers to Investment

The proposed IDO reforms will not solve every challenge overnight, but they are the essential first step toward building the Albuquerque we want. This is our moment to support young families, support local businesses and position our city for long-term strength.

Let’s choose smart, sustainable growth. Let’s build homes, build opportunity and build a city where the next generation chooses to stay — and where new families choose Albuquerque as their future.

In the end, housing isn’t just about where we live. It’s about the kind of city we want to become.

Mac Gruner is the director of Economic Development for the city of Albuquerque.