ABQ Times

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) has taken a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment by releasing the public comment draft of the comprehensive report "Advancing Inclusive Growth through the Albuquerque Rail Trail." Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the project, stating, “Input from the people who call this place home is key to ensuring that the trail not only reflects our authentic history but lifts up historic neighborhoods as our city continues to grow.”

The report delves into current conditions in neighborhoods surrounding the planned Rail Trail, analyzing trends over the past decade and proposing initiatives to promote neighborhood stability and vibrancy. The focus of the City is to ensure that the local community directly benefits from this transformative investment, which aims to create an iconic and artistic pedestrian parkway reflecting Albuquerque’s vibrant history and cultural diversity.

The Rail Trail, envisioned as a 7-mile bike and walking loop connecting Downtown, Old Town, and the Rail Yards, is set to become Albuquerque's "Trail of Enchantment." Mayor Keller described the trail as a means to showcase the city's history and essence, offering a rich tapestry of life in "the city at the crossroads" through art and design.

The report identifies various trends such as rent and housing, jobs and economy, income and poverty, population diversity, and safety in the built environment in neighborhoods like Barelas, Country Club & Huning Castle, Downtown Core, Santa Barbara/Martineztown, Sawmill & Old Town, South Broadway & EDo, and Wells Park & Downtown Neighborhoods.

Recommendations include developing programs to ensure affordability for existing residents, support for local businesses, community-generated programming ideas, authentic celebration of local history and culture, and partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance community capacity.

Community members are encouraged to explore the full Advancing Inclusive Growth report and provide feedback through the public input survey available at cabq.gov/railtrailequity.