AARP wants ABQ residents to always have a place to call home

For years, Albuquerque has lacked affordable, accessible and right-sized housing, and the problem was expected to get worse as the community’s older adult population continued to grow exponentially. By 2030, New Mexico is expected to have the nation’s third highest population of people age 65 and older!

That’s why AARP has been part of the Albuquerque Age Friendly Community work since the beginning, and why the team supported Mayor Tim Keller’s “Housing Forward Plan” and an ordinance passed by the City Council that can help create more housing options for all families.

The ordinance allows Additional Dwelling Units – commonly called casitas – in neighborhoods traditionally restricted to single-family homes. This measure means family caregivers and their loved ones will have options to stay together. Additionally, many older adults have significant equity in their homes, so providing an option to build a casita will allow them to age where they want and build generational wealth.

The Albuquerque government is making four types of plans for casitas available for free and providing step-by-step guidance on putting ADUs on your property.

Learn more about what AARP is doing to make Albuquerque and all of New Mexico an even better place to live work and play, and get connected today.