On November 11, two term Democrat Mayor Tim Keller and Republican former two term Bernalillo County Sherrif Darren White entered the politcal arena and debated live on KOB-TV  Channel 4 for thirty minutes. It was the first time both debated with each other since the November 4 election where they both qualified for the runoff.  On November 4, Keller secured 36% of the vote and White secured 31% of the vote with both failing to secure 50% of the vote to avoid a run off in a field of seven candidates. The November 11 debate quickly degenerated into an emotional mud wrestling match to the point where the moderators had to remind the candidates not to talk over each other and when their time was up.

The link to view the full debate here.

CONTRAST WITH PAST DEBATES

In past debates, White and Keller have exchanged accusations over crime statistics and the homeless crisis, but those debates and accusations were somewhat subdued with other candidates appearing with them on stage. During the televised November 11 debate, White took a much more aggressive and hardline approach and saying that the city’s crime rates are “out of control.” Keller for his part countered with accusing White of being a complete failure when it came to crime and APD and it was he who had to clean things up when White left the city.

CRIME, STATISTICS AND RECORDS

As expected crime was a major topic of discussion. Keller has argued that crime is down in all categories under his leadership. The day before the debate, the city’s crime statistics released by the Albuquerque Police Department detailed those decreases. Despite this, Keller said that residents still perceive crime to be high.

Keller said this:

“I understand that the perception may not be that crime is going down, in fact, I would agree with that perception. But I will tell you if we continue doing this for several more years, we will absolutely feel safer because we are safer. … [Crime has] been going down for the past nine months for the first time in 10 years. …”  

White aggressively disagreed that crime is down and essentially accused Keller of lying and said  APD’s statistics were a false representation of crime in the city.  White said this:

“Mayor Keller, nobody believes that [crime is going down]”.

Keller and White exchanged statistics about how many homicides had occurred under each other’s time in office, with both essentially calling each other’s statistics false.

Keller aggressively criticized White’s career in public safety and labeled it a “failure.” Keller referenced a 2011 vote of “no confidence” by APD’s police union and  declared that APD sworn did not approve of White’s job as Public Safety Director.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  In 2011, as the City’s Chief Public Safety Officer who oversaw APD, more than half of APD’s 1,100 sworn APD officers voted “no confidence” in Darren White because White took away take-home car privileges and White imposed severe pay cuts in violation of the police union contract negotiated in good faith by the police union. White did so at the direction of then Republican Mayor Richard Berry. Under White’s tenure, APD ranks fell from 1,100 sworn to approximately 900. In 1999, while serving as the Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety who oversaw the New Mexico State Police, the State Police union voted 243 – 31 “No Confidence” in White because they felt White wasn’t doing enough to get State Police needed equipment and cars.

Keller said this

“A lot of the things I’ve had to clean up started under your watch [as Chief Public Safety Officer], including the [Department of Justice consent decree], including officers leaving, including the no confidence vote in you as their boss.”

DEALING WITH THE HOMELESS CRISIS

After Keller and White discussed crime and their records, the debate shifted to the  homeless crisis and how it should be dealt with.

White said the homeless crisis has grown untenable under Mayor  Keller’s leadership and that his policies were not working. White boldly proclaimed this:

“When I’m elected, the homeless tent cities will come down on day one.”

White also criticized the city’s recent filing of a civil complaint against Quirky Books, a used bookstore that has allowed homeless people to camp in its parking lot. The bookstore owner has been repeatedly cited by the city for violating city ordinances, and rather than prohibiting the unhoused from camping on his property he has simply paid the fines.

The civil complaint filed by the city is asking the Court  to find the property as a “public nuisance” under the city’s nuisance abatement ordinance.   White said  Keller and the City are hypocritical filing the action while thousands of people live unsheltered on sidewalks, at parks and in front of businesses across the city. White pointedly asked Keller this:

“If that business owner in Nob Hill is a public nuisance, what does that make you?”

Mayor Keller aggressively countered saying White’s approach to the growing number of homeless people in the city as “Trump-like roundups and chaos and violence.”

FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT

Whether APD should assist federal immigration enforcement was also  hotly debated by Keller and White.

