County Commission backs tax breaks for Northwest Albuquerque apartments
Clerk’s action summary ↗Agenda ↗Meeting page ↗ Meeting details
The short version
-
The County Commission took first steps toward property tax breaks for two affordable apartment projects in Northwest Albuquerque.
One project has 133 units and the other 171 units, both described as 100% affordable workforce housing. Both passed 4-1, with Commissioner Olivas voting no.
-
The commission rewrote the county's rules for choosing and funding big building projects.
Changes let the county charge up to a 5% fee when it handles a project's money, and replace an outside advisory committee with the County Planning commission. Only nonprofit projects on the county's yearly priority list may seek state capital funding or federal earmarks.
What it means for youNonprofits that want state building money through the county must make the county's priority list first.
-
The commission moved $800,000 from the county's emergency reserve for an alternate access road near Abrams Road.
The money goes to the Laguna Access Road Project. The commission voted on it the same night it was introduced so the project can start as soon as funds arrive.
-
The commission approved up to $6.5 million in bonds for a senior apartment project.
The AHEPA Senior Apartment project would build 61 senior units. The vote was unanimous.
-
The commission formally received the state's orders setting this year's property tax rates.
The vote acknowledges the state Department of Finance and Administration's rate orders for 2026. It was moved up on the agenda to meet state deadlines.
What people said
- 11 people spoke in public comment.
- The record lists who spoke but does not say what topics they raised.
- Four of the speakers took part remotely.
What’s next
- The commission's next zoning meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers.
- The next administrative meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5:00 p.m. in the same chambers.
Everything on the agenda (12 items)
Decided by vote 7
The commission formally acknowledged the state Department of Finance and Administration's orders setting 2026 property tax rates. It was moved up the agenda to meet state deadlines. The rates themselves are not in the record.
For you: Property owners in the county
After a public hearing, the commission changed county rules for capital projects. The county may charge up to a 5% fee to act as money handler for projects. The County Planning commission replaces an outside advisory committee. Only nonprofit projects on the yearly priority list may seek state capital or federal earmark money. Recommendations go public at least 60 days before the state deadline. The item was briefly set aside so staff could make corrections, then passed.
For you: Nonprofits and groups seeking state building money through the county
The commission adopted a "BernCo Builds Communities Good Neighbor Policy." The record does not say what the policy requires.
The commission declared its intent, if certain conditions are met, to issue up to $6,500,000 in housing revenue bonds to finance 61 senior apartment units. The location is not given.
For you: Seniors seeking housing
The commission declared its intent, if certain conditions are met, to approve a property tax exemption for a 133-unit, 100% affordable workforce apartment project in Northwest Albuquerque.
For you: Renters seeking affordable housing in Northwest Albuquerque
The commission declared its intent, if certain conditions are met, to approve a property tax exemption for a 171-unit, 100% affordable workforce housing project in Northwest Albuquerque.
For you: Renters seeking affordable housing in Northwest Albuquerque
The commission moved $800,000 from the general fund emergency reserve to the Laguna Access Road Project, an alternate access for Abrams Road. It passed the night it was introduced so work can start once funds arrive.
For you: People who travel Abrams Road
Passed together without discussion 1
Approved minutes of the Aug. 25 meeting; appointed Dr. Eric Griego-Montoya, Javier Rojo and Annaliza Gourneau to the Economic Development Community Advisory Board; and appointed Florencio Olguin to the Youth Sports Commission.
Reports, presentations and discussion 4
Chair Barboa presented a proclamation for National Recovery Month.
Commissioner Benson presented a proclamation honoring HB Construction.
County Clerk Michelle S. Kavanaugh recognized the winners of the 2026 "I Voted" sticker contest.
Assessor Damian Lara gave an update on the office. The record does not say what it covered.
What the record doesn’t say
- What time the meeting ended; the minutes leave it blank.
- What the 11 public speakers talked about.
- The actual 2026 property tax rates and what they mean for bills.
- How much property tax the two Northwest Albuquerque housing projects would be excused from, and their exact sites.
- What the Good Neighbor Policy requires.
- Why the Abrams Road alternate access is needed and when work would start.
- Why Commissioner Olivas voted against the two housing tax breaks.
Meeting details
- Meeting
- Regular (administrative meeting), 5:00 p.m.
- Where
- Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers
- Presiding
- Chair Adriann Barboa
- Attendance
- All five commissioners present
- Written from
- From the clerk’s action summary.
Written by AI from the official record and checked by code against it: every dollar figure, vote, number, date and member’s name must appear in the record’s own words, or the summary is held. Not reviewed by a person. Residents are not named. How these are made · All Bernalillo County meetings