Albuquerque City Council Broadens Redevelopment Zone to Tackle Blight and Boost Economic Growth

Albuquerque Council Expands Redevelopment Area to Revitalize Key Corridor

September 4, 2025

albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque city Council has officially greenlit the expansion of the Central/Highland/Upper Nob Hill Metropolitan Redevelopment Area, paving the way for strategic investments aimed at neighborhood stabilization and economic advancement. The decision,formalized through Resolution R-25-170,targets a 23-acre zone currently grappling with signs of deterioration and economic stagnation.

Addressing Blight and Fostering Investment

District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers championed the initiative, stating that the expansion represents a proactive measure to breathe new life into a vital area of the city. According to Councilor Rogers, extending the boundaries of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area will unlock essential tools and resources needed to transform underutilized properties and attract robust investment throughout the community.

The resolution builds upon earlier actions undertaken by the City Council, wich initially established the MRA in 2002, followed by a subsequent expansion in 2005. The current initiative stemmed from an application submitted by the Council Services Department and was bolstered by a thorough analysis conducted by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA).

Key details of the Expansion

The newly designated area is primarily situated on both sides of San Mateo Boulevard, spanning between Copper Avenue and Lomas Boulevard. A comprehensive assessment identified several indicators of blight within this zone, including unoccupied buildings, deteriorated structures, outdated land-use patterns, and a discernible decline in commercial activity. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that areas with similar characteristics often require targeted intervention to avoid long-term economic decline.

The Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee previously endorsed the expansion with a “Do Pass” suggestion after an exhaustive review process. Crucially, the process involved extensive public outreach, ensuring that property owners and neighborhood associations had ample opportunities to voice thier opinions and concerns.

Within 30 days, the City’s Geographic Details System (AGIS) will be updated to reflect the revised area boundaries. Additionally, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency will directly notify all property owners within the expanded zone via mail, providing detailed information on available incentive programs and resources.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Area: A Comparative Look

Area Component	Original MRA (2002)	Expansion (2005)	Current Expansion (2025)
Acreage	15 acres	18 acres	23 acres
Primary Focus	Historic Preservation	Mixed-Use Development	Neighborhood Stabilization & Infrastructure
Key Incentives	Tax increment Financing	Facade Betterment Grants	Job Creation Incentives

Did You Know? Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas are designated zones where municipalities can utilize specific financial tools, like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), to encourage private investment and stimulate economic growth.

Pro Tip: Property owners within the expanded area should proactively engage with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency to understand available incentives and how they can benefit from the revitalization efforts.

This expansion reflects a broader trend in urban development, where cities are increasingly leveraging targeted redevelopment strategies to address localized economic challenges and enhance quality of life for residents.

Understanding Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas

Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas, or MRAs, represent a crucial tool in a city’s economic development arsenal. They allow municipalities to concentrate resources and incentives within specific areas exhibiting signs of decline, fostering a more robust and lasting economic environment. The strategic use of MRAs can transform blighted neighborhoods into thriving hubs of commerce and community. According to the International Economic Development Council, well-planned MRAs often lead to increased property values, job creation, and improved public infrastructure.Learn more about economic development best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Albuquerque Redevelopment Area

• What is a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area? A designated zone where the city can use incentives to stimulate economic growth.
• how will this expansion affect property owners? Property owners will receive information about available incentives to improve their properties.
• what types of incentives are available within the MRA? Incentives may include tax breaks,grants for facade improvements,and job creation assistance.
• What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)? TIF is a tool where future property tax revenue increases are reinvested into the redevelopment area.
• How long will the redevelopment process take? The timeline for redevelopment will vary by project,but the MRA provides a framework for long-term investment.
• Can residents provide input on development projects? Yes, the process includes public hearings and opportunities for community feedback.
• Where can I find more information about the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency? You can find more information on the City of Albuquerque’s official website.

What are your thoughts on this redevelopment project? Do you believe this initiative will effectively revitalize the area? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific anti-displacement policies are being implemented too protect residents and businesses within the newly expanded redevelopment zone?

Expanding the Opportunity: What’s Changing?