Keller remained in support of the city’s immigrant-friendly policies, which forbids any city employee, including police, to collect information about immigration status or assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

White condemned Keller for the policies he has initiated  as being  “dangerous” and said he would permit APD to cooperate with Immigrartion Customs and Enforcement (ICE) if elected. White said this:

“They are preying on our communities and the mayor is shielding them with his policy, which says ‘we are not going to provide any information to immigration’.’”

In closing remarks,  Mayor Keller accused Darren  White of using fearmonger tactics and said this: .

“Make no mistake, this is him trying to resurrect his own failed public safety career. … And what you heard today is why it’s never worked — because it’s based on fear, it’s based on slogans and some sort of savior complex that’s not about substance, that’s not about governing.”

The link to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_6ae409bf-03a9-43b7-baff-2a447fe926a0.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

The link to view the full debate here

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/decision-2025-albuquerque-mayoral-debate/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOA5PdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFCUDZHSzdmc25jQjVKMEh1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHltHUaUNO12a12C

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The debate was a mere thirty minutes long and for that reason alone all it did was exhibit the vast differences in debate skills between the two as they assailed each other’s records. In the final analysis, both Keller and White supporters argued that their candidate won.

The real losers of the debate were the general public because the debate failed to address in any meaningful way the underlying solutions the candidates have to solve the cities complex problems.

Early voting is from December 1 to December 6.The runoff election is December 9 and as usual voter turnout will be critical. Please vote!

The link to a related article is here:

Race For ABQ Mayor Expected To Be Most Negative Race In City’s History Between The Two Most Disliked Candidates Running; The Uballez Vote Could Decide Election For Keller If They Vote; Runoff December 9; Please Vote!

Each Veterans  Day I am compelled to pay tribute to members of my family who have served in our military and who have given so much and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and to protect this great country of ours. All these family members were born and lived in New Mexico, two were born in Chacon, New Mexico and the rest born and raised and educated in Albuquerque.

One gave the ultimate sacrifice during time of war.

My father and uncle were first generation born Americans and the sons of Italian immigrants who settled in Albuquerque in the year 1900 to live the American dream. In 1900 Albuquerque had a population of 10,000 and New Mexico did not become a state until 1912.

My father Paul Dinelli and my Uncle Pete Dinelli, for whom I was named after, both served in the US Army during World War II when the United States went to war with Italy, Germany and Japan. My Uncle Pete Dinelli was killed in action when he stepped on a land mine.

My father Paul Dinelli was a disabled American Veteran when he returned to Albuquerque after World War II and was honorably discharged because of a service-connected disability. Years after the war, my father met my mother Rose Fresques at the Alvarado Hotel where she had worked as a Harvey girl. After the couple married, my father went to barber school in Denver, Colorado, returned to Albuquerque and opened “Paul’s Barber Shop” which was located at Third and Lomas.

The Fresques family dates back to the year 1650 in northern New Mexico. My uncles Fred Fresques and Alex Fresques, my mother’s two brothers, also served in World War II. My Uncle Alex Fresques served in England and was in the Air Force.

My uncle Fred Fresques saw extensive action in the US Army infantry during World War II and was awarded 2 Bronze Star medals and a purple heart for his service. The Bronze Star medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving with the Armed Forces of the United States in combat, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service. The purple heart is awarded for being injured in combat or dying in combat.

My Uncle Fred would never talk to anyone about what he saw. After the war, my Uncle Fred returned to Albuquerque and raised a family in Barelas. Over many years, my Uncle Fred was active in the Barelas Community Center and was a trainer for the “Golden Gloves” competition teaching young adults the sport of boxing.

My father-in-law, George W. Case, who passed away at the age 93, served in the United States Navy during World War II and saw action while serving on a destroyer. My father-in-law George Case was so proud of his service that he wore a World War II Veterans cap every day the last few years of his life. After the war, my father-in-law George Case returned to Albuquerque was married to my mother-in-law Laurel Del Castillo for 50 years, raised a family of 4 girls. George eventually owned a liquor store for a few years and then went on to build, own and operate the Old Town Car wash, which still stands today, and he was in the car wash industry for a number of years.

