Abandoned buildings need solutions

Every day, as I drive through my district heading to work, I come across a sight that is all too familiar in New Mexico: a burned out, abandoned building. These delinquent properties dot the landscape of our beautiful community, creating safety concerns and driving down the property values of hardworking New Mexicans. Currently, programs are being implemented throughout the state and across the country to address this growing issue in a way that benefits residents. I believe it is time that we seriously explore how to support cities and counties throughout the state in rehabilitating these properties.

At a time when the American dream of homeownership feels out of reach for so many, buildings across our communities sit vacant and unusable. Residents of Doña Ana County work hard, yet the persistent shortage of housing stock prevents many from realizing their dreams— whether of owning a home or simply renting at a reasonable price. We should be steadfast in our resolve to create greater access to good, affordable housing and allowing delinquent buildings to remain on otherwise usable property is another barrier standing in the way.

We also know that individuals experiencing homelessness are not safe in substandard buildings. Everyone deserves to live in a home that does not pose a risk to their health and safety. These buildings may provide temporary shelter but are no replacement for long-term housing and wraparound services. As the city and county work to make affordable housing accessible, we also have a duty to remove unsafe buildings where individuals may seek shelter and direct them to services and safe shelter.

This is not an issue unique to Doña Ana County, or New Mexico. Cities across the country have adopted policies to remediate dilapidated buildings and return them to use. Here in New Mexico, various measures are already underway to lessen the number of delinquent properties. The Mortgage Finance Authority — now known as Housing New Mexico — has implemented a program called Restoring our Communities aimed at providing funding to eligible agencies to acquire, renovate, and resell vacant properties. Albuquerque and Edgewood have also instituted programs to bring neglected buildings back into service. These efforts demonstrate that with coordinated policy and community investment, the challenge of vacant and dilapidated properties can be effectively addressed across both urban and rural communities.

I believe decreasing the number of vacant properties in New Mexico serves to benefit our communities in so many ways —from lowering crime rates to increasing housing supply and revitalizing neglected neighborhoods. Addressing this issue is a vital step toward building stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities for everyone in our state. The solutions are within reach, and I am committed to advancing policy at the state level to support our counties and municipalities in tackling this challenge and helping New Mexico families thrive.

NM State Rep. Doreen Gallegos is a Democrat who represents District 52.