Homelessness Policy in the 2026 Governor’s Race: Miyagishima‘s Plan Stands Apart
as the 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial race takes shape, homelessness is emerging as a key issue, notably for rural communities like Alamogordo and Otero County. While several candidates have outlined approaches to address the state’s housing crisis, the plan presented by Democratic candidate Ken Miyagishima is receiving attention for its specific focus on the needs of underserved areas.
The contrast is stark with the current silence from Republican contenders Gregg Hull and Steve Lanier. Their platforms prioritize tax relief, crime reduction, and economic growth, with homelessness addressed only indirectly, if at all. This lack of detailed proposals leaves rural counties uncertain about how Republican leadership would respond to the growing crisis.
Otero County faces particularly acute challenges. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count revealed a critical lack of resources: zero permanent supportive housing units, no transitional housing options, and only one emergency shelter. Even small increases in the homeless population place critically important strain on local schools, law enforcement, and healthcare providers.
Miyagishima’s plan proposes a multi-faceted approach designed for immediate impact. it includes rapid re-housing programs to assist families experiencing sudden job loss, and the establishment of “off-grid zones” to formalize existing encampments in forested or desert areas, aiming to improve public health and safety. Moreover,the plan advocates for mobile crisis teams to alleviate the burden on local police,who frequently respond to mental health emergencies.
Other candidates offer different strategies. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plan focuses on new construction, but rural areas often experience delays in project implementation compared to larger cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Representative Deb Haaland’s proposal emphasizes leveraging federal resources, particularly for tribal and rural lands, though full implementation is expected to take years. Attorney General Hector balderas’s (Bregman’s) plan centers on justice reform, potentially reducing strain on courts and jails, but acknowledges that long-term stabilization requires increased housing availability.
The absence of detailed plans from the Republican candidates raises concerns about prioritization of rural needs. as visibility of homelessness increases in Alamogordo and Otero County, and citizen unease grows, Miyagishima’s plan offers a concrete roadmap for immediate relief.
The debate is increasingly framed around these distinct approaches: Miyagishima’s proposed budget reallocation and tailored solutions, Lujan Grisham’s construction-driven model, Haaland’s focus on federal partnerships, or Balderas’s justice reform lens. For communities like Alamogordo and Otero County, where infrastructure is limited and the need is pressing, Miyagishima’s plan currently stands out for its direct relevance and potential for swift action.
Sources:
* Ken Miyagishima Campaign Draft – Homelessness Policy Proposal
* New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness – Funding Models and Policy Recommendations
* Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham – 2025 Housing Initiative Proclamation
* Source New Mexico – Profiles of Declared 2026 Governor Candidates
* Las Cruces Project L.I.G.H.T. – Mobile Crisis Response Program
* 2025 Otero County Point‑in‑Time Count
* 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News IPRA requests and analysis