My nephew Dante Dinelli, the son of my brother Veron and his wife Rosemary, was born and raised in Albuquerque,  and he  joined the service a few years after graduating from Cibola High School. Dante served 20 + years in the US Navy, retired as a Chief Petty Officer and worked in a civilian capacity for the Navy.

My two nephews, Matthew Barnes and Brandon Barnes, the sons of my younger sister Pauline and her husband Marvin, were born and raised in Albuquerque and went to Bosque Prep. Both Mathew and Brandon are in  the United States Marine Corps and both continue to climb the promotion ladder in the Marine Corps.  Both have achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel and both have worked at the pentagon. My nephew Lt. Colonel Brandon Barnes is a graduate of the US Naval Academy. My nephew Lt. Colonel Matthew Barnes graduated from UNM with honors and served a tour in Afghanistan.

To all the wonderful and courageous men and women who have served and continue to serve our country to protect and secure the promise of freedom and the ideals upon which the United States was founded upon, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I thank you for your service to our Country.

Your service and sacrifices to this great country of ours will never be forgotten. God bless you all and God Bless this great country of ours!

 

After a full week and the dust settling somewhat since the November 4 2025 vote in Albuquerque Mayors, it’s becoming painfully obvious that the runoff between two term Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and former two term Bernalillo County Sherriff  Darren White will probably be  the most negative runoff in the city’s history.

None of the seven candidates on the ballot for mayor reached the 50% needed to win and prevent a runoff election between the top two candidates. The final vote reported is as follows:

• Tim Keller 47,902 votes (35.69%)
• Darren White 41,131 votes (30.65%)
• Alexander Uballez 25,213 votes (18.79%).
• Louie Sanchez: 8,645 (6.44%)
• Mayling Armijo: 7,672 (5.72%)
• Eddie Varela: 2,280 (1.70%)
• Daniel Chavez: 1,66 (02%)

(Chavez dropped out of the race before Election Day but still appeared on the ballot,)

According to unofficial election results nearly 135,000 votes were cast in this year’s Albuquerque mayoral race, or about 37.1% of registered voters in the city. That surpassed the 32% turnout mark from the city’s last mayoral election in 2021.

ABQ JOURNAL POLL RECALLED

On Sunday, September 28, just 38 days before the November 4 election,  the Albuquerque Journal published its opinion poll on the Albuquerque’s Mayor race.  Following are the poll results:

• Tim Keller:               29%
• Darren White:          16%
• Alex Uballez:            6%
• Louie Sanchez:        6%
• Mayling Armijo:        1%
• Eddie Varela:            2%
• Daniel Chavez:         1%
• Undecided                37%
• Decline To Say          2%

TOTAL:                            100%

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

JOURNAL POLL BREAKDOWN ACCORDING TO PARTY AFFILIATION

Tim Keller’s total 29%  Journal poll number was broken down  as being 43% registered Democrat, 8% being registered Republican and 28% being registered Independent.

Darren White’s 16% total Journal poll number was broken down as being 5% registered Democrat, 35% being registered Republican and 9% being registered Independent.

Alex Uballez’s Journal  poll number of 6% broke down as 9% Democrat, 1% Republican and 5% registered Independent. Uballez  positioned himself as a progressive alternative to Keller and received more support from younger voters than did White. But Uballez’s support withered among voters age 50 and older, who tend to be more reliable voters.

Louie Sanchez’s Journal poll number of 6% broke down as 3% Democrat, 12% Republican and 4% Independent.

The 37% total of the “undecided or don’t know” voters was broken down evenly as consisting of 35% registered Democrat, 36% registered Republican and 47% registered Independent.

Although the Albuquerque Journal Poll found that Mayor Tim Keller had the  lead in his bid to win reelection to a third term, the poll found that less than half of city voters approve of the job he’s done over the last seven-plus years.  A total of 47% of voters surveyed expressed disapproval of Keller’s job performance, while 42% approved of the way he has handled being mayor. The remaining voters were unsure or declined to say.

The link to the quoted or relied upon Albuquerque Journal article is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

KELLER AND WHITE EXCHANGE SALVOS

After finishing as the top two candidates,  Mayor Tim Keller and challenger Darren White wasted no time going after each other and each other’s records signaling a very contentious runoff race.

