City of Albuquerque asks for public’s feedback on ‘Downtown Forward’ plan

Ryan Laughlin | KOB

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Last week, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced a new initiative to make downtown safer.

A draft of the Downtown Forward plan shows a multi-pronged approach to rehab the heart of the Duke City. The plan notes the downtown residential population is up 60% since 2000.

At the top of the list of concerns is addressing public safety and homelessness. Part of the draft states they will expand shuttles for people experiencing homelessness to get to area shelters and other resources.

The draft plan also outlines a new police initiative, but asks for donations to fund officer overtime – which has been a hard sell for some downtown business owners.

The seven strategies in the Downtown Forward plan include:

  1. Make downtown safe
  2. Extend compassion to those in need
  3. Give people something to do
  4. Build more housing
  5. Anchor, connection and catalyze with strategic investments
  6. Invest in sustainability
  7. Create tools for redevelopment

The City of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is asking for the public’s feedback on the plan. To download the draft plan and provide feedback, click here.