On December 3, 2024 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, accompanied by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Mayor Tim Keller and State Fair Commission Chairman Eric Serna and other officials, announced a plan to move the New Mexico state fairgrounds to a different location and redevelop the 236 acre State Fair property into a mixed-use development. The announcement to move the Fair Grounds shocked surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Among the many ideas suggested for the development of the 236 acres of prime property included low income and affordable housing and demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility. Recommendations for future land use included commercial retail business development.
“STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT” CREATED
On March 21, in response to the Governor’s announcement to redevelop or move the state fair, the New Mexico legislature passed Senate Bill 481 creating the “State Fairgrounds District,” a governing board which has redevelopment authority over the existing State Fair grounds area. The bill includes an appropriation of approximately $12 million to cover initial costs.
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.
The link to review the legislative history is here:
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=S&LegType=B&LegNo=481&year=25
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
- Peter Belletto, President, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition
STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC
On June 18, the state General Services Department announced that an $844,433 contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. was entered into by the State for Stantec to create a master plan for repurposing the 236-acre tract of land that has since 1938 hosted the annual New Mexico State Fair, also known as EXPO New Mexico. Santec has agreed to develop a master plan by February 2026 that will make suggestions for the land’s use.
The award of the contract to Stantec Consulting Services Inc. came a full four months after the state abruptly canceled the previous RFP contract solicitation without explanation and restarted the process. The signing followed a public procurement process. The contract spans 8 months extending until February, 2026 and the master plan will include an economic impact study, development plans and a proposal presentation.
Stantec is a multinational consulting firm headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with four local offices in New Mexico. This contract isn’t Stantec’s first in New Mexico. The company previously worked with the Department of Transportation to revamp roads and highways in Silver City, Hobbs and Fort Sumner. Stantec also worked with the city of Jal in the southeast corner of New Mexico to produce a community development plan.
Stantec’s portfolio includes major projects across the United States and abroad, such as McGregor Square in downtown Denver, a vibrant entertainment district next to Coors Field, and community spaces in Chicago designed for live concerts, film screenings and outdoor markets. The firm has also worked on developments in Scotland, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
STANTEC’S PRESENTATION
On August 21 a subcontractor with the firm known as Create Your Fable that specializes in public affairs and strategic communications working for Stantec Consulting Services Inc. reported to the State Fair Grounds District 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 would 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 was supposedly conducted from September 1 to September 17.
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.
The link to review Stantec’s initial August 21 report is here:
FIRST OF 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD BY STANTEC
On September 22, Stantec Consulting Services Inc held a public meeting at the African American Pavilion on the State Fair Grounds to discuss and consider what should be done with the 236-acre tract of land that houses the annual New Mexico State Fair also known as Expo New Mexico. The meeting was the first of three events held to allow the public to comment on the master plan. The second meeting will be held sometime in late October to early November and is yet to be announced.
STANTEC PRESENTATION
Representatives of Stantec Consulting Services made it clear that the purpose of the September 22, meeting was to talk about the fairgrounds and not the State Fair itself. Simply put, Stantec Consulting Services is not in charge of deciding if the New Mexico State Fair stays or goes.
State officials have asked Stantec to come up with at least two master plans for the current fairgrounds. One plan includes the state fair staying where it is and one deals with moving the fairgrounds to a different location. The master plans will ostensibly include recommendations on where to build a new state fairgrounds if that is the final decision made.
During the meeting, Nancy Locke, the lead member of the Stantec Consulting Services team in charge of creating a master plan for the fairgrounds, presented some of their findings when surveying the property and possibilities of what else it could be. Locke said the main purpose of the master plan is to see how the state, city, fair and community can collaborate to get the most economic and cultural benefits from the property.
According to the presentation, there is a possibility of not moving the fairgrounds and modernizing it, but the property could also be many other things, including mixed-income housing, an entertainment venue, or even a park.
Nancy Locke, the project lead for Stantec, said food deserts, excessive heat and lack of green spaces are all problems in the surrounding neighborhoods of the fair grounds. The new development could be a remedy, Locke said, bringing parks and commerce, as well as affordable housing.
Stantec speakers presented a wide variety of development plans in addition to new housing, including a new multi-use arena for concerts and sports, medical facilities, offices, retail and public parks. Stantec planners also suggested that the State Fair might not have to move but may be able to continue operating on a smaller area within the plot of land.
