Albuquerque has launched or completed nearly $167 million in capital projects 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 D4 projects
More than $31 million in recent public funding is reshaping District 4, with big upgrades to parks, pools and infrastructure. The Northeast Heights district, home to some of Albuquerque’s wealthiest neighborhoods, has seen major investments in a new aquatic center, Balloon Fiesta Park and road improvements in the foothills.
Most of the money comes from voter-approved G.O. bonds and the city’s capital improvement program. With another bond vote set for this fall, residents will soon decide what gets funded next.
North Domingo Baca gets major rebuild
The city has invested more than $12.7 million in aquatic and recreation projects in District 4, with most of it going to the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, according to the Municipal Development Department.
The North Domingo Baca facility also received $1.35 million in HVAC improvements across three separate projects.
“In 2005, a Master Plan to develop the 57-acre North Domingo Baca Park was created, and through the years we’ve worked hard to fundraise and complete nearly every portion of this plan,” said Councilor Brook Bassan at the project’s groundbreaking. “The aquatics center is the last piece to the puzzle, and it is an honor to be so closely involved in providing the voters that which they have repeatedly requested. I’m so excited to bring this amazing facility to the community of Council District 4, and the metro and state areas in general.”
The center is a major recreation hub for the Northeast Heights, serving families in a district with about 32,900 residents and a 71% homeownership rate. It accounts for nearly 42% of the district’s bond spending, showing the city’s focus on supporting neighborhoods where property owners help fund improvements through G.O. bonds.
“We’re delivering on the promise of a state-of-the-art aquatics facility for Albuquerque families,” said Mayor Tim Keller at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The $45.2 million aquatic center will sit next to the existing multigenerational center. Features include a 60-meter-by-25-yard indoor competition pool, a diving pool with three boards, a heated therapy pool and an outdoor lap pool. There’s also a large water play area with slides and sprays, plus seating for 850 spectators.
Built to host everything from local swim meets to NCAA and Olympic-level training, the facility is expected to boost the local economy by keeping competitive events in Albuquerque. It will also serve as a new home for UNM’s swim teams.
“The community of District 4 has overwhelmingly expressed their desire to have a public place for their families to swim, both recreationally and therapeutically,” Bassan said. “It is one of my top priorities to obtain the funding to finally get this aquatic center built.”
District 4 contributed $12.7 million in G.O. bond funds to the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center. The full $45.2 million project also draws from state appropriations, additional city funding and Albuquerque Public Schools contributions.
“The North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center is an incredible example of what can happen when multiple agencies, their representatives, and the people come together to make something happen,” said State Sen. Moe Maestas. “Congratulations to all in building a world-class facility for our community.”
The proposed 2025 bond cycle includes $3.5 million citywide for “Aquatic Facility Improvements,” covering renovation and upgrade projects like the work at North Domingo Baca.
Balloon Fiesta Park infrastructure overhaul
District 4’s tourism crown jewel, Balloon Fiesta Park, got more than $11.1 million in city-funded upgrades aimed at improving the experience for both visitors and residents.
“Balloon Fiesta Park is one of our most iconic and visited places in Albuquerque, and we’re making major upgrades the park has needed for decades,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “When I was a young kid going to Fiesta, I always wondered why there weren’t real bathrooms, and now we’re finally going to have toilets that flush.”
The biggest investment — $7.06 million — went to upgrading Vendor Row, the commercial heart of the annual festival. Another $3.39 million funded restroom improvements. Smaller projects included nearly $400,000 for a new parking lot, about $25,000 to remove east lot fencing, $196,000 for upgrades at the multi-use sports complex and the ABQ Balloon Museum got $40,175 for theater renovation work.
These upgrades support an event that generates millions in economic impact for Albuquerque while serving as a year-round public space for Northeast Heights residents.
The Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to Albuquerque every October and generates millions in economic impact. The new investments also enhance the park’s role as a year-round gathering space for Northeast Heights residents.
Long-term plans aim to improve both the annual event and daily use. The upgraded sports complex, for example, supports local leagues and tournaments beyond the nine-day fiesta.
Infrastructure upgrades power District 4
The city invested heavily in behind-the-scenes infrastructure to keep District 4 running, funding basics like traffic signals, street maintenance and storm drainage in its mostly residential neighborhoods.
Big-ticket items included $2.15 million for roof and HVAC upgrades at the city’s fleet maintenance facility, and $3.31 million for renovations to Building F at Pino Yard. Pino Yard serves as a major city operations complex housing street maintenance, fleet services, and administrative offices — a key operations hub for street work, vehicle services and city staff.
Street and median upgrades totaled more than $400,000, including almost $287,000 for the Phase Two of Alameda Blvd. median work between San Mateo Blvd. and Interstate 25, and about $26,000 for smaller projects on Osuna Road.
The proposed 2025 G.O. Bond Program includes nearly $50 million for streets and drainage projects across Albuquerque, with $4.3 million set aside for sidewalks and medians like those upgraded in District 4.
Public safety and community facilities
District 4’s Fire Station 15 received almost $22,000 to remodel its bunkroom, giving firefighters a better place to rest during long shifts. It’s a small investment, but one that shows the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety.
District 4 spent nearly $92,000 on the ABQ Stadium Study to assess future sports venue needs and infrastructure.
The study came as the city reviewed the proposed New Mexico United soccer stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park—a $30 million privately funded project approved by the City Council in August 2024 after public hearings and neighborhood appeals. The stadium, planned for the park’s east side, is expected to open in 2026.
On July 7, a judge dismissed a lawsuit from three neighborhood associations aiming to stop construction, clearing the way for New Mexico United to break ground on its new home.
The proposed 2025 G.O. Bond Program includes $11.5 million for public safety citywide — $4.5 million for Fire Rescue facility upgrades and $5 million for Police Department needs. Of the fire funding, $2.5 million is earmarked to renovate stations across Albuquerque.
About the G.O. Bond program
Albuquerque’s Capital Implementation Program, or CIP, oversees bond-funded construction and repairs for roads, parks, libraries, public safety buildings, and community centers.
Most projects rely on general obligation, or G.O., bonds backed by property taxes. The tax rate stays level because new bonds replace old ones as they’re paid off. Thanks to low interest rates, most debt is retired in six to seven years.
By law, 1% of all G.O. bond money goes to public art. Additional funding often comes from state, federal, or private sources.
For the 2025 cycle, city departments requested more than $200 million in projects. After scoring and community review, the Environmental Planning Commission holds hearings before sending the plan to the mayor and City Council. The Council must hold at least one public hearing before deciding which categories, or “purposes,” to place on the ballot.
The two-year cycle helps staff plan and gives the public time to weigh in. In January, the Council set the official criteria for 2025.
Albuquerque voters typically support bond measures. In 2021, 70% approved every item on the ballot.