State investment Helps Las Cruces Secure 6.49 Acres for Future Affordable Senior Housing

The City of Las Cruces is moving forward with the acquisition of approximately 6.49 acres in the Royal Crossing Subdivision for the future development of affordable housing, supported by a nearly $2.84 million investment from the State of New Mexico.

Through an Intergovernmental Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Office of Housing, the State has made up to $2,837,044 available to the City for the Royal Crossing affordable housing project. The funding is part of a fiscal year 2027 state appropriation supporting housing, affordable housing, transitional housing, homelessness initiatives and housing services statewide.

The City will use $2,827,044 of the funding to acquire Lots 23, 24 and 25 in the Royal Crossing Subdivision, totaling approximately 6.49 acres. The property is intended for the future development of affordable housing targeted to seniors age 55 and older.

“This investment gives Las Cruces an opportunity to secure land today for the affordable housing our community will need tomorrow,” said Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez. “By working with the State and our development partners, we can leverage public investment to bring additional resources into Las Cruces and create more housing options for our residents.”

The acquisition represents the first step in a longer development process. Following the purchase, the City will own the property, and Enriched Communities, LLC will serve as the City’s exclusive development partner for an initial three-year period to pursue Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through Housing New Mexico and other financing necessary to develop the property.

During that three-year period, Enriched Communities is required to submit at least one complete and timely LIHTC application and diligently pursue financing for the project. If sufficient financing is secured, the City and developer would then negotiate the agreements necessary to move the development forward.

“Las Cruces has led the state in articulating a vision for expanding affordable and attainable housing,” said Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “The Office of Housing is excited to see our investments in this vision come to life.”

The City Council previously pre-committed $4.7 million toward land acquisition and construction of the proposed Royal Crossing affordable housing development in November 2025.

The Royal Crossing acquisition is part of a broader City strategy to increase the supply and diversity of affordable housing while leveraging local, state and federal resources to bring additional housing investment into Las Cruces.