Darren White said this:

“Two-thirds of the voters last night rejected an eight-year incumbent, and that’s because crime and homelessness are out of control.   …  We have received overwhelming support …  and we’re going to be on a campaign that will provide us with resources to go toe-to-toe with the mayor. … It’s not just me. It’s every single person in the city who wants change and who knows we deserve better, that’s who I’m going to have in my corner fighting Mayor Tim Keller.”

White said his campaign will  be competitive with Keller when it comes to fundraising in the run-up to the December  9 runoff election.

Mayor Keller for his part likened the start of the runoff election to “halftime” of this year’s election cycle, saying he was ready for a strong second-half showing. Keller said this:

“Now it’s a two-person race, and the differences could not be more clear. … Albuquerque cannot afford a Trump-aligned mayor who would take us backward across the board. … He has a record and I have a record. And the good news is, it’s really clear for voters what you want. There are no unknowns. … We’re actually ready for a one-on-one match up.”

Mayor Keller  will receive an additional $377,973 in public campaign financing after being the only candidate to qualify for public financing and Mayor Keller has already been given $755,000 in public financing.

Keller’s campaign manager said Keller would draw a “sharp contrast” with White on issues including the city’s stance on immigration.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

It is  important to compare the final results of the November 4 vote to the Albuquerque Journal Poll to gauge the impact of the 38 days of campaigning and the money spent.

The day after Election Day, Darren White was likely shocked by the unofficial election returns that showed him just 5% points behind Mayor Keller with 36% of the votes cast for Mayor Keller and 31% for Darren White. White almost doubled his 16% in the Journal Poll garnering 31% of the final vote on November 4.

Mayor Tim Keller was likely shocked that after spending upwards of $755,000 of his public finance money over 38 days since the Journal poll, he only improved his poll number by 6.69% going from 29% in the Journal poll to 35.69% on November 4.  The  47% disapproval of Mayor Keller’s performance  by voters  surveyed in the Journal poll was an apparent drag on Keller’s ability to attract undecided voters.

It was Alexander Uballez that had the most impressive final vote going from a meager 6% in the Albuquerque Journal poll to more than tripling his final vote and garnering 19% of the vote on November 4. Alexander Uballez was also a drag on Keller’s progressive Democratic vote.

It is clear that the 37% of the undecided in the Albuquerque Journal poll first broke to Uballez who tripled his number from 6% in the Journal poll  to 19% in the November 4 vote. The undecided vote also broke to White taking him from 16% in the Journal poll to 31% on November 4.  Both Uballez and White made significant gains despite being seriously underfunded and outspent by Keller who was the only candidate who qualified for public finance.

THE UBALLEZ FACTOR

Alexander Uballez mounted the fiercest challenge of the other four  candidates  receiving 24,718 votes or 19%.  Uballez positioned himself as a more  progressive alternative to Keller saying that Keller was not doing enough to deal with protecting undocumented immigrants  and that Keller has been a failure dealing with the homeless in a compassionate manner.

The outcome of the December 9  runoff election between Democrat Keller and Republican White will likely hinge on the 19% of the votes cast for Democrat Alex Uballez if and only if they actually get out and vote on December 9.  On election night, Progressive Democrat Uballez  urged his supporters not to support White but stopped short of endorsing Mayor Keller outright.  Alexander Uballez said this of his third place finish:

“While we wanted to be in the runoff, our campaign is not stopping here. 20% is the bloc that will decide the runoff. … We cannot allow the keys to Albuquerque to be handed over to Darren White who would roll-over for Donald Trump.”

Brian Sanderoff, the president of Albuquerque-based Research & Polling Inc. that did the Albuquerque Journal poll, told the Journal a Uballez endorsement of Mayor Keller could be politically significant noting that Uballez received as much as 60% of the votes cast in one University of New Mexico voting precinct considered progressive Democrat.  Sanderoff said it’s unlikely that Uballez supporters would back White, but it is not a certainty that they would support Keller in the runoff election or just stay home.

Sanderoff said this:

“The question is, will they vote?”

