Case:
City of Albuquerque, Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
Project Overview
Rail trails and river walk developments across the country have brought significant economic gains to the communities around them, but the Albuquerque team recognizes that in some cases they have also led to gentrification and the risk of displacement. To prevent a similar situation in Albuquerque, the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is leading the effort to mobilize the community around this investment, and ensure that development on these parcels creates benefits rather than costs for nearby residents. They are tracking various housing and community well-being metrics over time in adjoining neighborhoods, which will enable them to build buy-in and accountability for what is being built. The team is also using map data to identify vacant parcels that can be used for new housing in the area, both affordable and market rate, as a way to support community organizing for equitable infrastructure development.
The team worked with EDDIT to embed equity in the project messaging within city leadership and with the public in order to raise the remainingUS$50 million needed to bring the Rail Trail to life and ensure support even after construction. The Rail Trail’s long term success will depend on local residents, property owners, and developers for its programming and expansion.
Data Insights
The Rail Trail has the potential to be an investment in social equity, bringing new businesses and equitable economic growth to the downtown area by revitalizing underused land and creating an environment that both residents and visitors can enjoy. It will also make the downtown safer by creating a protected pathway for people to travel through the city, which the team highlights with a map showing the high recent incidence of pedestrian and cyclist injuries and fatalities involving motor vehicles downtown. The Rail Trail will provide a greener, safer, and more pleasant route by incorporating grade-separated lanes, public art, better sidewalks, and more lighting.
Additional data points and a series of interactive online maps show how the Rail Trail celebrates Albuquerque’s cultural heritage, enhancing residents’ connection to the city and its history. The trail connects prominent sites around Albuquerque’s downtown, including Historic Old Town, favorite local restaurants, and farmers’ markets. The spillover benefits of this development will bring more people to the core, creating more shops and restaurants for downtown residents as well as a renewed downtown tax base. With the Rail Trail, the Albuquerque team is on the path to creating a signature public gathering space for all to enjoy.
You really learn so much more about your project than you thought you were going to. EDDIT really gives you those tools necessary to make those big asks in the future and get the community involved in the future. And I would just absolutely recommend it to everybody.