Monday night’s Albuquerque City Council meeting demonstrated something important: our community showed up.

Members of the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) and the New Mexico Short Term Rental Association (NMSTRA) testified in strong opposition to Ordinance O-26-05, continuing a long-standing effort to protect private property rights, support responsible short-term rentals, and advocate for data-driven housing policy.

Throughout the evening, REALTORS®, small business owners, homeowners, and local residents shared clear and consistent testimony grounded in facts, not fear. Speakers emphasized that short-term rentals make up less than 1% of Albuquerque’s total housing stock, a scale that simply cannot drive the city’s affordability or supply challenges. GAAR leadership reiterated what the data shows: restricting short-term rentals does not increase housing supply or improve affordability, but it does risk economic harm, lost jobs, and reduced tourism revenue.

Testimony also highlighted the real-world role short-term rentals play in Albuquerque. Many hosts use STRs temporarily, between long-term tenants, during renovations, or to offset rising ownership costs. Others described how STRs have helped stabilize neighborhoods by reinvesting in neglected properties, supporting local service workers, and providing flexible lodging for visitors, traveling nurses, and families in transition.

Importantly, last night’s discussion reinforced a reality GAAR has consistently raised: Albuquerque’s housing challenges are driven by underbuilding, rising construction costs, regulatory barriers, and economic pressures; not by a small, regulated STR market. Several councilors echoed concerns that the proposed separation requirements could create enforcement challenges, discourage compliance, and unfairly limit future homeowners’ opportunities.

This was not the first time O-26-05, or a similar version, has come before the City Council. Variations of this proposal have surfaced multiple times over the past four years, and each time, REALTORS® and community members have returned to the table with the same message: meaningful housing solutions require increasing supply, not restricting lawful property use.

GAAR is proud of the REALTORS® who took the time to testify, engage respectfully, and advocate for smart housing policy. Their voices, alongside NMSTRA members and local residents, made clear that evidence-based solutions and collaboration are the path forward.

We will continue to stand for private property rights, responsible short-term rentals, and policies that truly expand housing opportunities for Albuquerque families.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and stayed engaged.