The City of Las Vegas is taking early steps toward a new workforce housing initiative aimed at helping middle-income residents who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing programs but still struggle to buy a home. City officials emphasize that the effort is very much in its infancy, but they view it as an important step toward addressing long-standing gaps in the community’s housing stock.

The plan focuses on creating affordable homes for purchase rather than rentals, a deliberate choice intended to support neighborhood stability and help families build equity locally. Mayor David Romero, who has served on the North Central Economic Development Committee since his time as a city councilor, has been working closely with City Planner Scott Zunker and project coordinator Monica Abeita to shape the proposal. After several months of early planning, the concept was presented to the City Council in September and received full support.

City staff initially researched multiple state and federal funding sources, but many programs were not a good fit for Las Vegas. Progress came when Abeita identified the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority’s 2020 Public Lands Housing Program as a viable option. She played a key role in securing the remaining MFA funds, which allowed the City to begin planning the first phase of housing. The City will also likely be eligible for zero- to low-interest loans through MFA, provided the homes meet certain requirements: they must range from approximately 850 to 1,500 square feet, with two or three-bedroom layouts and one or two bathrooms. Early cost estimates fall between $250,000 and $325,000, with the City advocating keeping prices at the lower end. Buyers would be required to sign a Land Use Restriction Agreement to prevent flipping outside of qualifying buyers and to ensure the homes remain available to workforce families’ long term.

To identify suitable development sites, Abeita helped the City partner with Living Designs Group Architects of Taos, led by Douglas Patterson. After touring several city-owned vacant lots, the team selected two promising areas. One site on Sapello Street would require rezoning to R-2 and replatting to create 13 lots for seven three-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes. A second site on 2nd Street could be replatted to accommodate five homes—three with three bedrooms and two with two bedrooms. More information will be shared as the process continues, with the next steps involving land development approvals with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council.

Earlier this month, city officials also met with staff from the North Central Economic Development District to discuss broader housing challenges facing Las Vegas and San Miguel County. The conversation focused on expanding current housing strategies and updating city- and countywide housing plans. Local partners—including schools, colleges, and employers—have raised concerns about limited housing for staff and workforce members, noting difficulties in attracting qualified instructors and employees because available housing is scarce.

The City is also participating in community-level discussions involving schools, housing projects, code enforcement, and support for New Mexico Highlands University on its planned housing development near the golf course. Workforce shortages in the construction industry remain a challenge, with contractors reporting they are short-handed and often unable to take on additional building projects. Leaders have also discussed the need for dormitories at Luna Community College, additional dormitories at New Mexico Highlands University, expanded public housing opportunities, and clearer alignment among fiscal partners, agencies, and governing bodies.

As part of the effort to better understand the housing landscape, officials are considering an official audit to evaluate current needs and resources and to determine which homes and properties could be made ready for occupancy the fastest. Zunker noted that stronger planning and leadership are helping the City gain momentum. “We need the catch-up because a lot wasn’t done, and doing an audit of current potential vacant homes that could be converted to livable homes is underway. It has been a pleasure working with Mayor Romero on this initiative,” he said. Romero added that his role is to develop ideas while his team works to bring them to life.

The priority is not simply to develop the most desirable locations, but to bring usable housing online as quickly as possible. A vacant property is currently in effect and will be ramping up on its efforts and intention come the new year, and the City hopes to begin contacting owners of livable but unused homes to explore potential opportunities.

While the initiative is still in its earliest stages, city officials say it represents a significant attempt to support essential workers—teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, and service industry employees—whose ability to live in Las Vegas is critical to the community’s long-term stability. Mayor Romero said the project also sends a message to state partners. “This is a major step to show our state and federal partners that we can do projects like these, which could open up new partnerships and opportunities for funding for additional housing projects to meet the gaps our community needs.”

The City plans to continue developing the concept, refining designs, engaging with the public, and coordinating with regional and state partners as the broader housing strategy moves forward.