Albuquerque city leaders are pushing forward with a proposal that would ease current restrictions for setting up Safe Outdoor Spaces — designated areas for unhoused individuals to camp legally. The initiative is being led by Mayor Tim Keller’s office in partnership with City Councilor Nichole Rogers.
The proposed changes aim to make it more feasible for organizations to establish and manage these sites by loosening certain costly requirements. One such requirement currently mandates around-the-clock security staffing, which Pastor Jesse Harden, who operates a Safe Outdoor Space at New Creation Church, says creates an unrealistic financial burden.
“If you’re paying someone to be there 24/7, even at minimum wage, you’re looking at more than $100,000 annually,” Harden explained. “That cost alone puts these efforts out of reach for nearly everyone.”
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Under the updated ordinance, site operators would have greater flexibility in determining their own security protocols. The proposed revisions also adjust standards around hygiene facilities, replacing the mandate for permanent bathrooms and showers with options like mobile units. Additionally, the new rules would no longer require on-site, full-time case management services. Instead, organizations could provide these resources through mobile or part-time means.
City officials believe these updates will remove unnecessary barriers and encourage more groups to participate in addressing Albuquerque’s growing homelessness crisis by hosting Safe Outdoor Spaces.
