This article is a report on the August 21 State Fairground District Board’s second meeting and the presentations made to the board followed by Analysis and Commentary.
BACKGROUND
It was on March 21 that the New Mexico legislature passed Senate Bill 481 creating the “State Fairgrounds District” and a governing board which has redevelopment authority over the existing State Fair grounds area. The “State Fairgrounds District” Board is empowered to raise property taxes and issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund future development of the property, to make improvement or even relocate the fairgrounds and repurpose the property. The bonds are backed primarily by future gaming revenue taxes generated at the Downs Racetrack and Casino which holds a multi-decade lease on the property until 2045 within the fairground’s perimeter. According to the legislation, the board will govern the development of the district for six years.
Voting members of the State Fairgrounds District governing Board are:
- Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, chair.
- Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller
- Senator Mimi Stewart, Senate President Pro-Tempore, International District, #17
- State Representative Janelle Anyanonu whose district the fair grounds is located
- City Councilor Nichole Rogers whose district the fair grounds is located
- County Commissioner Adriann Barboa whose district the fair grounds is located
- Dr. Peter Belletto, President, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition
STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT HOLDS SECOND MEETING
On August 21, the State Fairgrounds District held its second meeting. The meeting was chaired by former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez who was designated by the Governor to run the meeting because she could not attend. Appearing in person were Senate Pro Temp Mimi Stewart, City Councilor Nichole Rogers, State Representative Janelle Anyanonu, Mayor Tim Keller and District 6 Neighborhood Coalition President Dr. President Peter Belletto. Appearing by phone was Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa.
The two and a half hour meeting was dedicated to both administrative matters and presentations. Administrative matters included adopting resolutions appropriating $30,000 on a communications plan, a budget overview and adoption of a budget.
HISTORICAL CRIME STATISTICS PRESENTED
A presentation of historical crime statistics for the four directional areas surrounding the State Fair Grounds was made by retired APD Captain Rob Debuck using a map and data provided by the Albuquerque Police Department. Although the statistics were provided by APD, they did not include recent statics released by APD in July comparing crime statistics for 2025 and 2024 that show a marked decline in crime and following national trends.
The statistics did not include the monthly crime statistics for the Southeast Area command, wherein the State Fairgrounds is located, for the last year which are provided routinely and monthly by area commanders to neighborhood associations. Those statistics show a decline in crime. No discussion was made of the enforcement actions taken by the city to deal with homeless encampments nor calculations of the number of the unhoused in the area.
City Councilor Nichole Rogers voiced objections noting that the board needed current data, a request noted by the chair and acknowledged by Mayor Tim Keller. The postscript to this article contains the link to an article on the July midyear crime statistics released by APD.
UPDATES ON WORK
One presentation was an update on the work performed on the State Fair Grounds Mater Plan by Stantec Consulting Services Inc, the firm contracted by the state to create a master plan for repurposing the 236-acre tract of land.
A second presentation was on economic data relating to the project.
Both presentations merit review.
COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT
A subcontractor that specializes in public affairs and strategic communications working for Stantec Consulting Services Inc. reported to the State Fair Grounds District governing board that it completed 14 in-depth interviews with board members, key stakeholders and community leaders and will be conducting further interviews. It was announced that three meetings will be held with the Stakeholders to discuss the overall plans for the area. It was also announced that a website has been completed and that it will be launched in the week of August 15. A community survey will be conducted from September 1 to September 17. Community meetings will be held the week of September 8.
INSIGHTS FROM IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
A report was given on the following four major insights given by the stakeholders during interviews:
- DESIRE FOR SAFE WALKABLE FAIRGROUND
Stakeholders stated that they felt the top priority for the fairgrounds is a safe walkable greenspace that connects the neighborhoods on all sides of the Fairgrounds and that provides a shared community space. Stakeholders said they want neighborhoods on all sides of the Fairgrounds to be connected to create a shared community space. Environmental considerations include having tree coverage reducing the heat index and reducing “inhalable pollution.” Stakeholders said they want the ability to walk to grocery stores, schools, neighborhood restaurants and retail stores.
- ACCESSABLE HOUSING WITH CAVEATS
Stakeholders said a close second priority is accessible housing but with caveats. Stakeholders said they would like to see prioritizing renovating existing structures within neighborhoods and infill housing. New housing on the Fairgrounds itself must be mixed income. There must be supported pathways for the first time homeownership, including in the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the fairgrounds. There is a measurable sentiment for a “Community Land Trust” which would allow for the neighborhoods to have “skin in the game” and own land and property.
- ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Stakeholders emphasized that Economic and Business Development is a tertiary priority. Stakeholders expressed widespread acknowledgement of the importance of an anchor tenant on the fairgrounds itself, but the nature of the tenant is not clear.
