ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque and The University of New Mexico (UNM) have entered into a partnership to explore expanding UNM's presence in the downtown area. This initiative aims to revitalize the urban core while enhancing educational opportunities for the community.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), recently signed by Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and UNM President Garnett S. Stokes, establishes collaboration between the city and university. The agreement focuses on evaluating potential locations, identifying academic program opportunities, and assessing the feasibility of a downtown campus expansion.

UNM has maintained a presence in downtown Albuquerque since 2017 with its Lobo Rainforest Building, located in the Innovation District near Broadway and Central Ave. This location offers proximity to research facilities and technology-based companies associated with UNM Rainforest Innovations.

Under the new MOU, the City of Albuquerque is offering land near 3rd St. and Marquette to support UNM's expansion efforts downtown. "By exploring how to expand UNM's footprint into downtown Albuquerque, we're reimagining how a modern urban university can serve its community," said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes.

The partnership seeks to foster economic development and create new educational opportunities in the downtown area. Both entities will work together to ensure that any potential expansion aligns with local economic and educational priorities.

"This City-UNM Agreement commits both entities to explore opportunities to bring additional UNM academic and research facilities to downtown," stated David Campbell, immediate past executive director of Lobo Development Corporation.

The agreement outlines that UNM will evaluate academic program needs, infrastructure requirements, and community impact while engaging faculty, students, and community stakeholders in planning. The City of Albuquerque will provide technical support, explore financial mechanisms, and assist with regulatory processes.

Expanding higher education into downtown cores has been transformational for other cities such as Phoenix with Arizona State University. "Arizona State brought new life and development to downtown Phoenix," noted Mayor Tim Keller. "When universities expand downtown, they create a powerful momentum for economic growth."

David Campbell emphasized that "the collaboration between UNM and the city of Albuquerque is a visionary step toward revitalizing our downtown community." He added that bringing elements of the flagship university downtown would contribute significantly to Albuquerque’s standing as a great city.

“This new initiative builds upon our existing downtown projects,” added Stokes. District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca expressed anticipation for discussions about developing a UNM campus in Downtown: “Community engagement is crucial.”