Rep. Vasquez Hosts Bipartisan Town Hall on Housing Affordability, Delivers Law Enforcement Funding, and Supports Airport Upgrade in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, N.M. - On May 6 and 7, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with constituents across Carlsbad, listening to their concerns and sharing updates on his work to lower the cost of housing, bring increased public safety resources to the community, and update the Cavern City airport to allow for flights to Dallas.

Bipartisan Housing Affordability Town Hall Hosted by Vasquez - May 6

Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks at bipartisan Town Hall in Carlsbad, May 6

(Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez)

On the evening of May 6, Rep. Vasquez hosted a bipartisan Town Hall at Milton's Brewing focused on housing affordability. The event was open to the public, and Mayor Rick Lopez and Kim Lacey from the Carlsbad Department of Development joined as guest speakers. During the Town Hall, residents raised concerns about the extremely high cost of housing in Carlsbad, noting the need for protections for New Mexicans from predatory price gouging, the need for more affordable housing options to keep up with the community's growing population, and a plan of action to get there.

Through Q&A with attendees, Rep. Vasquez shared that he is laser-focused on bringing down housing prices in Carlsbad and is leading legislation to stop greedy, out-of-state landlords from entering the town's housing market and artificially raising prices.

In the Congressman's remarks, he noted that he agrees with the President that hardworking folks, not greedy Wall Street investors, should be homeowners and flagged his support of bipartisan measures like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and Bipartisan Families First Housing Act to crack down on corporate landlords, cut red tape to bring down housing costs, and expand housing supply.

Rep. Vasquez is also leading the charge to bring down mobile home costs and introduced the Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act, a bill that ensures investors who purchase over 2,500 mobile homes or pads are not engaging in price gouging or failing to provide basic utilities to residents

Carlsbad Police Station Visit & Tour on $250,000 Upgrade Secured by Vasquez - May 7

Rep. Gabe Vasquez delivers $250,000 in federal funds to Carlsbad Police Department, May 7

(Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez)

Rep. Vasquez recently secured a big win for public safety in Carlsbad, bringing home $250,000 in federal funding to make key infrastructure and public safety technology upgrades to the Carlsbad Police Department (CPD) Main Station. On the morning of May 7, Rep. Vasquez visited with Carlsbad Police Chief Jessie Rodriguez, local police officers, Mayor Rick Lopez, and City Manager Wendy Austin at the CPD Main Station to talk about the forthcoming upgrades and how they will benefit the community.

Rep. Vasquez worked for years with the City of Carlsbad to secure this Community Project Funding (CPF) for the renovation of the CPD Main Station - specifically, the buildout of the station's fourth floor to meet the city's growing public safety needs.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Carlsbad has experienced more than 13% population growth in recent years, driven by increased economic activity from major regional employers such as the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), potash mining operations, and the oil and gas industry. This population growth has brought a corresponding rise in traffic violations, drug-related activity, and public safety service demands.

To meet this challenge, CPD is planning to significantly expand its force. However, the current facility lacks adequate space for additional officers, civilian personnel, or the secure equipment needed for modern policing. This renovation supported by Rep. Vasquez will retrofit the unused fourth floor of the Main Station to create additional office and operational space, install critical communications and technology systems, and update training rooms to ensure law enforcement personnel are properly prepared and equipped. These upgrades will keep Carlsbad residents safer by reducing response times and ensuring the CPD has the resources it needs to combat crime.

Carlsbad Airport Visit to Advocate for New Flight to Dallas - May 7

Rep. Gabe Vasquez discusses Cavern City airport expansion plans with local leaders, May 7

(Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez)

On May 7, Rep. Vasquez also visited the Cavern City airport to meet with local officials about plans to expand the airport and to advocate for a new direct flight from Carlsbad to Dallas. Currently, plans are in process to build a new terminal building at the airport to accommodate Carlsbad's booming population and the TSA personnel needed for expanded flight options, but the plan has yet to be finalized.

During the visit, Rep. Vasquez was briefed by local officials on the status of the project, and they discussed the importance of federal Essential Air Service (EAS) funding for the airport. Vasquez voiced his support for the project, citing its value as a driver of economic activity and much-needed convenience for Carlsbad residents, and pledged to continue his support at the federal level for EAS funding. Rep. Vasquez previously introduced the Expanding Regional Airports Act in Congress to help smaller regional airports upgrade infrastructure, improve security measures, and increase passenger capacity.

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