City Looking for Community Feedback on Next Stage of Rail Trail Project

ALBUQUERQUE – The City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) has published the public comment draft of the comprehensive report "Advancing Inclusive Growth through the Albuquerque Rail Trail,” marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment in Albuquerque. The community is encouraged to explore the report and provide feedback through the public input survey at cabq.gov/railtrailequity. Community feedback is vital as we work together to ensure the Albuquerque Rail Trail project benefits all members of our community and tells our authentic story.

“The Rail Trail is a transformative investment in our community that will tell the story of Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “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 examines current conditions in neighborhoods surrounding the planned Rail Trail, analyzes trends over the past decade, and identifies a range of initiatives aimed at promoting neighborhood stability and vibrancy. As the City moves forward on this major infrastructure project, a key focus is to ensure that the local community directly benefits from this transformative investment.

The Rail Trail will be an iconic and artistic pedestrian parkway that reflects Albuquerque’s vibrant history and cultural diversity. This 7-mile bike and walking loop will be our "Trail of Enchantment." It will not only connect Downtown, Old Town, and the Rail Yards, it will tell the story of this place our families call home. The overall vision for the trail is to tell “our” story, of who we are as a people, of this land we love and our history through time.  Walking the trail will entertain people with a rich tapestry of our life in “the city at the crossroads” over the centuries through art and design.   

The report tracks trends like:

• Rent and housing
• Jobs and economy
• Income and poverty
• Population and diversity
• Safety in the built environment

Neighborhoods studied include:

• Barelas
• Country Club & Huning Castle
• Downtown Core
• Santa Barbara/Martineztown
• Sawmill & Old Town
• South Broadway & EDo
• Wells Park & Downtown Neighborhoods

Recommendations include developing programs that:

• Help ensure existing residents can afford to live in their neighborhood;
• Support new and existing local small businesses;
• Incorporate community generated programming ideas that serve the existing residents;
• Authentically celebrate the history and culture of the local community; and
• Partner with existing community-based organizations to expand community capacity.

To access the full Advancing Inclusive Growth report and submit feedback, please visit cabq.gov/railtrailequity.