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.
“WE’VE GOT TO SET DOWNTOWN FREE”: Mayor Tim Keller Talks Progress in Crime-Fighting and Economic Development
At a GACC Board of Directors meeting yesterday, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller presented updates on important city issues like crime, homelessness and Downtown revitalization. Crime …
“WE ARE A SYSTEM OF CARE”: Gateway Center the Future of Addressing Homelessness in ABQ
Last Thursday, the Chamber’s board got a behind-the-scenes look at the Gateway Center, the City’s first-of-its-kind overnight shelter with co-located services to support people experiencing …
GATEWAY CENTER: Next-Generation Homeless Shelter Operations in Full Swing
Albuquerque’s Gateway Center, the City’s first-of-its-kind overnight shelter with co-located services to support people experiencing homelessness, is now open to its first guests. Though the …
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Rail Trail Project Comes into Focus at Vision Unveiling
At a weekend press event, City leaders and internationally-recognized architect Antoine Predock unveiled the latest vision for the Rail Trail, a 7-mile pedestrian and cycling …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
