University Area Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan

SITES worked with the City of Albuquerque to establish and plan the South University of New Mexico (UNM) Metropolitan Redevelopment Area, a neighborhood with strong assets but ongoing challenges related to business retention and long-term residency. The area faced high commercial vacancy rates, deteriorating structures, and public safety concerns, contributing to visible blight and economic decline.

In close collaboration with City staff, SITES led the designation process for the redevelopment area, identifying opportunities for reinvestment that respected the surrounding historic and residential neighborhoods. Following designation, the team developed a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan that outlined key catalytic strategies and recommended public and private investments to strengthen the area’s economic health.

Through an inclusive engagement process, SITES worked with businesses, residents, property owners, developers, and representatives from major institutions to shape the plan. A central outcome was the creation of a stakeholder group dedicated to advocating for business improvement and ongoing community investment, ensuring the plan’s momentum continues beyond adoption.