By Lora Lucero

The lesson for progressives, I think, in the recent battle over amendments to the zoning ordinance (called the Integrated Development Ordinance in Albuquerque) is that effective messaging is critical.

Following months of meetings and controversy, the City Council approved the amendments on a 5-4 vote on June 21st. The amendments allow casitas (aka granny units) to be built in the single-family R-1 zone which accounts for about 2/3 of sprawling Albuquerque. Although some who spoke in opposition claim the casitas will not help address the affordability issue in Albuquerque, studies clearly show that building more diverse types of housing stock and increasing the housing supply will benefit everyone, including renters and those on the streets.