Redevelopment Tax Abatement (RTA)

Metropolitan Redevelopment Tax Abatement

The purpose of the Redevelopment Tax Abatement (RTA) program is to attract private investment and revitalize divested areas within Albuquerque. The City seeks to stimulate high quality, sustainable development projects that provide tangible community benefits. Projects must meet the goals of the applicable Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan and result in the elimination or prevention of slum and blight, in accordance with NM Statute, Section 3 Article 60A.

7-year pause on property tax increases 

The RTA Program aims to encourage investment in Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas by freezing property taxes at pre-development levels for the first 7 years of operation, helping to reduce costs during that period of time. RTA projects can be new construction on vacant lots, expansions, or renovations of existing structures. At year 7, the property is reassessed and the owner will begin paying taxes on the full taxable value.

How it works

The RTA program benefits the City, County, and developers. The program has no operational costs and generates a net positive impact on tax revenues in the long-run. Most RTA projects involve long-vacant lots and buildings that generate little revenue in taxes. By incentivizing development, MRA supports infill development and bolsters the tax base. Once submitted, applications take an average of 3-4 months to receive full approval by the Albuquerque Development Commission (ADC) and City Council.

• Redevelopment Tax Abatement Instructions
• Appendix A. Application Form
• Appendix B. Community Benefits Matrix
• Appendix C. Applicant Certification (optional)
• Appendix D. Boilerplate Lease Agreement
• Appendix E. Building Valuation Data
• Appendix F. Applicant Experience Matrix
• Appendix G. Modified W-9 (Local Certification)
• Appendix H. Certification + Acknowledgement of Redevelopment Tax Abatement Program Risks
• Appendix I. City Color Palettes
• Prevailing Wage Policy
• Redevelopment Tax Abatement 1-Page Summary

Applications can be emailed to the City at [email protected] and must be submitted as a single PDF. Please also copy Jenny Jackson, MRA Manager, on your submission at [email protected]. If your application is too large to email, please call 505-263-5376 for further instructions. 

The instructions and appendices have been updated as of November 2024.