Downtown Transformation
Creating a Vibrant Live/Work/Play Environment in the Core of Our City
Our Goal
Work with business, government, and community partners to revitalize and transform Downtown Albuquerque into the vibrant heart of our city – an area that is exciting, engaging, welcoming, and safe for businesses, residents, and visitors alikeOur Core Beliefs
- Successful and thriving cities tend to have a vibrant downtown, bustling with people.
- Successful downtowns have a diverse economic base, with adequate housing, shopping and dining options, entertainment venues, public transit, and open spaces that support congregation and recreation.
- Addressing the persistent problems of crime and homelessness is necessary to revitalizing Downtown Albuquerque.
- Investing in game-changing development projects will increase the appeal of Downtown, broaden its range of uses, and attract more visitors and employers.
- Transforming the downtown area will bring economic and quality-of-life benefits for the entire city.
The Chamber’s Downtown Transformation Policy Planks:
- Reduce the prevalence of homelessness and crime in Downtown Albuquerque
- Revitalize and renew historical buildings, routes, and spaces
- Explore new transformational projects and attractions for the downtown area
Progress and Initiatives
The Albuquerque Rail Trail
- Secure local, state, and federal funding – as well as public support – for the ongoing development of a nearly 7-mile trail connecting key parts of the greater downtown area.
High-Quality Hub for Homeless Sheltering and Services
- Support the swift scaling up of the Gateway Center as originally intended – a 24/7 shelter and coordinated service center for the homeless.
Business Improvement District (BID)
- Launch a Downtown business improvement district, allowing businesses to pool and spend resources on downtown-specific marketing, beautification, special events or markets, homeless interventions, and additional public safety improvements.
Crime-Fighting Resources and Coordination
- Support City- and county-led efforts to bring a greater police presence to Downtown, including more officers; security cameras tied into city-wide, real-time monitoring; and technology.
A BALANCING ACT: Albuquerque ranked No. 17 in ‘Best U.S. Cities for Work, Life and Mental Health Balance’
In 2025, work-life balance is no longer a perk — it’s a priority. As remote and hybrid work continue to reshape daily life, more ...
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FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE: Chamber lends support to water regulation amendments
On July 3, Peter Lorenz, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the board and CEO of Unirac Inc., and Terri Cole, GACC president and ...
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TWENTY-FOUR HOUR DESTINATION City of Albuquerque releases its Downtown 2050 Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan
Downtown revitalization. It’s a big undertaking, and the city is working toward it with the release of its Downtown 2050 Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan last ...
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CHANGING OF LEADERSHIP: Unirac Inc. CEO Peter Lorenz steps up to chair Chamber Board of Directors; Esparza Advertising + Digital CEO Del Esparza completes one-year term
On Thursday, June 26, Del Esparza, Esparza Advertising + Digital CEO, was at the helm of his last meeting as chairman of the Greater Albuquerque ...
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‘ALBUQUERQUE IS MAKING A COMEBACK’: Mayor Keller touts city wins to business leaders at Chamber luncheon
On June 17, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce hosted Mayor Tim Keller as he spoke about “Breaking Through in Tough Times” to a crowd ...
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CHAMBER IN THE NEWS: Incoming GACC chair Peter Lorenz featured in ABQ Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican
On June 8, the Albuquerque Journal did a one-on-one interview with Peter Lorenz, incoming Greater Albuquerque of Commerce Board of Directors chair and ...
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CHAMBER LEADERS ANNOUNCED: Unirac Inc. CEO Peter Lorenz to lead Chamber in 2025-2026, New Mexico Mutual’s Kellie Mixon named GACC Chair-Elect
Today, at the May 22 Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting, the board approved Peter Lorenz, Unirac Inc. CEO as the incoming ...
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MOVING TO THE NEXT PHASE: Construction to begin May 22 on Central railroad crossing in Downtown
Beginning May 22, construction on the Central railroad crossing in Downtown Albuquerque will begin as the center of the Albuquerque Rail Trail. Terry Brunner, interim ...
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END OF AN ERA: Department of Justice ends oversight of Albuquerque Police Department after 11 years
U.S. District Judge James O. Browning dismissed the Court Approved Settlement Agreement (CASA) on May 12, ending U.S. Department of Justice oversight in Albuquerque. The ...
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MONEY MOVES: City Councilors approve $4.5 million in opioid settlement money for the city’s Gateway system
On May 5, the Albuquerque City Council approved a resolution — sponsored by City Councilors Nichole L. Rogers, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Dan Champine and Renée Grout ...
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Learn more about how to support the downtown transformation.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is committed to revitalizing our city’s iconic downtown. To learn more about our lobbying and other efforts toward that end, contact the Chamber today.