According to Sanderoff, if Mayor  Keller is able to win the support of most Uballez voters, that could put him over the 50% threshold needed to claim victory over Darren White on November 9.

If Darren White were to win over voters who backed Louie Sanchez (6.44%), Mayling Armijo (5.72% ), Eddie Varela (1.70%) and Daniel Chavez (1.02%)  and retain his own supporters of 30.65% , it would still leave him short of the 50% mark at 45.53%.

CONTENTIOUS RACE

There is little doubt that the city will now see the most contentious runoff in the city’s history as Keller and White vilify each other and point out each other’s flaws. We now have a battle between the two most disliked candidates who ran for Mayor. One candidate is the progressive Democratic Mayor with the very low approval rating of 42% who is perceived as failing to deal with the homeless crisis and the city’s high violent crime rates despite all of his promises, millions spent and programs initiated. The other is a Republican former elected official with a decade’s history of controversial public service. White resigned in controversy from both state and city cabinet level positions. Darren White now seeks to divide the voters by vilifying the homeless and undocumented immigrants akin to Donald Trump on the national level. Keller will rely on his Progressive Democratic party base and White will rely on his MAGA Republican party base as they both seek support from moderates to prevail.

Early Voting is from December1 to December 6.The runoff election is December 9 and as usual voter turn out will be critical. Please vote!

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-mayoral-race-down-to-2-candidates-for-runoff-election/

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-mayor-election-results-2025/69206982

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/krqe-political-analyst-weighs-in-on-upcoming-runoff-election/

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/albuquerque-journal/20251105/281479282668702

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_8cf48d11-9550-4ed2-88dc-d037f637ba46.html

https://nmindepth.com/2025/kellers-36-wasnt-weak-it-was-normal-for-abq-politics/

 

On December 3, 2024 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced plans to move the New Mexico state fairgrounds to a different location and redevelop the 236 acre State Fair property into a mixed-use development. Among the many ideas suggested for the development of the 236 acres of prime property include low income and affordable housing and commercial retail business development.

On March 21, in response to the Governor’s announcement to redevelop or move the state fair, the New Mexico legislature passed legislation creating the “State Fairgrounds District,” a governing board which has redevelopment funding authority over the existing State Fair grounds area. The board has no authority to move the fairgrounds and it will be up to the New Mexico State Fair Commission to make the decision to move the fair grounds. 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 improvements to repurpose the property. 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, chairperson
• 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 a $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. Stantec has agreed to develop a master  that will make suggestions for the land’s use. According to the Governor’s Office the master plan is expected to be completed by next spring. Once approved, work on the project could begin next year and be completed by fall 2029.

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.

FOURTH MEETING OF STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD

On October 30, the State Fairgrounds District governing board met for the fourth time. The meeting was chaired by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. On the agenda were the following two major items:

1. A presentation by Stantec on three separate development concepts strictly for the eight-acre area Southwest corner consisting of private property and existing businesses to be acquired by the state for development. The private property to be acquired is bordered by San Pedro street on the West, Central street on the South, the paved Midway area to the north and existing State Fair parking area to the East. The plans call for the elimination of the parking lot area with roughly 1,500 spaces that’s typically used by fair attendees, along with the demolition of some existing structures.

EDITORS NOTE:  It was during the September 22 meeting of the State Fair District Board that it approved spending of up to $22.5 million to acquire an eight-acre area on the southeast corner at San Pedro and Central  bordering the fairgrounds. The private property is about 17 parcels and 13 condominium units and businesses.

2. A Resolution Approving the Adoption of the District Redevelopment plan.

“PRE-DEVELOPMENT DRAFT CONCEPTS” ENVISION 10 ACRE PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Stantec designer Nancy Locke made the presentation on the three “pre-development draft concepts” to the State Fair District Board. It was stressed the designs are preliminary and subject to change based on the public’s input at upcoming meetings. Stantec does not take a stance on the key issue of whether the state fair will remain at its current location.

The three design concepts Stantec presented to the State Fair District Board open up the site with green space, parks and amenities, including an arena or other large community venue, along with an unspecified number of mixed-income housing units, including affordable housing, rental units and residential home units. The design also includes “traffic-calming” measures along Central and San Pedro, including more crosswalks, pedestrian-activated streetlights and at least one more stoplight to slow traffic down.

