A Downtown Den for the Lobo Pack
The Lobos are looking to take the pack downtown. Today, the City of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced a new partnership to explore expanding UNM's presence into the heart of the city, marking a significant step toward revitalizing the urban core and enhancing educational opportunities for the community.
Expanding higher education into downtown cores has been transformational for other cities, including Arizona State University in downtown Phoenix. The City of Albuquerque has land available at 3rd and Marquette and is offering it to UNM for their expansion.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Mayor Tim Keller and UNM President Garnett Stokes, solidifies the collaboration between the city and university to evaluate potential locations, identify academic program opportunities, and determine the feasibility of a downtown campus expansion.
"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 Stokes. "This expansion would put our students at the center of business innovation, cultural activity, and civic life – creating unprecedented opportunities for hands-on learning and career development while helping drive downtown's renaissance."
"Arizona State brought new life and development to downtown Phoenix, and we’re ready to help UNM any way we can to do the same thing here in Albuquerque," said Mayor Tim Keller. "When universities expand downtown, they create a powerful momentum for economic growth; now it's our turn to transform the heart of our city to a hub where education, enterprise, and community mix."
“Having a strong university presence will really round out Downtown's current mix of office, housing, restaurant, and entertainment uses,” said Mark Baker. “Speaking on behalf of everyone in the 505 Central Food Hall, we can't wait to serve the students and faculty some delicious food!
Under the agreement, UNM will evaluate academic program needs, infrastructure requirements, and community impact, while engaging faculty, students, and community stakeholders in the planning process. The City of Albuquerque will provide technical support, explore financial mechanisms, and assist with regulatory processes to facilitate the potential expansion.
“I look forward to the discussions as we explore developing a UNM campus in Downtown,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “The conversations will provide opportunities to enhance the University’s presence as well as increase positive activity Downtown. We hope innovation will drive those conversations. Community engagement is crucial.”
The partnership aims to foster economic development and create new educational opportunities in the downtown area. UNM and the City will work together to ensure the potential expansion aligns with local economic and educational priorities.