New City Software Streamlines Home Projects and Housing Development
ALBUQUERQUE- Homeowners and developers have improved online services for construction and development projects. The City’s Planning Department has launched its new upgraded software platform, ABQ-PLAN (Albuquerque’s Planning Logistics and Networking).
ABQ-PLAN replaces outdated software, offering residents and builders a one-stop digital hub for navigating construction and renovation processes. Homeowners wanting to add a deck, developers tackling multi-unit housing, and everyone in between will benefit from streamlined online applications, instant project tracking, and easier inspection scheduling.
"Outdated systems have bottlenecked Albuquerque's development for years, but now with modern technology and improvements at the Planning Department, we're breaking through to build faster," said Mayor Tim Keller. "This upgrade makes it easier to get construction projects off the ground, whether you’re a developer building new housing or a homeowner doing a renovation project,"
Key improvements include an interactive map showing local development plans, a dashboard tracking project status in real-time, and the ability to submit and pay for permits online. For a city struggling with housing shortages, these technological upgrades could accelerate much-needed residential construction.
“This highly improved, user-friendly system brings the Planning Department’s technology fully into the 21st century,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “Our goal is to make it much easier for users to apply for permits, inspections, and land use approvals while also making it easier for community members to learn about projects in their areas. This two-year project was a major challenge for our wonderful employees, and we greatly appreciate all the help we received from our public testers along the way.”
Since the launch, more than 1,600 users have created accounts, 400 business registration applications have been submitted, 1,800 construction inspections have been scheduled, and $350k in payments have been processed.
To help users get acclimated to ABQ-PLAN, staff have created user guides and video tutorials available on the ABQ-PLAN Resources and FAQs page: cabq.gov/planning/abq-plan/abq-plan-resources-and-faqs