Albuquerque is investing big in its future — nearly $167 million in capital projects have already been launched or completed across the city. From new parks and library upgrades to fire stations and public art, these efforts aim to improve everyday life in every district.
This series breaks down where the money went, what was built and how it was funded in each City Council District. And soon, voters will weigh in on what comes next.
This November, Albuquerque voters will decide whether to fund another round of infrastructure projects through the city’s General Obligation (G.O.) Bond program.
The Capital Implementation Program, or CIP, manages how this money is spent—overseeing projects that build, repair and upgrade roads, public safety facilities, parks, libraries, community centers and more. The goal is to enhance the city’s quality of life and maintain essential infrastructure in a smooth operation.
Most of the funding comes from G.O. bonds, which appear on the ballot every two years. These bonds are backed by the city’s property taxes, but the tax rate doesn’t increase when voters approve new bonds. Instead, the city issues new bonds as old ones are paid off. According to the city, low interest rates in recent years have helped pay off debt faster than planned, on average, within six to seven years.
By law, 1% of all G.O. bond funds go toward public art. Other funding sources include enterprise funds, grants and redevelopment money.
For the 2025 cycle, city departments submitted more than $200 million in new bond funding requests. Staff from multiple departments reviewed and ranked projects using criteria approved by the City Council. Senior officials then trimmed the list to fit available funding. The Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) holds a public hearing before the plan goes to the mayor, who sends it to the Council for final approval.
The Council must hold at least one public hearing before voting to place the bond questions on the ballot. Each question group similar projects—like parks, roads or public safety—into a “purpose.” Voters approve or reject each purpose separately.
The two-year cycle isn’t required by law, but city leaders say it provides a stable, predictable funding stream. It also allows time for planning, public input and private-sector bidding. The process is outlined in city ordinance and guided by priorities the Council sets. In January, the Council adopted a resolution outlining the criteria for the 2025 program.
Albuquerque voters have historically supported these investments. In 2021, 70% approved every bond question on the ballot.
From flamingo pools and wolf habitats to transit hubs and playgrounds, Albuquerque’s District 1 has seen more than $12 million in upgrades through the current round of capital projects.
Funded through the city’s Capital Implementation Program (CIP), these projects are already underway or completed and aim to reshape public spaces across the West Side. In District 1, that’s included everything from major BioPark and Gateway Center improvements to new HVAC systems, Little League restrooms and spruced-up medians.
The spending is part of a broader effort by the city to reinvest in neighborhoods, improve safety and upgrade the everyday spaces residents rely on. This November, voters will decide whether to fund the next wave of projects through Albuquerque’s General Obligation (G.O.) Bond program.
The D1 projects
In the upcoming 2025 G.O. bond package, streets and drainage projects are slated to receive nearly $50 million, while community facilities — including libraries, senior centers and youth programs — could see about $47 million.
Parks and Rec facilities
The proposed 2025 G.O. Bond Program includes $18.35 million for the entire Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the BioPark. The plan will appear on the November ballot, giving voters a chance to decide on future investments in parks, trails, rec centers and the BioPark.
In District 1, more than $744,000 has already gone to parks and recreation upgrades. That includes $151,000 for new playground equipment in the Los Volcanes area, about $154,000 to improve the West Mesa Aquatic Center’s boiler and pool HVAC systems, and nearly $440,000 for new restrooms at the West Mesa Little League fields in Redlands Park.
The city’s bond proposal includes $7.85 million for “Park, Playground, & Recreation Improvement & Rehabilitation” and $3.5 million for “Aquatic Facility Improvements.” Both categories cover projects like those in District 1 and aim to renovate, upgrade, and equip city parks and pool facilities.
Gateway West
Albuquerque has committed $1.85 million to upgrades at Gateway Center West, the city’s largest year-round shelter for men and women, according to the Capital Implementation Program. The shelter serves between 600 and 700 people each night.
The funding covered renovations to dorms and pods, along with updated signage throughout the facility. These improvements weren’t part of the city’s General Obligation Bond Program, meaning they were funded through other sources.
Previously known as the Westside Emergency Housing Center, the shelter also received about $273,000 for a dog run and improvements to a K pod.
City facilities
The city has spent more than $1.4 million upgrading municipal facilities, including nearly $756,000 at Double Eagle II Airport, $697,000 at the Westside Shooting Range Park, and $21,525 to remodel the bunkroom at Fire Station 17.
In the 2025 G.O. Bond proposal, city leaders will ask voters to approve $11.5 million for public safety projects across Albuquerque. That includes $1 million for Albuquerque Community Safety, $4.5 million for Fire Rescue and $5 million for Police Department needs.
Within those buckets, the bond plan sets aside $4 million to rehab and secure APD facilities and another $1 million for new police vehicles. On the fire side, $2.5 million would go toward renovating and upgrading stations citywide.
For airport upgrades, the Enterprise Fund Summary lists separate capital projects for the Sunport and Double Eagle II. Proposed bond funding includes $15,000 in 2025 and $320,000 in total to install new sliding doors at the APD hangar at Double Eagle.
Transit and streets
The city has committed about $1.7 million to transportation and street upgrades in District 1, according to the Capital Implementation Program.
That includes $1.16 million for a new Portland Loo restroom at the Central and Unser Transit Center, $77,800 for construction management at Uptown Transit, $306,000 for a median on Coors, $113,000 for Laurelwood medians, $72,000 for Laurelwood right-of-way improvements, and $34,000 for medians on Montaño.
These projects align with the city’s broader transportation goals. The proposed 2025 G.O. Bond Program sets aside nearly $50 million for streets and hydrology projects citywide. That includes $4.3 million for sidewalks and medians and $8.56 million for street rehab and reconstruction.
