City Desk ABQ Staff report
Bernalillo County residents have had a lot of questions about proposals to make changes to the State Fairgrounds.
The county put together answers for the most frequently asked questions.
“The neighborhoods surrounding the state fairgrounds are active and know the solutions needed for the area. This can be the opportunity to make it happen,” Bernalillo County District 3 Commissioner Adriann Barboa said. “Bernalillo County has formed this FAQ to provide transparent information on the redevelopment process and decision-making timeline so we can have robust community engagement in the Master Plan and build the future our communities deserve.”
The State Fairgrounds, though in the middle of the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, are state land. So much of the decision on what to do with the fairgrounds is in the hands of state authorities.
One big move from the recently concluded legislative session was the passage of Senate Bill 481, sponsored by Albuquerque Democratic Senator Mimi Stewart.
So what would this do?
Per the Bernalillo county FAQ post:
Senate Bill 481, sponsored by state Sen. Mimi Stewart, forms the State Fair District naming the boundaries of the newly developed “district” as the state-owned property known as the State Fairgrounds. This district would encompass the existing fairgrounds and any contiguous land acquired subsequently, aiming to revitalize the area through economic development initiatives. The bill includes provisions for a property tax levy and authorizes the issuance of up to $500 million in bonds to finance infrastructure projects within the district. SB 481 names the district board members as the following seven elected officials or their designees: the governor; the state senator, state representative, county commissioner and city councilor from the area; the mayor and a representative community member selected by the governor. This board will appropriate funding for the district.The post includes more answers to questions, including the next steps for a request for proposal on future plans for the fairgrounds (they’re due April 18) and what would happen to the State Fair if it needs to be moved.