- HEALTHY AND SAFE COMMUNITIES
Stakeholders stressed there is a need to address the proliferation of violent crime, property crime and the presence of unhoused, open drug use and behavioral health challenges. Stakeholders believe there is “power and progress” in the communities surrounding the fairgrounds. Stakeholders said more community services are needed, but it’s complicated on how to achieve them and saying communities must be an authentic part of the work.
PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
A preliminary report presentation was made to the State Fairgrounds District governing board estimating the economic, fiscal and social impacts of redevelopment of the fairgrounds. The presentation was made by economist Dr. Kelley O’Donnell, Phd. where she discussed her preliminary findings from a regional analysis of the State Fair redevelopment project.
Dr. O’Donnell stated that there were three very distinct but interrelated impacts that would be associated with the redevelopment of the state Fair Grounds:
The First Impact would be the Social Impact of the Sate Fair redevelopment. This would involve housing, public safety, access to services and potential displacement of residents in the area.
The Second Impact would be the Fiscal Impact of the State Fair redevelopment. This would involve tax revenues generated by the project and the required bonding to raise funds for the redevelopment.
The Third Impact would be the Economic Impact of the State Fair redevelopment. This involves the creation of jobs and income in the short term and long term.
DEVELOPMENT TRADE OFFS
Dr. O’Donnell discussed three very specific development tradeoffs, presented in a slide projection, that are under consideration or being proposed for the redevelopment of the existing state fairgrounds.
The slide presentation stated that proposed housing development on the property, which would include affordable housing, would have a HIGH social impact of providing necessary housing but a very LOW long term fiscal impact and very LOW long term economic impact.
The slide presentation stated that the construction of a new stadium to replace Tingley Coliseum would have a LOW social impact and that it would have an UNKNOWN long term fiscal impact and UNKNOWN long term economic impact.
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY: The social, fiscal and economic impact of a multipurpose stadium facility cannot be correctly gaged nor predicted without definitive information on size, purpose and dedicated functions of such a facility.
The slide presentation addressed the development of retail business on the property and concluded that retail development would have moderate social impact but high long term fiscal impact and moderate economic impact.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
EDITOR’S DISCLOSURE: In the interest of full disclosure, the author and editor of this article was born and raised in Albuquerque, has lived directly North of the State Fair Grounds since 1985 and has raised a family there and for over 40 years has seen and experienced what has happened to the area and the Fairgrounds.
The author has served as an Albuquerque City Councilor for the area, is a former Bernalillo County Chief Deputy District Attorney and a former Albuquerque Chief Public Safety Officer and former Director of the Safe City Strike Force. The Strike Force took enforcement actions against nuisance commercial and residential properties in the surrounding areas of the State Fair Grounds.
For the last 6 years, the author has published a “news and commentary” blog at www.PeteDinelli.com which has an average annual readership and views of upwards 70,000 a year.
SURROUNDING AREAS UNDEREPRESENTED
A glaring observation that can be made after attending the August 21 meeting of the State Fairgrounds District Board and listening to comments from board members is that the board its extremely “top heavy” with representation of elected officials who represent the International District and the neighborhoods in the International District. They appear to be providing only one perspective for the entire area surrounding the State Fairgrounds.
It is very disappointing that there is only ONE appointed member of the public appointed to the State Fairgrounds District Board by the Governor to represent the interests of the numerous neighborhoods. The appointed civilian member of the board is the President of the District 6 Coalition Of Neighborhood Associations, with all those neighborhood associations in the International District or City Council District 6. Virtually all of the elected officials who have the fairgrounds in their district have a seat at the table with the Governor.
Thousands of residents who have lived in the areas West, North and East of the Fair Ground for decades, in established neighborhoods and who truly understand the area are essentially being ignored and cut out of the process. Hundreds of affected businesses in the same areas are also being ignored and are not represented on the board.
The impression given during the meeting is that only the problems, best interests and needs of the International District will be addressed by the State Fair Grounds District governing board. The neighborhoods to the North and the West have virtually no representation on the board with the Governor and residents of the other areas are relegated to trying to make their opinions known to the board who take no public comments or questions during their meetings.
INFLAMATORY NARRATIVE
The preliminary report presented to the board contains an extremely inflammatory and an insulting introductory narrative that paints with an extremely broad, negative brush. It contains misleading and false information. It states in part as follows:
“In December 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared that the state of the area around the New Mexico State Fair was unconditionally unacceptable. Once an area of great schools, thriving small businesses and vibrant neighborhoods around, the neighborhoods around the Fairgrounds have descended into what is today the statewide epicenter of homicide, violence, homeless despair, drug addiction, and other criminal activity. As part of her plan to stem the tide of human misery and revitalize this part of Albuquerque, the Governor requested that the New Mexico State Fairgrounds District … be established. … “ (Emphasis added.)
