City of Albuquerque, Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
Grants Awarded
The Central Crossing project in Albuquerque will connect Downtown with East Downtown, enhancing safety, fostering economic growth, and revitalizing both areas. The project will also complement the ambitious Rail Trail initiative, a seven-mile trail connecting downtown to nearby neighborhoods and transportation options. The Rail Trail would serve as a tranformational urban amenity, stimulating local business, community engagement, new development and reduce urban heat. Having raised $40 million from various sources, this initiative guarantees equitable access to recreational amenities serving residents' needs diversely and holistically.
Legally allowed by state statute in 1978, the City of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) is charged with creating and building opportunities for economic development. Our work includes investments in public infrastructure, as well as incentives large and small to spur private development and new housing that help to grow the local economy and improve quality of life. MRA partners with other City departments, community leaders, private developers, property owners, and business owners to support vibrant communities in designated Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas. We have several incentive programs to catalyze investment, including public infrastructure improvements, small business grants, construction gap financing, and donations of land. Our mission is to initiate collaborative public-private partnerships that lead to thoughtful and catalytic revitalization by investing in community for sustainable and equitable growth. Because successful cities have vibrant downtowns, it has long been a focus area of MRA’s work. Our vision is that. through restorative redevelopment, Albuquerque will retain its diversity, authenticity, and sense of community, while vibrant and connected neighborhoods provide opportunity for residents to flourish. The Central Crossing project envisions a safe and accessible gateway to downtown and its attractions. It will replace the existing below-grade pedestrian tunnels along Central Avenue at the railroad, on the east end of downtown. An inter-departmental project being planned with the Department of Municipal Development and City executive leadership, Central Crossing exemplifies MRA’s collaborative approach. It will also feature a monumental ride- or walk-through sculpture designed by Antoine Predock Architect—designing Central Crossing was part of the famous local architect’s final project before he passed away in 2024.