ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque’s effort to transform the International District has received statewide recognition for its vision for housing, neighborhood design, and community engagement.
The International District Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan recently received the Award for Excellence in Community Design and Development from the American Planning Association’s New Mexico Chapter during the organization’s annual state planning conference.
The plan outlines a long-term strategy to replace 98 aging public housing units with modern, mixed-income housing while expanding access to neighborhood amenities and services. The project also includes proposed investments in walkability, public safety, green space, recreation areas, and other community improvements throughout the International District.
City officials say the plan was developed through more than a year of community meetings and engagement with residents, business owners, and local organizations. A key component of the proposal is a commitment to prevent the displacement of current residents during redevelopment efforts.
The initiative is a partnership between the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Housing Authority and was supported by a federal Choice Neighborhoods planning grant awarded in 2023. The completed plan focuses on three public housing properties in the area and calls for new energy-efficient housing, expanded supportive services, and additional affordable housing opportunities.
As part of the project, the city plans to provide vacant city-owned land for future affordable housing development in the International District.
With the planning phase complete, city and housing officials are now seeking competitive federal implementation grants that could provide tens of millions of dollars for construction and redevelopment projects outlined in the plan.
