Las Cruces and Doña Ana County are set to receive $11 million in funding for housing projects as part of a broader $120 million initiative led by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to address housing needs across New Mexico. The funds, managed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ Office of Housing, aim to increase attainable housing, reduce homelessness, and improve public safety.
“A home offers security, hope and the chance to put dreams about the future into action,” said Lujan Grisham. “With these investments, we’re proving that New Mexico is serious about ending homelessness and giving families the stability of a permanent roof over their heads.”
Secretary Sarita Nair of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions emphasized the variety of approaches being used in Las Cruces: “The projects we’re supporting in Las Cruces demonstrate the range of strategies needed to confront New Mexico’s housing crisis. Under Governor Lujan Grisham’s leadership, we’re investing in proven solutions from expanding affordable and attainable housing to creating pathways out of homelessness, to supporting landlords who accept housing vouchers.”
A recent analysis identified that only 13.5% of households statewide can afford a median-priced home at $345,000 with current interest rates and down payment assumptions. Renters face greater challenges; 76.6% earning less than $50,000 annually are considered cost-burdened.
Representative Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) commented on this year’s legislative efforts: “This year we made historic, direct investments in expanding access to housing and reducing homelessness in our communities because we know nothing is more critical to the stability of our families than the roof over their heads. We also know that access to safe, stable housing is key to improving child well-being, addressing crime, and creating more economic opportunity in our communities. I am grateful to see us begin breaking ground on the first of many projects that will expand what’s possible for countless families in Southern New Mexico and strengthen our state as a whole.”
Johana Bencomo, mayor pro tem and city councilor for District 4 added: “With this $11 million investment in affordable housing, we are doubling down on strategies we know deliver results. Together with our legislators, we are ensuring more people in Las Cruces can count on the security and stability of a home. I am deeply grateful to our housing staff, our community partners, legislators, Secretary Nair, and Governor Lujan Grisham for their leadership, trust, and support in making this vision a reality.”
The projects receiving funding include:
– Arcadia 4 Subdivision ($3.25 million): Will add 52 single-family homes aimed at households earning up to 120% area median income (AMI), developed with Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity and Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation.
– Peachtree Canyon Apartments Phase I ($4.3 million): Aims for 144 multifamily rental units targeted at low- and moderate-income residents up to 60% AMI.
– Pedrena Senior Apartments ($400K): An 80-unit complex for seniors aged 55+, focused on affordable rents up to 60% AMI.
– Skylark Subdivision ($1.4 million): Will provide 32 new single-family homes near Central Road for buyers up to 120% AMI.
– Amador Crossing ($1.725 million): A two-story building offering efficiency and one-bedroom apartments—including ADA-accessible units—for individuals or families transitioning out of or at risk for homelessness.
– Landlord Risk Mitigation Program-MVCH ($100K): Expands an existing program administered by Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (MVCH) that helps landlords offset costs when renting units to vulnerable tenants.
These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts by local government officials working with state agencies and nonprofit organizations specializing in affordable homeownership development.