The above narrative is a false and misleading narrative ostensibly being used to justify moving the State Fair Grounds or to totally repurpose the fairgrounds and to include affordable housing. The narrative reflects a gross ignorance of all 4 areas and neighborhoods that border the fairgrounds. The four neighborhoods to the North, South, East and West are established neighborhoods built around the fairgrounds over many decades as the city grew and encompassed it. All four areas are as different as night and day representing varying and even extreme decrees of social, economic and ethnic makeup.
Proclaiming “the neighborhoods around the Fairgrounds have descended into what is today the statewide epicenter of homicide, violence, homeless despair, drug addiction, and other criminal activity” is insulting. It is not accurate as to all four areas surrounding the fairgrounds. The inflammatory statement ostensibly is an effort to dramatize the conditions of East Central that boarders the State Fairgrounds on the South between San Pedro on the West and Louisiana on the East. It is an obvious effort to avoid identifying and making any characterization of the International District South of the State Fairgrounds to avoid controversy with the elected officials who represent the International District and who dominate the State Fair District Board.
CURRENT CRIME DATA
The crime data presented were the historical crime statistics for the four distinct areas to the North, South, East and West that border the state fairgrounds. The most recent July and August crime statistics for the neighborhoods North, South, East and West of the state fairgrounds were NOT included. Had those statistics been presented, they would reflect a decrease in crime in the entire APD Southeast Area Command.
In July, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) released the city’s 2025 first sixth months crime statistics. The crime statistics for the first half of 2025 reveal significant decreases in many crime categories compared to the same period in 2024. Specifically, homicide, aggravated assault, auto theft, and other property crimes have had significant reductions. APD also noted that felony arrests have increased, and they attribute these positive trends to factors like technological upgrades such as gunshot detection, surveillance cameras, and targeted enforcement actions.
According to APD’s midyear crime statistic for 2025, all major categories of crime are down compared to the same period in 2024. Auto theft has dropped 40%, residential burglary dropped 14%, and commercial burglary has dropped 24%. Major nonviolent crime is down by 25% when shoplifting is added. The three main categories of violent crime of aggravated assault, sex crimes, and robbery are down 12%. Homicides which are identified as a totally separate category, have declined 28%. Murders went from 47 in the first half of 2024 to 34 the first half of 2025 year putting the city on track to finish the year below 80 homicides. In 2024, the city recorded 89 total homicides.
The link to review the APD crime statistics is here:
https://www.cabq.gov/police/crime-statistics
A link to a published column on crime statistics is in the postscript.
FAIR GROUNDS NOT CAUSE, NOT MAGNET FOR CRIME
No statistics were given on the extent of crime that occurs on the State Fairgrounds itself. No discussion was held or proof offered as to what extent the State Fair grounds is responsible for crime in the area. The blunt reality is the Fair Grounds cannot be characterized as the cause or as a magnet for crime.
The International District, which is bordered by Central South of the State Fairgrounds has had for decades some of the highest violent crime, property crime and drug offense rates, so much so that it was at one time referred to as the WAR ZONE. The International District continues to be plagued by high crime rates but now has become a magnet for the unhoused with encampments constantly popping up, cleaned up by the city only to pop up again.
To blame the State Fair Grounds of the crime in the area or for the unhoused is inflammatory and simply a lie. The problem is that Governor Lujan Grisham herself said all the crime on East Central and the unhoused crisis is “unsustainable” to justify moving the State Fair Grounds and redeveloping the area.
ANGER IN THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT RECALLED
On February 26, Bernalillo County Government held meeting to discuss and provide information on a proposed Tax Increment Development District (TIDD) for the New State Fairgrounds. Upwards of 200 residents attended.
The Governor’s proposal of moving the State Fair has been met with opposition from the residents of Albuquerque’s International District, which has dealt with rampant drug use and homelessness in recent years. Most if not all of the public present for the February 26 meeting were very hostile to the State moving the state fair and spoke out against moving the state fair to another location.
Audience members were given the opportunity to speak after the presentation on the proposed Tax Increment District (TIDD). Audience members said that the City and the Mayor Keller Administration have been a total failure in cleaning up Central and the city has failed to address the homeless crisis on Central. Audience members argued that before anything is spent on improving or moving the Fair Grounds, money would be better spent cleaning up Central, dealing with the homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill and providing them with services to get them off the streets.
CITY NEEDS TO TAKE AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO DEAL NUISANCE PROPERTIES AND THE UNHOUSED
The City of Albuquerque must and can, as it has in the past, take aggressive action to deal with nuisance properties that are magnets for crime in the surrounding neighborhoods, especially in the International District. The City needs to aggressively enforce the city’s vagrancy laws to deal with the homeless, including making arrests if need be and to provide services to them designed to get them off the streets.
