On March 24, Leadership Albuquerque participants took to the streets of Downtown Albuquerque as part of its Downtown program day.
The day started at the Chamber as Jeremy Oswald, Leadership ABQ chair and Citizens Bank ABQ Market president, told participants that the day will full of information about Downtown Transformation.
The Chamber believes every large successful American city has a vibrant downtown, and the best downtowns are places where people can live, work and have fun experiences. They are places to meet, to do business, to experience art, shopping, food, culture, history and music, Oswald said.
“Albuquerque is the country’s 32nd largest city and we need a Downtown that rivals the other cities within or near the top 30,” Oswald said.
- With previous surveys the Chamber has done, data has found New Mexicans don’t spend more time Downtown because:
Residents often don’t feel safe. They’re concerned about crime and homelessness. Crime data has historically identified Downtown as a high-concentration crime area, and there is a very visible homeless presence in the greater downtown area (for a number of reasons). - Aside from safety concerns, many residents don’t come Downtown because they don’t have a reason to. There aren’t enough amenities, events, activities and opportunities to draw them into the area on a regular basis.
Oswald said the day will be spent trying to address both sides of the coin, in partnership with the city as they have plans to overcome the challenges that prevent residents, visitors and businesses alike from wanting to be Downtown.
Terry Brunner, Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency director, began with “Downtown Forward: The City’s Plans and Priorities for Downtown Revitalization.”
Brunner, who has not only led the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency under Mayor Tim Keller, but has also served as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. Brunner is at the helm of the MRA, which is doing some very exciting work on transforming the Downtown area – including housing projects, and The Rail Trail.
The city has an aggressive plan for improving the Downtown area. The Chamber has been involved with certain pieces of plans, which includes securing funding for The Rail Trail, passing new state legislation and local ordinances to expand development incentives, and mitigating the negative effects of crime and homelessness.
The Leadership Albuquerque participants then went on a walking tour, which included stops at the Wells Fargo project, 516 ARTS, Wayfinding Signage, Quantum Investments, Central Crossing – The Rail Trail and Other Public Infrastructure, The Groove Artspace and a tour of ARRIVE Albuquerque Hotel
Lunch was then held at the DWTNR Restaurant at ARRIVE Albuquerque Hotel.
After lunch, City Councilor Joaquín Baca, at right, presented to Leadership Albuquerque.
Baca’s district includes Downtown and gave his thoughts about what he believes are the strengths and potential of our Downtown area, as well as the kinds of changes and projects he’s pushing for on the council.
Oswald then introduced Johanna Gilligan, Homewise president, and Todd Clarke, NM Apartment Advisors, Inc. CEO during the panel, “Housing Issues in the Albuquerque Metro Area.”
Oswald said a critically important issue that impacts our city’s and state’s competitiveness – including our ability to grow our economy and provide a great quality of life to our residents – is the availability and affordability of housing.
Gilligan and Clarke took a high-level look at the issue of housing today and helped the group understand how far off we are from the amount (and type) of housing our metro area needs.
The Chamber thanks all of the Leadership Albuquerque participants and speakers for making it a day full of vital information. We’re looking forward to the next program day, which includes graduation on April 21!