The intersections on both sides of the fairgrounds, where Central Avenue crosses San Pedro Drive and Louisiana Boulevard, are the two most dangerous intersections in New Mexico for pedestrians, according to state Transportation Department data. Forty-two crashes involving pedestrians occurred at those two intersections in 2024.

All three of concept plans focused on redevelopment plans strictly for the 49-acre tract in the southwest corner of the State Fairgrounds which is along Central Avenue and San Pedro Drive. The property to be developed includes a 14-acre parcel of land the State Fairgrounds District Board voted to purchase for $22.3 million in its September meeting.

During past presentations to the State Fair District Board, Stantec presenters have said people living around the New Mexico State Fair grounds in the heart of Albuquerque should start imagining the 236-acre state-owned site, now mostly covered in asphalt and concrete and surrounded with tall stucco walls, with open green space, inviting entrances, a park and a pond and affordable housing and entertainment areas. All three concept plans essentially dove tail into the vision articulated by Stantec that they claim are the result of public outreach and input.

All three of the preliminary concept plans include a park and Central and San Pedro edge improvements. All three plans include major mixed use development to include affordable housing. All three plans include what was referred to by Stantec as “opportunities and catalytic elements to support a vibrant district.”

Concept 1 and 2  of the conceptual designs for the area feature a new sports stadium or arena, along with new park areas. Other proposed options include a mixed-use commercial center, a cultural arts facility and a new hotel.

The predevelopment plan identified as the Concept 3 Plan appears to be the most radical of the 3 plans because it calls for a 10 acre park in the center and other public areas in the center of the redevelopment area and pedestrian-friendly upgrades. There  would be four gateways or entrances: one on San Pedro, one on Central, the State Fair main gateway  entrance and the Event Parking entrance. There would be an entertainment hub area and a “mixed use residential area evenly distributed.”

Concept 3 calls for the elimination of a parking lot with roughly1,500 spaces that’s typically used by fair attendees, along with the demolition of some existing structures. The predevelopment plan that includes the 10 acre public park with green spaces includes pedestrian-friendly upgrades along the boundary of the Fairgrounds. The planned park will include stormwater management, plazas, trails, play areas and restrooms.

STATE FAIR DISTRICT BOARD OKS $67M IN INFRASTRUCTURE

On October 30, the State Fairgrounds District Governing Board unanimously voted to give initial approval for spending for the project’s early phases, including $16 million for demolition and land preparation, $27 million for internal roadways and utilities, $19 million for a 10-acre park and $6 million for “off-site” pedestrian safety improvements.

The $67 million the board authorization includes $6 million in “off-site” improvements detailed in the pre-development concepts, money that could go to the pedestrian safety measures. It includes  $2 million for intersection improvements, $2.6 million for sidewalk and landscape improvements and $140,000 to improve the existing bus stops there.

The money to pay for the infrastructure improvements would come from bonds backed by future gross receipts tax revenue. A bill approved during this year’s 60-day legislation session created the new State Fairgrounds District and empowered the governmental subdivision to issue up to $500 million in bonds.

While the board authorized the $67 million in bonding capacity for infrastructure, spending that money is still a good way off. The Legislature must approve the funding during the 2026 Legislative session  when it convenes in January for it 30 day session. Once the legislature approves the funding, the state Finance Board will issue the bonds at a later date.

The funding for up to the $433 million in remaining bonding capacity the Legislature gave the Fair District Board will  come in subsequent phases. Governor Lujan Grisham  and state Rep. Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque) said they might seek even more funding for the project during  the January legislative session.

BOARD REACTION TO PLANS

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said this about the concept plans

“[The  neighborhood is overdue for update]. … It just never got what it deserves to be a meaningful community that reflects the people who live there who have always deserved this level of prioritization and support.”

Albuquerque City Councilor Nicole Rogers said the plans are a great start, going in the right direction for her district.  Rogers said this:

“This is stuff that we can do right away, regardless of what happens with the fair, if it stays or goes. Community wants green space, the community wants better pedestrian safety around the fair, and we need to lower the heat index.”

