Located in Dona Ana County, the city of Las Cruces is the regional center for south central New Mexico. Agriculture, light manufacturing, and research and development are the area's primary economic activities. It is also the home of the New Mexico State University. Its diversified industrial base affects all aspects of the city's character.
The Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces has a budget of $1.9 million, $1.5 million of which comes from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $400,000 of which comes from HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds.
The city's Community Development Department collaborated with various organizations and providers to develop the Consolidated Plan. Among the organizations who contributed to the plan were: Adolescent Family Life, ARC of Las Cruces, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces, Casa Arriba, Inc., Casa de Peregrinos, Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, Desert State Life Management, El Caldito Soup Kitchen, Family Resource Center, Housing Authority of Dona Ana County, Housing Authority of Las Cruces, Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army Family Services, St. Luke's Clinic, and the United Way.
To ensure maximum citizen participation, the city held two public hearings.
Advertisements about the hearings were posted in English and Spanish at public
facilities around the city. Copies of the Consolidated Plan were distributed to
the City Council; the CDBG Advisory Board; housing providers; and organizations
representing the elderly, handicapped, and children. The Consolidated Plan was
available for review by the public.
In 1990 the population of Las Cruces was 62,126, an increase of almost 38 percent from 1980. One- and two-person households accounted for over two-thirds of the total household growth within the city, with large families of five persons or more comprising less than 4 percent of the total household growth. The population tends to fluctuate due to the influx of students and migrant workers. In 1994 the city's population comprised 30,895 whites, 1,111 African Americans, 28,834 Hispanics, 393 Native Americans, and 842 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The 1994 median family income (MFI) in Las Cruces was $23,648. Of the city's 23,702 households, 8,181 (about 34 percent) had incomes below $15,000. The breakdown of residents by income category is:
Four major elements affect Las Cruces' community development: climate; proximity to California; a fluctuating student population; and the Federal White Sands Missile Range and the NASA Test Facility. Each of these factors affects housing affordability by drawing to the city newcomers who make high incomes and thus drive up the rent and home prices. Additionally, the student population keeps the rental units occupied for most of the year.
The population of Dona Ana County grew at an average annual rate of 4 percent during the 1980s. The majority of the growth was centered in Las Cruces and the southern part of the county.
Between 1980 and 1990, homeownership rates fell from 60 percent to 56 percent among all age groups except the elderly. Of the new households in the 25-34 age group, less than 5 percent became homeowners. Only 45 percent of the new households in the 35-44 age group purchased homes. In contrast, over 90 percent of the new households over age 65 were owner occupants. Almost 7 percent of extremely low-income minority families owned their homes. The cost of purchasing a home in 1990 was $68,300, and median monthly rent was $301.
High sale prices of new homes have forced many residents to consider mobile homes and manufactured housing units. As a result of higher occupancy rates in mobile home parks and municipal restrictions on new mobile home developments throughout Dona Ana County, about 20 percent of the countywide increase in mobile homes occurred in Las Cruces.
The 15,000 students enrolled at New Mexico State University have a significant impact on the rental housing market in Las Cruces. Although the university does provide some housing, 11,000 students live in private housing off campus. The instability generated by a student population contributed to a rental vacancy rate in the city of 8 percent in 1990.
Affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families are limited in Las Cruces. The low vacancy rates in general, particularly for lower priced three- and four- bedroom units, reflect a scarcity of affordable housing in the steadily growing city. The city expects that affordable housing will become even more scarce because residential construction is not keeping pace with the area's growth.
The total low- and moderate-income rental housing need increased 75 percent over a decade from 2,990 households in 1980 to 5,227 households in 1990. Since housing costs and income rose at the same rate, the city estimated that 4,040 low- and moderate-income households paid more than 30 percent of their income and 2,150 paid more than 50 percent of their income for housing.
According to the 1990 census, 4,552 extremely low-, and other low- and moderate-income renter households had housing problems -- an increase of 1,562 households since 1980. Housing problems include affordability, overcrowding, and substandard structures. Since overcrowding and substandard structures affected only 5-6 percent of units, it is probable that many households were reporting housing cost problems.
Small families and other households account for over two-thirds of the extremely low- income renter need. About 69 percent of all extremely low-income households have housing problems. There are 1,109 extremely low-income owner households -- 80 percent elderly -- with housing problems. Of the minority households who are renters, 36 percent are extremely low-income.
Documenting the extent of homelessness in Las Cruces was difficult due to the numbers of migrant farm workers who come to the city for seasonal work. In 1988 the City of Las Cruces Task Force on the Homeless estimated that there were approximately 11 homeless people per 1,000 population. Using this calculation, there were between 650 and 700 homeless individuals in 1988.
During 1991, Casa de Peregrinos, a food service organization for homeless persons, served about 1,245 homeless individuals in Las Cruces, nearly two-thirds of whom were in families. It served similar numbers in 1992. Included in this number were 51 families who lived in their vehicles, 80 families who lived on the street, 513 families who were sheltered by non- relatives, and 889 children who were homeless or near homeless. Sixty percent of the homeless population were victims of domestic violence. Persons with alcohol and other drug abuse accounted for 22 percent, persons with AIDS accounted for 15 percent, persons with severe mental illness accounted for 11 percent, and persons with severe mental illness combined with substance abuse accounted for 8.4 percent of the homeless population.
Among the providers of social and supportive services for the homeless are the Gospel Rescue Mission, La Casa Shelter for Battered Women, Tierra del Sol, TRESCO, Sun Village, Southwest Counseling, La Luz de Esperanza, Families and Youth, Inc., El Caldito, St. Albert the Great Newman Center, Community Action Agency, Home Educational Livelihood Program, and Senior Citizens.
