In compliance with the State Tax Departments requirements for forming a Tax Increment District, Bernalillo County District 3 Commissioner Adriann Barboa, Governor Grisham’s appointed Fair Redevelopment Project Advisor Marty Chavez, District 6 City Council Nichole Rogers, and other city and state representatives held a meeting at EXPO on February 26th to inform stakeholders about proposed changes to EXPONM fairgrounds. Although attendants were contentious, leaders provided information about a proposed county TIDD (Tax Increment Development District) (Forming Tax Increment Districts and Facts about TIDD ), to create a Master Plan addressing challenges faced by the International District as directed by Governor Grisham. Various proposals are under consideration and no decisions have been made. Two solutions were described: develop the fairgrounds as a multi-use property with housing, retail, and green space, and move the fairgrounds. Or redevelopment and improvement of the fairground property. The State Procurement Manager sent out an RFP (Request for Proposal) early December 2024 and a proposal was accepted January 2025 (REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for Fairgrounds Masterplan 12/24 ). However, the accepted RFP was rescinded, and another request will go out soon. The representatives made it clear that no decisions have been made yet as to how they will move forward.
On March 5th, RSPP (Revitalize San Pedro Partnership, https://www.sanpedroabq.org/ ) held another meeting at the African American Performance Pavilion for business owners and community leaders to further inform them on the situation. Marty Chavez and RSPP Executive Director Adrian Carver answered questions and concerns for two hours. Adriann Barboa announced the county TIDD formation was scrapped, and that the State would move forward with creating a TIDD, stating that State management allows the State to include $12 million worth of tax income from the casino, which would greatly increase the scope of the project.
Two days later, March 7th, our FWNA Fairground redevelopment representative Hillary Malu attended a Zoom meeting for Neighborhood Association leaders held by Adriann Barboa. She made clear her devotion to include input from local residents and community members for whatever project is developed. She made it clear that she lives in and embraces the local culture, and her primary intention is to preserve and help the community. “I don’t want to do it alone. Let’s work on this together,” Barboa said. The new state TIDD committee will include State Senator Mimi Stewart, Mayor Keller, Adriann Barboa, Nichole Rogers, Marty Chavez, Governor Grisham, County Representative Janelle Anyanonu, and a community representative, yet to be chosen.
Mimi Stewart is sponsoring Senate bill 481 which proposes to create a State Fairgrounds District and outlines the powers of the district such as: authorization of issuance and funding of bonds, establishing the State Fairgrounds District Fund, providing a tax exemption for bonds and income from bonds, and making distributions of net receipts from the gross receipts tax and gaming tax from business locations on the state fairgrounds. NM Legislature 2025 session – SB 481. The bill was sent to The Senate Tax, Business & Transportation subcommittee (https://www.nmlegis.gov/Committee/Standing_Committee?CommitteeCode=STBTC ) on 2/20.
The RFP Master Plan will include professional probability studies with many scenarios. Again, no scenario is set in stone yet. It is important we show up to community meetings and share our visions with representatives. Barboa said, “Dream big.” So, write up your proposals, make sure to share them with our community leaders. Show up and speak up so we get something that helps everyone realize a better future.
Contacts
Marty Chavez, State Office Fair Redevelopment Project Advisor, 505-400-0501, Martychavez@gmail.com
Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commissioner, (505) 468-7108,
district3@bernco.gov or (505) 379-1962, Barboa 4 BernCo
Mimi Stewart, District 17 Senator, 505-986-4734, mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov, SD17.secr@nmlegis.gov
Janelle Anyanonu, Bernalillo County Representative, 505-986-4435, Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov
Hillary Malu Fair West Neighborhood (FWNA) Fairground redevelopment representative, hmfwna@gmail.com
Fair West Neighborhood Association 