CONTENTIOUS MEETING
The meeting drew both supporters and detractors consisting of local residents and advocates. Some residents of the International District saw the proposal as an opportunity to start fresh and uplift Albuquerque’s economically disadvantaged International District through new development. Others feared gentrification, wasted taxpayer dollars and a stalled project leaving residents in limbo.
Stantec speakers, including Nancy Locke , the lead presenter for Santec, were frequently interrupted by residents who voiced concerns and raised strong objections about everything from crime to homelessness. Some expressed nostalgia for the State Fair’s historic home.
During a question-and-answer period, community members passed around the microphone. The community members primarily criticized the project.
Former International District resident Willie Williamson told the audience and presenters he grew up in the International District, became entangled with drugs and gangs as a teen, and years later made the decision to raise his children elsewhere to save them from a similar fate. Williamson worries that without solving the surrounding area’s issues with drug use and crime first, any affordable housing project will fail.
Williamson said the redevelopment would end major events held at Expo New Mexico, beyond just the annual fair, and plunge the neighborhood into greater economic disparity at a time when major retailers like Walmart and Walgreens have already fled. Williamson said this:
“You want to further take the economics from this part of the community, but not put anything back into the community — it’s a failure. … You want to address the optics of this neighborhood but not address the actual problems. … You’re talking 10 to 15 years of adverse childhood experiences for these people that you are not addressing.”
Hillary Malu, who lives near the State Fairgrounds, said this:
“My takeaway is that people are actually getting information that they’ve been wanting and needing. I hope community members will continue to look at their website and attend meetings, so then we can have some productive dialogue.”
Charlie Bennett, a longtime resident of the International District and a community activist over many years recalled the two previous attempts to redevelop the fairgrounds. Bennett brought to the meeting and referred to a white binder filled with the neighborhood’s suggestions for then Governor Bill Richardson, who attempted the revitalization in 2008. Bennett said this:
“What makes Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s attempt any different. … I’ll probably be dead before the first shovel hits dirt.”
Former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, an adviser to Governor Lujan Grisham on the State Fair project, said this in response to Bennett:
“The difference is dramatic. … For the first time, there are real dollars and serious representation regarding the initiative.”
Stantec representatives said the master plan would not include options of where the fair would be hosted if it is moved. Nancy Locke, the project lead for Stantec said this:
“I know that there’s some controversy around the topic [of moving the fair grounds and] we hear you.”
Panelists chosen by Stantec were a collection of local residents, nonprofit organizers and included law enforcement. The Santec Panelist encouraged audience members and residents to think about the future, though even their opinions about the project were split.
Natalie Vargas, from the Southside Neighborhood Association, said she’d like to see the fairgrounds stay, though she recognized how development could improve the neighborhood she grew up in and where she now raises her kids. Vargas said this:
“I personally think the state fair should stay because it’s where rural and urban kids come together, learn from each other and dream big. We need to protect spaces that educate, connect and inspire, and the state fair is one of them”
Albuquerque Police Department Southeast Area Commander Josh Richards raised questions about what jurisdiction the development would fall under, given that it’s within city boundaries but owned by the state. Commander Richards said adding more population density to the Southeast Area Command that is already overworked and understaffed could drain resources and make policing the area more difficult. Commander Richards said this:
“Adding 240-some acres of housing is a big pull for us.”
Ahdohny Routheni, a Stantec panelist and founder of numerous local nonprofits, implored the audience to be forward-thinking and not let nostalgia for the fairgrounds prevent positive change for future generations. Routheni said this:
“I really would love if the community thought long and hard — is it really for y’all or is it for them? … Are we going to be people that tear down trees, or are we going to plant a tree so that next generation can eat off that fruit?”
Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers, who is a member of the State Fair Governing Board, said this of the meeting:
“I’ve heard people who want to keep it here and just redevelop it, modernize it, do some housing. Then also folks who are like, let’s find a new home where we can build from the ground up and then reimagine this space for something different. So, I think that’s what tonight’s all about, is just hearing all of those different ideas. … For me, that was the most thing I’ve been vocal about throughout this whole process. The governance team and Stantec, the contractor who’s in charge of putting together the master plan, really have listened to community. This is the proof of that.”
Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_eb99f463-c743-4b94-970f-0071d728d514.html
Links to related State Fair District Board and the redevelopment master plan are here:
https://www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov
https://www.exponm.com/p/about/nmsf-tidd-board
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.
STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT BOARD APPROVES PROPERTY ACQUISITION
On Thursday, September 25, the State Fairgrounds District Board held its third monthly meeting. On the agenda was a presentation of Stantec officials to the board.
During its presentation, Stantec officials, stressing that no decision has been made to move the State Fair from its current location, called on the public to imagine a transformation at the fairgrounds and said that could be the impetus for change at the International District. The area surrounding the fairgrounds has some of the deadliest intersections for pedestrians in New Mexico. A presentation at the August State Fair District board meeting detailed the areas historical high crime rates. The area is also viewed as a “food desert” because of the recent closures of a nearby CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The area is also viewed as “heat island,” due to the lack of tree canopy and green space. The Trust for Public Lands also rates it as one of Albuquerque areas with the highest need for a public park.
Stantec designer Nancy Locke released to the State Fair District Board the results of a recent neighborhood survey, which found that nearby neighbors most want “safe, welcoming neighborhoods;” “economic prosperity for neighborhood residents;” and “public health and social services.”
Instead of the current layout of the fairgrounds, which is 93% pavement, Locke listed off possibilities for the master plan, including designs for “livable density, incorporating agriculture, farming, youth programs, commercial areas that act as like a third place” as well as “open space, bike paths” and other transportation solutions that “get people out of their cars and get people walking.”
Given how closed off the fairgrounds is from Central Avenue and the International District neighborhoods just beyond them, Locke said the firm thinks it’s important to establish a greater connection between the grounds and the neighborhood, as well as establish a large green space that could be used for multiple purposes. Locke said this of the new Central Avenue connection:
“It ideally wears multiple hats. … It serves multiple needs, and it will be driven, really, by what we’re hearing from the community going forward.”
Locke reported that Santec is completing its “analysis” phase, which includes market analysis and public engagement and that the firm is moving toward its “master plan development phase. ” Locke said “options abound” and she told the board this:
“There’s a whole range of opportunities that we can start to imagine and start to lay the base for [re development of the area]”.
SPENDING APPROVED TO ACQUIRE LAND
The State Fair District Board approved spending up to $22.5 million to acquire an eight-acre area on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, which currently has about 17 parcels and 13 condominium units. According to former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, who is spearheading the project on behalf of Lujan Grisham, said the real property acquisition is a necessary step as the board seeks approval for future spending,
The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
AFFORDABLE HOUSEING
Efforts to address “affordable housing” continue to be a major topic of discussion for the State Fairgrounds District Board and have been a very big part of the presentations made to the board by Stantec 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.
The term affordable housing is about as misleading as it gets. It is a term often used by politicians, elected officials and developers to promote their own personal or political agendas. Simply put construction costs are consistent when it comes to housing and in today’s market are extremely high as are existing housing costs. When the term “affordable housing” is used by the politicians, elected officials and developer’s, what is usually meant is “subsidized government housing”.
Affordable housing or subsidized housing for low-income income earners 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 the projected shortage of housing. Efforts for such a use for the State Fair grounds should be abandoned in that it would impair the over all goal and development of the property for projects that benefit the entire community as a whole and public use.
Development of affordable housing or subsidized housing within the existing neighborhoods South in the International District and East of the Fairgrounds is where it is needed and not on the State Fair grounds property itself.
CITY NEEDS TO TAKE AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO DEAL NUISANCE PROPERTIES AND UNHOUSED AROUND FAIR GROUNDS
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 immediate surrounding neighborhoods, especially in the International District. Mayor Tim Keller 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 in the 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.
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.
OTHER VENUES
Getting rid of the “midway” ride area on the South side and replacing it with year-round entertainment venues and facilities is in order. Demolishing existing, aging specialty exhibition halls, such as the Manuel Lujan building and livestock exhibition stables and replacing them with new, larger facilities with multipurpose usages likewise is in order. Removing the flea market and replacing it with a Farmers Market or a permanent arts and crafts shopping area should be in the mix.
There are two major facilities that could be integral parts of an entertainment and commercial district hub: the Downs Race Track and Casino if they want to still be a part of the State Fair and the proposed new multipurpose arena. Part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property would be the building of a new, modern arena to replace Tingly Coliseum that would support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It’s a capital improvement project that needs to go forward. With the continuing historical state revenue surpluses, the building of a multipurpose state of the art arena to replace Tingly Coliseum would be an investment for future generations.
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 or dedicate it for affordable housinmg. 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.
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