April 25, at 2:00 pm, 3845 North Swan Street – Special screening of "Last Days on Trinity Lake"
Every year, thousands of people in lot-lease communities are displaced by predatory investors who buy the land beneath homes—still commonly but inaccurately called "mobile homes" and extract millions of dollars in annual revenue from working families and people on fixed incomes. Their model often relies on steep rent increases, deferred maintenance, and, in some cases, community closure when the land can yield greater profits elsewhere. This has become a common way corporate investors extract wealth from ordinary people who are simply trying to meet their essential needs.
Residents in New Mexico face particular vulnerabilities due to weak laws that fail to inform consumers or protect their land tenancies. In comparison, grazing leases are protected in such a way that New Mexico cattle enjoy more secure tenancy than these homeowners.
For the past sixteen years, New Mexico elected officials have been asked to take steps to protect these communities that represent the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in New Mexico and across the country. More recently, Silver City elected representatives have also been asked.
On April 25, a screening of "Last Days on Lake Trinity" will highlight these issues. The documentary examines the impact of displacement on individuals and communities.
Following the screening, there will be a discussion on solutions that can be addressed locally, statewide, and nationally.
A representative from Congressman Vasquez's office will discuss the Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act, which calls for an investigation into market manipulation and price gouging. Maria Griego, the Economic Equity Director with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty (NMCLP), will discuss state legislative efforts and class actions brought by NMCLP.
