As a 'Zoom boom' brings the wealthy to Santa Fe, locals are getting priced out

New Mexico city faces a crisis as Covid ravages the tourism-based economy and newcomers crowd the housing market

Shawna Martinez moved to Santa Fe to attend school in 1989 and never left. Working at Hotel Santa Fe for nearly 30 years, she has had a front seat to the explosive growth of this tourist town in past years.

But late last year, on Martinez's 50th birthday, her landlady delivered news that she was selling the property where Martinez rents a small, two-bedroom casita for $900. Martinez's lease wouldn't be renewed and she would need to move.