From 2001 to 2009, East Central that borders the State Fair grounds on the South and North of International District was in fact cleaned up before by the Safe City Strike Force with aggressive code enforcement action against Central motels and violent bars that the city tore down or closed. The bars located near the State Fair that were closed or torn down by the Safe City Strike Force included the Blue Spruce Bar (Central and Louisiana), Rusty’s Cork and Bottle (San Pedro and Central) and the Last Chance Bar and Grill (Central and Louisiana).
The Safe City Strike Force took code enforcement action against 48 of the 150 motels along central, many near the State Fair grounds and forced compliance with building codes and mandated repairs to the properties. Residential properties located to the East and South in the International District that were used to promote, facilitate or involved with criminal activity were targeted and declared nuisances and bordered up and posted substandard for code violations.
RACETRACK AND CASINO ARE GOING NOWHERE
Although very interesting but very academic in nature, the three scenarios involving the moving of the racetrack, the casino or both as outlined by the economist are not grounded in reality.
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino, along with its stables, occupies upwards half of the state fairgrounds and it is not going anywhere for the next two decades. What will prevent moving of the racetrack and casino is the existing lease of the property for the racino that will not expire until 2045. The lease is a one billion dollar lease and a buyout is too cost prohibitive. Attempts to break the lease by the state will no doubt result in prolong litigation.
Prominent and respected Albuquerque businessman Paul Blanchard is one of the owners of the Downs Race Track and Casino. There is little doubt he will try and have major say on what is to be developed on the remaining fairgrounds areas that may affect the casino or racetrack. Further, the federal gaming compact act will prohibit separating the casino operations from racetrack operations taking the option to move one or both off the table.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING NOT THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF PROPERTY
Efforts to address affordable housing continue to be a major topic of discussion for the State Fairgrounds District Board and were part of the presentations made to the board in the redevelopment plan for the property. Proposing to commandeer a good portion of the Expo NM State Fair Property for affordable housing is as absurd as it gets. Affordable or low-income housing is not the highest and best use of any portion of the 236 acres of prime property for development in the center of Albuquerque. It would put a small dent in a projected 55,000 shortage of housing.
BUILDING A NEW MULTI PURPOSE ARENA
One major project that is being suggested that merits serious discussion is building a new arena as part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property. The new venue would be a modern arena that would have the capacity to support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It would replace the existing Tingley Coliseum. Demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility with the capacity of upwards 20,000 has been a dream of many a Governor, State Fair Commissions and Fair Managers.
Tingley Coliseum was built in 1957 and has a seating capacity for 11,000 people. Over the years it’s been repeatedly remodeled and upgraded. Tingley Coliseum last year had $2 million worth of upgrades geared toward replacing old seats and fixing the electrical system. The work that began in November permanently removed the benches and outdated 80’s-era seats for new, wider ones. In the process, the coliseum lost roughly 700 of its total 10,000 seats, but officials plan to make up the loss with more standing-room availability.
The City of Albuquerque for decades has needed a large capacity, multipurpose entertainment venue after demolition of the 30 year old Albuquerque Civic Auditorium in 1986. It was back on February 25, 2019 that it was reported that there is a need for such a facility and EXPO New Mexico was in the final stages of conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a new arena on the state fairgrounds. Absolutely nothing ever happened with the feasibility study and its collecting dust somewhere in the State Fair manger’s office.
HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF PROPERTY IS EXPO NEW MEXICO
Expo New Mexico can be revitalized into an Entertainment and Commercial Hub that could revitalize the entire SE Heights and surrounding area with creation of all new commercial property areas leased by the State Fair for shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues that would also be used for operations of the annual State Fair and during the State Fair itself.
There should be no affordable housing and no other housing on the property. No portion of the State Fair acreage should be sold to any developer. Efforts to revitalize adjoining neighborhoods should only be undertaken by private developers perhaps with state and city development and tax incentives.
FINAL COMMENTARY
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, State Representative Janelle Anyanonu, City Councilor Nichole Rogers and County Commissioner Adriann Barboa who are the elected officials and politicians on the “State Fairgrounds District Board” need to keep their greedy little hands off the State Fair grounds and abandon any effort to move it. Simply put, the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and their constituents want the State Fair to remain where it is.
Affordable housing is not the highest and best use for the property. The highest and best use of the 236 acres of property is the State Fair itself and keeping it as Expo New Mexico and developing a year-round Entertainment District and to preserve the New Mexico State Fair and Expo New Mexico where it is now.
NOTICE OF MEETING
The next meeting of the State Fair Grounds District Board is scheduled for September 25 on the State Fair Grounds with time and location to be announced.
Links to related blog articles are here: