Project Vision
Fairgrounds Reimagined is a bold community development project that will shape Albuquerque’s future and expand opportunities for residents to thrive. A transformed Fairgrounds will increase access to housing and transportation, foster safe and healthy communities, and create lasting economic benefits for the entire state.
“The future of our Fairgrounds is no one single thing. It must be a thoughtful ecosystem that centers accessible housing, walkable green spaces, and right-sized commercial activity in order to activate a livable neighborhood.”
Senator Mimi Stewart
New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore and State Fairgrounds Tax District Board Member
“As someone who has lived and worked in the International District for decades, I know a Fairgrounds redevelopment can spark large-scale investments for our community’s benefit. Our International District community has struggled, but we are strong. We have this opportunity to guide real money toward our solutions; community ownership of land and new housing options for all our neighbors.“
John Bulten
Executive Director, East Central Ministries
“Kids in the South East International District deserve green space and opportunity without the weight of stigma. When we label a neighborhood, we label its children — and too often, they grow up believing they’re less than enough. This silent pattern may be fueling the very crises of homelessness and addiction we see today — a truth too few are willing to say out loud.”
Natalie Vargas
Southside Neighborhood Association
“Our community is brilliant and resilient. Our neighbors are not afraid to get their hands dirty and are not backing down in building a community they are proud to live in. I have called this community home for my entire life, raised my kids here, and know my neighbors don’t turn their backs on people who need support.”
Adriann Barboa
District 3 Commissioner, Bernalillo County
“Albuquerque is plagued by a lack of reasons for young people to stay and build their lives here. We are failing them and it’s really important that the future Fairgrounds is truly future-focused, so that our next generations are able to usher in a new phase of cultural dynamism and vibrancy for our city.”
Ahdohny Routheni
Juneteenth Renaissance Institute and New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
“The New Mexico State Fair is more than an event, it’s a reflection of our culture, our traditions, and the resilience of our people. As Councilor for the district that proudly hosts the Fair, I believe in investing in growth that uplifts everyone – neighbors, small businesses, and families alike without pushing anyone out. Together, we can celebrate our heritage while building a community where everyone has a place and a future.”
Nichole Rogers
The neighborhoods surrounding the Fairgrounds are strong, resilient communities. Yet alongside that strength, residents face serious challenges in these neighborhoods, including a growing unhoused population, a weakened business sector and high rates of crime.
In December 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced plans to establish the New Mexico Fairgrounds District, using bonding capacity to thoughtfully redesign the Fairgrounds and deliver new community benefits aimed at quickly improving conditions in nearby neighborhoods. Too many New Mexicans living around the Fairgrounds face unacceptable levels of hardship that must be addressed.
In early 2025, the New Mexico Legislature passed Senate Bill 481 to create the district. Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, sponsored the bill.
The District Board held its first meeting on July 3, 2025, at the African American Pavilion on the Fairgrounds. At that meeting, members adopted by-laws and rules of procedure to ensure full compliance with open meetings laws and procurement practices. Visit the Resource Library and FAQs on this website for more information about the district, the board, Senate Bill 481, and related policies.
The Master Planning Process
The Fairgrounds Master Plan will establish an updated vision for the Fairgrounds and surrounding area, grounded in extensive research and stakeholder input, serving as a roadmap for future infrastructure improvements and connected programming.
