Cooling Mandates, Real Consequences: Why O-26-22 Misses the Mark

The Albuquerque City Council is considering Ordinance O-26-22, a proposal that would impose new cooling requirements on all residential properties.

While the goal is understandable, the ordinance creates rigid standards that do not reflect how housing operates in Albuquerque and will have serious impacts on affordability, supply, and property ownership.

View O-26-22

What the Ordinance Requires
  • Cooling systems must reduce indoor temperature by 15°F when it exceeds 85°F
  • Permanent cooling is required in all units
  • Portable systems cannot serve as the primary solution
  • Fines up to $500 per day per unit
Why This Is a Problem

Albuquerque housing is unique:

  • About 65% of homes use evaporative cooling
  • Many properties were not designed for central air
  • Seasonal weather creates inconsistent cooling needs

This ordinance effectively makes many functioning systems non-compliant.

Impact on Apartments
  • Older properties may require electrical upgrades
  • Higher operating costs lead to higher rents
  • Risk of reduced affordable housing
Impact on Single-Family Homes

This applies to all housing through the Uniform Housing Code:

  • Conversion to central air can cost as much as $10,000–$20,000
  • Affects rentals, homeowners, and sales transactions
  • Creates compliance issues during inspections
  • Complaints can come from occupants, including family members
Impact on Casitas and ADUs
  • Many rely on evaporative cooling
  • Limited electrical capacity makes upgrades difficult
  • Increased costs may remove these units from the market

These units are a key source of flexible, affordable housing.

Albuquerque’s climate requires flexibility that this ordinance does not fully consider. Rapid temperature swings are common, and many systems cannot operate heating and cooling at the same time, making temporary solutions like portable equipment a practical necessity. The proposal does not account for these real-world conditions.

If enacted as written, it will likely drive higher rents and home prices, increase utility costs, reduce housing supply, and add strain to the electrical grid. We support safe, livable housing; however, any policy should reflect local conditions, preserve affordability, allow seasonal flexibility, and incorporate stakeholder input. O-26-22, as written, creates more problems than it solves.

Take Action

If you, or someone you know, would like to let your voice be heard tonight, April 20th, 2026, at the City of Albuquerque City Council Meeting beginning at 5:00 PM. You must register by 4:00 PM today to testify by using this web form: https://www.cabq.gov/apr-20-2026-comment.

You can attend via Zoom using this information:

You can attend in person tonight, April 20th, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

  • View Agenda
  • Vincent E, Griego Chambers
    One Civic Plaza