Roswell’s Public-Private Partnerships Fuel Affordable Housing Boom

KTAMedia

Functional partnerships between government officials, privately owned companies and residents of Roswell and Chaves County have a proud history of working together and providing affordable housing options.

Jim Mitchell, president of MAC Real Estate Inc., has been an active participant in this process for decades. Mitchell and his wife, Holly, launched J&H Services in 1997, managing civil construction and site preparation. Today, this multimillion-dollar company employs over 150 workers and operates a spin-off home-building company, JH Homes. 

“Each of our entities has worked separately within the community, and now we’re excited to bring these efforts together by combining our resources and relationships to tackle housing challenges and drive positive change in the region,” Mitchell says. 

Their latest ventures include BiltWise Structures of NM and Vibrant Communities. BiltWise specializes in off-site construction of high-quality homes and commercial properties, while Vibrant Communities manages design, marketing and home sales. 

Affordable Housing Solutions

Affordable housing is an important issue, and local partnerships are making a major difference. 

For example, The Oaks subdivision features modern homes and various floor plans. Some of the units in the development will rein in costs by shrinking the total square footage, thereby reducing the final price tag to about $280,000 – well below the national median sale price. 

“By integrating BiltWise Structures into these partnerships, we provide high-quality housing solutions and contribute to broader community goals,” Mitchell says. 

The arrangement has a ripple effect. Attracting more residents to the area helps fill open positions at BiltWise and other entities. The income tax revenue generated from those jobs supports future development projects and other activities that will positively impact the welfare of local residents. 

Mitchell says he would put his native region up against any location as an ideal place to do business, highlighting how collaboration has been key to his success. 

“Mayor Tim Jennings has reached out to state and federal elected officials on our behalf regarding various issues,” Mitchell says. 

“Roswell City Council and Planning department staff have been hugely supportive as we navigate the development process and work to address our local housing needs. Our friends at Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corp. and the New Mexico Economic Development Department have diligently advocated for job-based incentives and funding. Additionally, local educational institutions are eager to partner with us to create the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”