Dr. Peter Belletto, president of the District 6 Neighborhood Coalition, said this:

“The State Fairgrounds District Board has taken the first step to transform the southeastern District 6 into a thriving economic hub. This action will drive public investment, job growth and small business development.”

Governor  Michelle Lujan Grisham said the unanimous vote of the State Fairgrounds District Board shows broad support for revitalizing both the fairgrounds and the surrounding neighborhood. The Governor said this:

“I look forward to continued community discussion and work on this vitally important project.”

During the October 30th meeting of the State Fair District Board,  Governor Lujan Grisham said  she’d like to see the project break ground before she leaves office at the end of next year.  She asked Stantec designer Nancy Locke who made the presentation on the three development concepts if that was possible and Locke said:

“We’ll have to move fast.”

Community members are encouraged to visit the District website, www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov, which includes an FAQ section and a Resource Library, as well as a community survey that will be open until mid-November.

The next meeting of the State Fairgrounds District Board is scheduled for December 11.

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/preliminary-ideas-released-for-potential-new-mexico-state-fairgrounds-redevelopment/

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-board-approves-678-million-plan-for-state-fairgrounds-redevelopment/69222373

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/predeveloment-plan-approved-for-state-fairgrounds/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d45c7360-88b9-4a7d-87b1-f665f1ccfb0e.html

https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/30/new-nm-state-fair-board-oks-67m-in-infrastructure/

https://www.kanw.org/new-mexico-news/2025-10-30/new-nm-state-fair-board-oks-67m-in-infrastructure

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/predeveloment-plan-approved-for-state-fairgrounds/

https://sourcenm.com/2025/09/25/nm-fairgrounds-redevelopment-board-approves-property-acquisition-begin-new-planning-phase/

STRONG OPPOSITION TO MOVING STATE FAIR

Governor Lujan Grisham’s proposal to moving the state fair has been met with strong opposition from area residents of Albuquerque’s International District, which has dealt with rampant and rising drug use and homelessness in recent years. The development may mean the annual State Fair will need to be moved.

The proposed redevelopment has proven controversial with residents in the International District who say that they are concerned the funding will do little to help the neighborhood, will uproot the historic annual State Fair and will, like past efforts at fairgrounds redevelopment, be a flop.

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. 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.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

It was downright laughable, very misleading and very disingenuous for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to say the “unanimous vote” of the State Fairgrounds District Board showed “broad support” for revitalizing both the fairgrounds and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Governor’s remarks are akin to Linda  Richman, played by Mike Myers on Saturday Night Live, saying “I’m a little verklempt” then saying “Talk amongst yourselves.” The Governor and State Fair Board are only talking amongst themselves and Stantec and only about what is in the best interests and needs of the International District and not EXPO New Mexico.

The blunt truth is that the 7 member State Fair District Board is not at all reflective of all the “surrounding neighborhoods”. The is no representation for the West, North and East neighborhoods and business of the fairgrounds that will no doubt be impacted. Five out of the seven State Fair District Board members are the  elected officials and the neighborhood coalition representative for the International District. Those five are only interested in what can be done for the International District by using the fairgrounds.

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 State Fair District board.

The neighborhoods to the North and the West have virtually no representation on the board with the Governor while 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.

USING STATE FAIR GROUNDS IS NO PANACEA TO SOLVE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ILLS OF HIGH CRIME AND HOMELESS

The State Fair is not the problem when it comes to crime, the unhoused and business development in the International District. Notwithstanding, the State Fairgrounds redevelopment is being promoted by the Governor and her appointed  State Fair District Board as being some great  panacea to solve those very problems of crime, the homeless and lack of  affordable housing in the International District.

The Fair Grounds cannot be characterized as the cause or as a magnet for crime within the International District. No statistics have been presented to the State Fair board on the extent of crime that occurs on the State Fairgrounds itself. No discussion has been held or proof offered as to what extent the State Fair grounds is responsible for crime in the International District.

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 homeless with encampments constantly popping up and cleaned up by the city only to pop up again.

Crime and the unhoused is what is destroying  private investment, job growth and small business development in the International District.

