Link: https://nm.news/2025/06/27/albuquerques-new-opt-in-zoning-plan-aims-to-ease-housing-crunch/

Kagi AI Summery:
Albuquerque is proposing a new opt-in zoning plan to address its housing shortage, which requires over 56,000 new homes by 2045. Sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and Mayor Tim Keller, the plan allows property owners to voluntarily rezone for denser or mixed-use housing, enabling the construction of duplexes, townhomes, and small apartments in single-family neighborhoods without altering their character. The city aims to increase housing options amid rising rents and low vacancy rates, with significant price hikes noted in recent years.

Eligible property owners can apply to update their zoning, focusing on busy streets and designated redevelopment areas, while the city will process these requests. The resolution includes options for converting single-family homes in various zoning categories to allow more housing types. If approved, a 90-day outreach campaign will inform property owners about the new process, followed by a 180-day application period. The Planning Department will then have 90 days to submit qualifying conversions for review, ultimately requiring City Council approval. This initiative seeks to modernize outdated zoning rules and promote inclusive development in Albuquerque.