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 alike

Our Core Beliefs

The Chamber’s Downtown Transformation Policy Planks:

  1. Reduce the prevalence of homelessness and crime in Downtown Albuquerque
  2. Revitalize and renew historical buildings, routes, and spaces
  3. Explore new transformational projects and attractions for the downtown area

Progress and Initiatives

  • Organize support for the siting and construction of a sports arena in Downtown that would serve as the home arena for New Mexico United and be used for other sporting events, concerts, markets, and entertainment.
  • Work with City leaders and private developers to secure funding, public support, and government authorization to build a nearly 9-mile multi-modal trail connecting key parts of the greater downtown area (see above) and spurring the construction of new hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  • Seek funding to continue the renovation, rebuilding, and renewal of the Rail Yards into an anchor amenity in Downtown Albuquerque, with iconic meeting and event spaces, trendy shopping and dining opportunities, and entertainment.
  • Urge City leaders to regularly transport those who are homeless in Downtown Albuquerque to the new 24/7 “Gateway” shelter and service center for the homeless, and continue to advocate for the deployment of crime-fighting technology and additional police officers in the downtown area.

ONE HURDLE DOWN: Bond Question to Fund Stadium Construction to Appear on Ballot

At last night’s meeting, and after two hours of debate, the Albuquerque City Council passed legislation to put a $50 million bond for a multi-purpose …

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ABQ DOWNTOWN SET TO SCORE: Feasibility Study Points to Downtown for a Multi-Use Soccer Stadium

On Friday, Mayor Tim Keller announced a plan to fund and build a multi-use soccer stadium in Albuquerque. New Mexico United, the Duke City’s professional …

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A BIG DEAL FOR DOWNTOWN: Rail Trail Project Gaining Traction

Albuquerque adventurers, rejoice – one day soon, there may be a new way to explore and experience our downtown area. A proposed Rail Trail would …

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OUR TAKE: Tent Cities Are Not the Answer

Last week, the Albuquerque Journal reported that two local leaders, Albuquerque City Councilor Diane Gibson and Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley, are advocating for sanctioned encampments …

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DOWNTOWN UPGRADES: Leadership ABQ Hears from City Experts on Revitalization Efforts

On Tuesday, Leadership Albuquerque spent the day hearing from a variety of experts on what it might take to make Albuquerque’s Downtown area the vibrant, …

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GATEWAY CENTER MOVES FORWARD: City Makes $15M Purchase of Gibson Medical Center

Last week, the City of Albuquerque announced the finalization of the $15 million purchase of the Gibson Medical Center. The 572,000-square-foot facility will ultimately become …

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CRISIS TRIAGE CENTER MOVES AHEAD: UNM and Bernalillo County Choose a Site

CRISIS TRIAGE CENTER MOVES AHEAD: UNM and Bernalillo County Choose a Site

The University of New Mexico and Bernalillo County announced last week that they have identified two existing buildings that will one day provide stabilization services …

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GETTING IN THE GAME: Mayor’s Administration Takes a Step Toward a Multi-Purpose Soccer Stadium

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced last Friday that his administration is taking the next step toward a formal feasibility study for a multi-purpose soccer stadium …

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Leadership Albuquerque Considers Downtown Transformation

TAKING IT DOWNTOWN: Leadership Albuquerque Considers Downtown Transformation in Last Program Day

In the final program day in Leadership Albuquerque’s 2019-2020 program year, the class heard presentations from a variety of experts on homelessness, law enforcement and …

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A New Day at the Rail Yards: City's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Seeking Proposals for North Entrance

A NEW DAY AT THE RAIL YARDS: City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Seeking Proposals for North Entrance

Revitalizing the centrally located and historically significant Albuquerque Rail Yards has been one of the core priorities of the Chamber and other groups seeking a …

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Safety Proposals

The Chamber has also developed public safety recommendations to enhance the viability of downtown, especially after business hours, when residents and visitors would be more likely to be in the area.

  1. Create a downtown public safety district with a Deputy Chief of Police
  2. Install a police substation at the Alvarado Transportation Center
  3. Increase the number of assigned officers downtown
  4. Address homelessness and related needs through outreach and crisis intervention
  5. Construct a 24/7 shelter and expand housing vouchers and addiction resources
  6. Step up garbage collection, as well as expand efforts to eradicate graffiti quickly

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.
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