After all the millions are spent to redevelop the fairgrounds, to improve infra structure and traffic flow, building a park, adding public spaces and allowing businesses and low income housing, the problems of high crime rates and the unhoused will remain the same in the International District because they have never been solved for decades. No businesses will want to relocate to the State Fair grounds after it is developed into commercial property, and it will become a magnet for crime and for the homeless.

ACQUIRE AND REDEVELOP VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN INTERNATIOAL DISTRICT 

Businesses have shut down in the International District because of crime and the homeless, so much so that the area has become a “food dessert” and major retail outlets such as the Walmart Super Center, the CVS and Walgreens pharmacies have closed, and the commercial properties are vacant and for sale. Development of affordable housing or subsidized housing within the existing neighborhoods South and East of the fairgrounds and in the International District itself  is where the development is needed and not on the State Fair grounds property.

Rather than salivating over existing State Fair property to convert it into affordable or low-income housing or commercial property, the Governor and her board should seek the state, the Mortgage Finance Authority, or even the city, to acquire vacant commercial properties that are actually within the International District for redevelop into low-income housing or grocery stores. Examples of such  acquisitions would be the massive vacant Walmart Super Center on San Mateo South of Central and north of Zuni which could be used for low income housing development. The vacant CVS pharmacy at Louisiana and Central is currently in foreclosure by the city for outstanding liens and the vacant Walgreens’s pharmacy at San Mateo and Central is for sale and both could easily be remodeled and used for area grocery stores.

Such acquisitions and rededications would dove tale into the multiple conversions around the city of commercial properties into affordable housing such as the 15 story and 10 story buildings at San Mateo and Central. There are also vacant properties directly East of the fair grounds and the race track and casino that could be acquired for development.

FIXATION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSEING BY BOARD AND STANTEC

Efforts to address “affordable housing” continue to be a major target and goal for the State Fairgrounds District Board and were a very  big part of the presentations made to the board by Stantec  and the three redevelopment plans 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 use for the State Fair grounds should be abandoned in that it would impair the overall goal and development of the property for projects that benefit the entire community as a whole and for public use.

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

The highest and best use of property is Expo New Mexico. Expo New Mexico can be revitalized into an Entertainment and Commercial Hub 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. There should be no affordable housing and no other housing on the state fair property. No portion of the State Fair acreage should be sold to any developer.

The development of an Entertainment and Commercial Hub must include a major effort undertaken to revitalize neighborhoods to the South and East of the Fair Grounds in the International District itself undertaken by private developers perhaps with state and city development and tax incentives to build subsidize housing.

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 housing. Simply put, the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and their constituents want the State Fair to remain where it is.

Governor Lujan Grisham has said she’d like to see the project break ground before she leaves office at the end of next year. This lends credence to her rushing things for the sake of her being able to have a legacy project.

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.

The links to related articles are here:

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Holds First Of Three Public Meetings On Redevelopment Plans For State Fair Grounds; State Fairgrounds District Board Approves $22.5 Million For Property Acquisition; Expo New Mexico With No Affordable Housing Highest And Best Use For State Fair Grounds Property

 

Second Meeting Of State Fairgrounds District Board Held With Update Of Master Plan Presented; Neighborhoods Surrounding Fair Grounds Falsely Characterized As “Statewide Epicenter of Homicide, Violence, Homeless Despair, Drug Addiction And Criminal Activity”; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is Expo New Mexico With No Affordable Housing

“State Fairgrounds District Board” Holds First Meeting; Gov. MLG Merely Suggests State Fair May Not Be Moved Contrary To Her Expressed Thoughts; Development Of Master Plans Moves Forward; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is “Expo New Mexico” And Creation Of Year Around Entertainment District With No Affordable Housing   

 

Creation Of “State Fair Grounds” District And Award Of $844,433 Contract For State Fair Master Plan Is Gov. MLG’s Backhanded Move To Force Moving Fair Grounds Over Public Objections; Gov. MLG  Rushes To Achieve Legacy Project With 18 Months Left In Office; July 3 “State Fair Grounds District” First Organization Meeting With Governor Scheduled At State Fair Grounds