Albuquerque is investing big in its future — nearly $167 million in capital projects are in the pipeline across the city. From new parks and library upgrades to fire stations and public art, these projects aim to improve everyday life in every district.
This series will break down where that money is going, what’s being built and how it’s funded. Voters will have a say this November when the next general obligation bond question appears on the ballot.
Albuquerque voters will decide this November whether to fund dozens of infrastructure projects through the city’s General Obligation (G.O.) Bond program.
The Capital Implementation Program, or CIP, oversees how that money is spent—managing projects that build, repair and upgrade roads, public safety facilities, parks, libraries, community centers and more. The goal is to improve the city’s quality of life and keep essential infrastructure running smoothly.
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, though the tax rate doesn’t go up when voters approve new bonds. Instead, the city issues new bonds as older 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.
In 2025, city departments submitted more than $200 million in requests for bond funding. Staff from various departments reviewed and ranked projects based on criteria approved by the City Council. Senior city officials then narrowed the list to fit the available funding. The Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) holds a public hearing before the plan goes to the mayor, who then sends it to the City Council for final approval.
The Council is required to hold at least one public hearing before voting to put the bond questions on the ballot. Each question groups similar projects—like parks, roads or public safety—into a “purpose.” Voters approve or reject each purpose separately.
The two-year cycle isn’t mandatory, but city officials say it provides a steady, predictable stream of funding. It also allows time for planning, public input and private-sector bidding. The process is outlined in the city ordinance and shaped by priorities set by the Council. In January, the Council adopted a resolution that set the criteria for the 2025 program.
Albuquerque voters have historically supported bond questions. In 2021, 70% approved all of them.
From flamingo pools and wolf habitats to transit hubs and playgrounds, Albuquerque’s District 1 is getting more than $12 million in upgrades through this year’s round of capital projects.
Paid for through the city’s CIP, these projects aim to reshape public spaces across the West Side. In District 1, that means everything from big BioPark and Gateway Center upgrades to new HVAC systems, Little League restrooms and spruced-up medians.
The spending is part of a bigger push by the city to reinvest in neighborhoods, make things safer and upgrade everyday spaces people rely on.
The D1 projects
While the BioPark draws big numbers, it’s not the biggest slice of the 2025 proposal. Streets and drainage projects are set to get nearly $50 million, and community facilities—including libraries, senior centers and youth programs—could receive about $47 million.
BioPark funding:
The ABQ BioPark spans both City Council Districts 1 and 2, but most of the funding in recent years has gone to projects in District 2.
According to the city’s Capital Implementation Program, Albuquerque has committed about $29.4 million to BioPark upgrades over the past few years. That total includes about $6.07 million for projects in District 1 and $23.32 million in District 2.
In District 1, the funding covered everything from $3.3 million for the new wolf habitat and $1.7 million for train track upgrades to smaller fixes like $148,000 for barn flooring at the Heritage Farm and $64,000 to repair the flamingo pool.
These projects weren’t funded all at once or from a single source. The city used a mix of local, state, federal and private dollars, not just voter-approved G.O. bonds.
Other 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.