The Housing Authority for the City of Las Cruces (HACLC) administers 375 public housing units. Of these, 113 are efficiency- or one-bedroom units, 78 are two-bedroom units, 128 are three-bedroom units, 47 are four-bedroom units, and 9 are five-bedroom units. As of December 1994, there were no vacancies.
Other housing administered by HACLC includes 4 one-bedroom units at the Elderly Fourplex, 34 two-bedroom units provided by the Resolution Trust Corporation Apartments, 26 two- bedroom units at Montana Apartments, and 24 portable certificates and vouchers from other jurisdictions. HACLC also administers 683 units of Section 8 housing, of which 224 are efficiency- or one-bedroom units, 294 are two-bedroom units, 125 are three-bedroom units, 36 are four-bedroom units, and 4 are five-bedroom units. As of September 1994, there were no vacancies, except in the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation program, which had 13 vacancies. Private developments account for 317 Section 8 units, 125 Section 236 units, and 70 Section 202 units.
In addition, the HACLC administers the following Section 8 vouchers and certificates designated for homeless families: 1 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom units.
The Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces identified the following barriers to affordable housing:
Las Cruces has 11,144 housing units with lead-based paint, approximately 2,188 of which are occupied by very low-income families. A 2-year screening and education program conducted by the State's Environmental Department found 8 of 358 school-age children had elevated blood-lead levels. Other factors, such as pottery household utensils and home- made health remedies, may contribute to the elevated blood-lead levels.
The city's strategy for the reduction of lead-based paint hazards includes testing for the presence of lead-based paint in all rental housing units and in non-rental units (when there are family members age 7 or below) that are rehabilitated by the city. If significant levels of lead are so high that they could affect the health of the occupants, the lead will be abated to a safe level.
Some individuals require both supportive services and adequate shelter. Disabled persons, AIDS sufferers, and the frail elderly may have difficulty living independently, often requiring housing that provides supportive services, such as medical and psychological counseling, transportation, and job training.
Southwest Counseling Center serves about 600 persons with mental disabilities in Las Cruces. It also operates a 10-unit transitional living facility. In addition, 16 mentally ill people can receive government-subsidized housing. There is a waiting list of 30.
The Disability Resource Center estimates there are 12,000 physically disabled persons in the county. Most of these persons can obtain housing in private units, but many have a difficult time finding housing that is both accessible and affordable. The Center may apply to build a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 811 housing development with support services for disabled persons. This facility would contain about 10 units, although the demand is greater.
There is an increasing number of developmentally disabled persons in Las Cruces. Strategies to promote self-sufficient living include continuum-of-care group homes, transitional group homes, and private residences with a live-in attendant. There is a private, 44-bed nursing facility for developmentally disabled persons. TRESCO, a nonprofit organization, offers group home housing to 15 people and is expanding its program. It also operates an independent living program for 16 people who find their own units and pay full rent. These program participants, plus 27 on the waiting list, are also on the Section 8 waiting list.
As of December 1994, the county estimated there were 35 persons with AIDS living in Las Cruces. Because the city does not have any facilities to care for AIDS patients, Cornell House in El Paso accommodates Las Cruces residents.
About 1,380 elderly persons in Las Cruces are frail elderly. Some need health care facilities, while others can live in dwelling units with in-house assistance. There are just over 100 nursing facility beds and about 110 beds in assisted living programs. The waiting list for the latter stands near 18 and is expected to grow.
Among the community development needs identified in the Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces were:
The Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces identified the following housing priorities:
The Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces identified the following community development priorities:
The city's anti-poverty strategy addresses poverty by supplementing resources to ensure an acceptable standard of living. Its programs and goals include home rehabilitation for low- income families, rental rehabilitation, and funding of support services for low-income residents. The city is also considering alternative ways to reduce high electricity costs.
Most of the potential resources for implementation of the Consolidated Plan are Federal programs, particularly HOME and CDBG funds. The only nonprofit agency financing activities is the United Way, which will donate $340,000 to county service agencies.
Additional Federal resources include: HOPE 1, 2, and 3; Section 8; Supportive Housing Program; Rural Homelessness Grant Program; Department of Energy rehabilitation funds; Low-Income Housing Preservation Grant; Public Housing Comprehensive Grant Program; and the Farmer's Home Administration Rural Housing Programs.
Construction or refinancing may be funded through State resources such as the New Mexico Finance Authority, Program for First-time Homebuyers, and the New Mexico Housing Authority Housing Trust Fund. Rehabilitation activities can be funded through the State Community Development Loan Fund, and rental assistance can be funded through the State Voucher Program.
Local general revenue funds are used to support local nonprofit service providers and to match and augment available Federal funding.
As the lead agency, the Las Cruces Community Development Department works in collaboration with other organizations and agencies, such as the Las Cruces Planning Department and Technical Support Department and the HACLC, as well as with Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation and other nonprofit organizations. Activities that enhance coordination of the strategic plan are carried out through:
The Consolidated Plan for Las Cruces identified the following key projects:
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.
MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
MAP 5 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects.
MAP 6 is a map, sectioned by neighborhood, which depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects.
MAP 7 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects within one of the four neighborhoods indicated in MAP 6.
MAP 8 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects within another of the four neighborhoods indicated in MAP 6.
MAP 9 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded project(s) from a street level vantage point; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s).
Don Fahrenkrog
Grants Compliance Officer
Phone 505-526-0638
Fax 505-526-0134
