Housing Community Forum: Homelessness Is a Housing Problem

The City of Las Cruces held a Housing Community Forum on September 17, 2026, focused on addressing homelessness as fundamentally a housing problem. The forum featured a keynote presentation by Greg Colburn, a University of Washington professor and housing expert, who emphasized that homelessness is driven primarily by structural housing shortages, high rents, and low vacancy rates rather than solely individual factors like mental illness or addiction. Colburn highlighted the importance of increasing affordable housing supply and implementing evidence-based policies to reduce homelessness. Panelists and community members discussed local housing challenges, including the impact of corporate ownership on rental markets, zoning reforms, and the need for supportive services and homeless prevention funding. The forum underscored the critical role of local elected officials in advocating for housing solutions despite limited resources and called for coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels to expand affordable housing and reduce homelessness in Las Cruces.