SANTA FE – Today the Thornburg Foundation announced the expansion of its grantmaking
portfolio with the hiring of Natalie Florence as its first Housing Policy Officer. Florence will lead a
new, statewide Housing Initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing stock to reduce rents
and homelessness across New Mexico.
Florence will design and direct the Foundation’s Housing Initiative, focusing on evidence-based
strategies to advance deeply affordable housing development and reduce regulatory barriers.
Her work will bridge public policy, philanthropy, and infrastructure to advance equitable
community development and housing stability.
“Natalie’s unique blend of academic insight, practical experience in housing policy, and
dedication to equitable community development makes her the perfect architect for this crucial
new initiative,” said Allan Oliver, President of the Thornburg Foundation. “Her expertise will be
invaluable as we work to translate bold housing reforms from other states into effective, lasting
solutions for New Mexico.”
The Housing Initiative is a strategic expansion to meet New Mexico’s urgent need for affordable
housing. Over the next five years, through an annual grantmaking portfolio of $1 million dollars,
the initiative seeks to support streamlined development, increase housing supply, and
strengthen homelessness prevention and housing stability systems.
Natalie Florence brings a multidisciplinary background to the role. Prior to joining Thornburg,
she worked at Abt Global, where she researched, monitored, and evaluated federal, state, and
foundation-funded housing programs. She has extensive experience collaborating with public
housing authorities, state and local governments, nonprofit providers, and philanthropic partners
to strengthen program design and system alignment.
“I’m thrilled to bring my research and experience working with diverse stakeholders to the
Thornburg Foundation to help partner with and lift up our communities. To solve complicated
housing problems, we must remain humble and grounded in evidence, but also, relentlessly
optimistic,” says Florence.
Florence holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Arizona State University, a
Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, and a Bachelor of Science in
Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Colorado.