SCRAR Awarded 2026 Housing Opportunity Grant — Strengthening Rural Housing Across Southwest New Mexico

The Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS® is proud to announce that we’ve been awarded the 2026 NAR Housing Opportunity Grant. This recognition reflects the steady work of our Board of Directors and Association Executive, who have been leading regional conversations, meeting with local partners, and building a collaborative approach to rural housing that is now gaining statewide attention.

Grant County continues to face real housing challenges. As noted in our grant application, “a modest $165,000 home would consume 28% of gross median household income,” and local MLS data shows a median sales price of $240,000. Families across our rural communities are feeling this pressure, and our leadership team has been working to help close that gap.

With this grant, SCRAR will expand its partnership with the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments and The Copper Collaborative. Together, we’re delivering in‑person housing workshops and growing the Housing Hub Southwest—our permanent online resource center designed to support residents in Grant County, Luna County, and beyond. This dual approach “establishes a highly scalable and replicable model for communities across the state.”

Most importantly, this grant highlights the role REALTORS® play in strengthening rural communities. Local REALTORS® help families understand water rights, deferred maintenance, financing options, and the homebuying process—guidance that is especially important in rural markets.

This award is a reminder that housing solutions grow stronger when communities work together. We look forward to sharing updates as this project moves forward and as we continue supporting housing opportunity across Southwest New Mexico.