The Albuquerque City council recently approved a significant expansion of the city’s redevelopment zone, a move designed to address longstanding issues of urban blight and stimulate economic growth across key areas. This expansion, finalized on August 28th, 2025, impacts several neighborhoods previously outside the designated zone, opening them up to new funding opportunities and revitalization projects. The core aim is to encourage investment in areas needing significant infrastructure improvements and to foster a more vibrant local economy. Key areas included in the expansion are parts of the International District, South Broadway, and sections of the West side.

understanding the Redevelopment Zone & Its Tools

A redevelopment zone (also known as a Tax Increment financing or TIF district) is a geographically defined area where increased property tax revenues – generated from new advancement and increased property values – are reinvested back into the zone itself. This allows the city to fund public improvements like street repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and façade improvements without relying solely on general fund revenue.

here’s how it effectively works:

1. Baseline Assessment: The city establishes a baseline property tax revenue for the zone.
2. Incremental Growth: As property values increase due to redevelopment, the incremental tax revenue generated above the baseline is captured.
3. Reinvestment: These funds are then used to finance public improvements within the zone, further encouraging private investment.

The expanded zone will utilize a variety of tools, including:

tax increment Financing (TIF): The primary mechanism for funding improvements.

Opportunity Zones: Leveraging federal Opportunity Zone incentives to attract private capital.

Facade Improvement Grants: Providing financial assistance to businesses for exterior renovations.

Infrastructure Bonds: Issuing bonds to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.

Targeted Areas & Specific Projects

The expansion isn’t a blanket approach. Each targeted area has specific needs and planned projects.

International District: Focus will be on improving pedestrian walkways, enhancing public spaces, and attracting new businesses to fill vacant storefronts. A key project is the planned renovation of the historic KiMo Theater’s surrounding plaza.

south Broadway: Addressing aging infrastructure,improving street lighting,and encouraging mixed-use development. The city is actively seeking developers for a proposed transit-oriented development near the Central Avenue corridor.

West Side: Prioritizing infrastructure upgrades to support residential growth and attracting light industrial businesses. Plans include improvements to Coors Boulevard and the development of a buisness park near the airport.

Downtown: Continued investment in the revitalization of historic buildings and attracting residential development. The city is offering incentives for the conversion of vacant office space into apartments.

Benefits of the Redevelopment zone Expansion

The expansion is projected to yield numerous benefits for Albuquerque residents and businesses:

Increased Property Values: Redevelopment projects will drive up property values,benefiting homeowners and investors.

Job Creation: New businesses and construction projects will create employment opportunities.

Improved Infrastructure: Upgraded streets, sidewalks, and utilities will enhance quality of life.

Reduced Blight: Addressing vacant properties and dilapidated buildings will improve neighborhood aesthetics and safety.

Expanded Tax Base: Increased property tax revenue will provide the city with more resources to fund essential services.

Economic Diversification: Attracting new businesses will diversify the local economy and reduce reliance on specific industries.

Navigating the Process: Resources for Businesses & Developers

The City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department is the primary point of contact for businesses and developers interested in participating in redevelopment projects.

Here are some key resources:

Economic Development Department Website: https://www.cabq.gov/economic-development (Example URL – replace with actual current URL)

TIF Application Process: Detailed information on applying for TIF funding can be found on the city’s website.

Opportunity Zone Information: Resources on leveraging Opportunity Zone incentives are available through the New Mexico Finance authority.

Pre-Application Meetings: The city encourages developers to schedule pre-application meetings to discuss potential projects and funding opportunities.

Case Study: The Success of the Journal Center Redevelopment

The Journal Center redevelopment project,completed in 2022,serves as a triumphant model for the expanded zone. This project transformed a blighted industrial area into a thriving mixed-use development featuring retail, office space, and residential units. The project utilized TIF funding to finance infrastructure improvements and attracted significant private investment. The Journal Center project resulted in the creation of over 500 jobs and generated millions of dollars in new tax revenue. This demonstrates the potential for similar success in the newly expanded zones.

Addressing Community Concerns & Ensuring Equitable Development

The City council has emphasized the importance of community engagement and equitable development throughout the expansion process. Concerns regarding potential displacement of residents and businesses have been addressed through the implementation of anti-displacement policies and the prioritization of affordable housing initiatives. The city is committed to ensuring that the benefits of redevelopment are shared by all residents, particularly