Bernalillo County is considering two proposed resolutions that could significantly change how economic-development projects are evaluated and approved. While the goals focus on community priorities, regional economic-development partners have raised concerns about unintended consequences—particularly for job creation, infrastructure investment, housing supply, and affordability.

What’s Being Considered

The County Commission is preparing to vote on:

• A data center resolution, with a final vote scheduled for January 27
• A broader administrative resolution that would apply a new Community Benefits Rubric to all projects seeking economic-development incentives, including:
  • IRBs (Industrial Revenue Bonds): financing tools that support large commercial and industrial projects
  • LEDA (Local Economic Development Act) funds: incentives used to attract and retain employers
  • TIDDs (Tax Increment Development Districts): mechanisms that fund infrastructure through future tax revenue
  • MRAs (Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas): tools to reinvest in underdeveloped or blighted areas
  • JTIP (Job Training Incentive Program): state assistance that helps offset employee training costs

Economic-development partners caution that the proposed framework could add complexity, delay approvals, and increase uncertainty for employers evaluating Bernalillo County—potentially making the region less competitive for job-creating projects.

Bernalillo County Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing

• Tuesday January 27, 2026, at 5:00 P.M.
• Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers, 415 Silver Ave. SW, First Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87102
• View the Agenda here.
• View the meeting virtually on YouTube.

Why This Matters for REALTORS®

Jobs drive development—and development makes housing possible. Major employers bring more than payroll; they trigger infrastructure investment in water, power, broadband, and transportation. That infrastructure is what allows communities to grow and new housing to be built.

If fewer employers choose to locate or expand in Bernalillo County, infrastructure investment may slow, limiting buildable capacity and reducing housing opportunities. With inventory already tight and construction costs high, policies that unintentionally discourage job creation and development could further strain affordability.

At the same time, competing regions are aggressively recruiting employers. If Bernalillo County is perceived as unpredictable or overly burdensome, those jobs—and the housing demand and infrastructure that follow—may go elsewhere.

GAAR’s Role

The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), a strong coalition partner and the region’s leading economic-development organization, has expressed concern that the proposed resolutions could negatively impact Albuquerque’s long-term economic competitiveness. In response, the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) has submitted a support letter urging a balanced approach—one that advances community benefits while preserving flexibility, encouraging job creation and infrastructure investment, and supporting long-term housing stability and affordability.

Bottom Line

Jobs lead to development. Development enables housing. REALTOR® voices help ensure economic-development policies support a strong housing market and a growing, competitive region.