The Thornburg Foundation is launching a new statewide Housing Initiative and has hired Natalie Florence as its first Housing Policy Officer to lead efforts expanding affordable housing supply and reducing homelessness.
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, 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.