Panel backs starter-homes incentive to help first-time buyers

Representative Perahon told the committee House Bill 200 is an incentive program aimed at increasing construction of starter homes, noting that starter-home production fell sharply from historic levels. Johanna Gilligan, president of HomeWise, testified the program would provide buyer-side assistance, lowering monthly payments for eligible purchasers and expanding access to homeownership.

Business and industry witnesses—Lisonbee Riley of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Brent Moore of the New Mexico Association of Realtors—told the committee HB200 leverages private investment, supports construction jobs and could help counter workforce out-migration. Natalie Green, housing administrator for Las Cruces, asked that the program be funded in addition to the Housing Trust Fund, and urged attention to construction quality and efficiency in rulemaking. Mackenzie Bishop, a homebuilder, urged passage to increase attainable supply.

Representative Chatfield moved for a due-pass recommendation on HB200; the motion was seconded and, with no opposition noted, the committee adopted the due-pass recommendation. The transcript records support from housing nonprofits, local government housing staff and industry trade groups.