Albuquerque City Council Considering a Reduction in Impact Fees

Published on Aug 19, 2009

The Albuquerque City Council is considering a reduction in impact fees to remain competitive in the real estate and commercial development markets. Impact fees help fund critical major infrastructure in Albuquerque. Builders of new commercial and residential buildings pay impact fees that represent a fair, proportionate share of the cost of the parks, roads, drainage facilities and public safety facilities necessary to serve that new development. The City of Albuquerque Planning Department administers the impact fee program. A reduction in impact fees would lower the costs for builders who are interested in building new housing or commercial developments to the Albuquerque area.

The council deferred the proposed reduction twice already. The proposed changes to ordinances; O-09-69, 70, 71, and 72 would put a one-year reduction on impact fees added to all new construction developments. The proposed reduction is 100% for "green construction," and 50% for all other developments. Bernalillo County Commissioners have already approved a similar measure that went into effect on July 1, 2009. County commissioners say the move will draw new development and save consumers thousands of dollars on each new project built.

Mayor Martin J. Chávez and several city council members are behind the change and realize the waiver is needed to remain competitive. No action was taken during the August 3 and August 17 meetings. This is your opportunity to get involved and help get the temporary reduction approved. Contact your city council representative and ask them to back the proposal to reduce impact fees.

Use this link to find your council district and councilor contact information:
http://www.cabq.gov/council/

More information on impact fees:
http://www.cabq.gov/council/impact-fees