The budget proposal from the Donald Trump administration, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” is raising alarms in Albuquerque as it threatens to eliminate critical federal funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs.
City officials warn that these cuts could lead to increased housing insecurity and job losses.
Under the proposed budget, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program, both administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), would be zeroed out. According to city officials, Albuquerque typically receives $4.4 million in CDBG funding and $2 million in HOME funding annually.
These funds are vital for a range of initiatives, including:
- Affordable Housing: $2 million in HOME funding
- Affordable Housing Preservation: $965,189 in CDBG funding
- Affordable Homeownership Assistance: $1.3 million from CDBG and HOME, which served 45 people last year.
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: $536,372 in HOME funding, assisting 39 people in the past year.
- Eviction Prevention: $310,298 in CDBG funding, potentially impacting up to 642 people.
Beyond housing, CDBG funding also supports the salaries of 10 City of Albuquerque Community Development employees. The elimination of these positions would further strain city services.
“This bill is big and dangerous, but it’s certainly not beautiful,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “It’s threatening to roll back the progress we’ve made as a city, and if passed, it will unhouse people in need of vital programming. I urge Congress to do the right thing for our community and the American People – vote against this destructive bill.”
The Emergency Solutions Grant program (ESG), which funds homelessness programs and rapid rehousing vouchers, also faces significant reductions. Albuquerque typically receives approximately $371,047 in ESG funding. Recent studies have highlighted the direct link between housing stability and the availability of affordable housing.
The proposed legislation also includes cuts to Medicaid, a crucial healthcare program for low-income and disabled Americans.
“It’s proven that the key to uplifting the most vulnerable in our community is more affordable housing options and programs, not less,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “These reckless cuts pull the rug out from under the most vulnerable in our communities, including families, children and seniors. We have a duty to uplift people through programming and housing, not tear them down.”
The City of Albuquerque has created a “Defend ABQ” page on its website, where residents can find a full list of the funding cuts facing the city.
