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 D2 projects
Albuquerque’s District 2 had more than $77 million in upgrades, with dozens of infrastructure, housing, and public space projects already underway or completed.
From BioPark upgrades to new housing and revamped streetscapes, District 2 is seeing a wave of city investment. Funded by past rounds of general obligation bonds, these projects are part of Albuquerque’s push to fix aging infrastructure, expand community spaces and make everyday life better. With the next G.O. Bond vote coming up on Nov. 4, residents will help decide what gets built next.
BioPark funding
The ABQ BioPark spans two City Council districts—Districts 1 and 2—but most of the projects are located in District 2. The BioPark includes four areas — the zoo, aquarium, botanical garden and Tingley Beach. According to the city, it draws more than 1.5 million visitors a year, making it the most popular tourist spot in New Mexico.
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 $23.3 million in District 2.
The BioPark’s 2014 Master Plan laid out a long-term vision through 2031, with funding going toward new animal habitats, better guest spaces and behind-the-scenes upgrades to care for animals and plants. The 2024 Facility Plan builds on that, aiming to improve animal welfare, visitor experience and day-to-day operations while keeping up with rising costs and modern standards.
The BioPark’s biggest project right now is the Science, Health and Aquatic Research Center, or SHARC. Originally estimated at $15 million, it’s now a $16.5 million facility behind the Aquarium that will raise young fish, treat sick animals and grow rare corals to support aquatic care.
The Children’s Fantasy Garden at the Botanic Garden is also getting an upgrade. It was originally estimated at $5 million, but so far it’s received about $807,000. The city plans to make the area safer, more accessible and more fun for kids, with community input shaping the redesign.
The Zoo’s gorilla exhibit and holding area received $1.9 million, while the catwalk renovation, meant to create large flexible habitats, got about $301,000 out of a $3 million estimate.
Entrance upgrades are also in the works. The Zoo and Aquarium/Garden entrances are set for $4.8 million in improvements to make visits smoother and more welcoming. So far, they’ve received more than $484,000. Plans include a shared gate and landscaped plaza at the Aquarium and Garden, plus shaded structures and upgraded ticket scanning at the Zoo.
And that’s just a snapshot. These projects are part of a much larger push to improve the BioPark for both animals and guests.
Community Centers
District 2’s community centers are getting some love, too, with more than $6 million spread across the district.
The Joan Jones Community Center in Atrisco Hills received about $5.4 million and is closed for renovations until this fall.
At the Highland Senior Center, nearly $860,000 will fund a kitchen remodel starting July 28. Daily hot lunches and a continental breakfast will still be served during construction.
The Santa Barbara Martineztown Multigenerational Center received just under $102,000 and the Thomas Bell Community Center got about $18,000.
The Jack Candelaria Community & Boxing Training Center recently reopened after major upgrades, and the Barelas Community Center received a little over $4,000 for improvements.
Road, transit & public spaces
District 2 is seeing big investments in roads and transit aimed at making it easier to get around.
The city put about $9.4 million into improvements at 20th Street and Bellamah Avenue. The Central Crossing Bridge also got a $5 million boost to upgrade its southwest ramp.
Another major project is the ABQ Rail Trail. The city spent $4.4 million on the Sawmill section of the 7-mile path, which will eventually connect downtown to nearby neighborhoods, cultural spots, entertainment districts, transit options and the Rail Yards. Citywide, the Rail Trail has secured $39.5 million in funding, with total costs expected to run between $60 million and $90 million.
Other recent upgrades include more than $1.1 million for restrooms at the Alvarado Transit Center and improvements to sidewalks and fencing around the city’s Market Place. The district also saw smaller projects like a Route 66 sign park, interstate signage welcoming people to Albuquerque, and decorative pedestals — including one honoring longtime civic leader Herb Denish. A traffic calming study along the Rio Grande and a streetscape review on Fourth Street are also in the works.
District 2 is also getting some important upgrades to city buildings and infrastructure. That includes plumbing work at Plaza del Sol, updates at the Explora Learning Center’s Brillante building, and renovations at Warehouse 508.
Safety is getting a boost too, with new fire systems and gate improvements at the Rail Yards, plus work on EV charging stations. Other projects cover pool locker rooms, building lighting, stormwater monitoring, and even asbestos training for city staff.
City Hall and APD
City Hall and Civic Plaza have received more than $2.8 million in upgrades, including renovations to the east entrance, the 9th floor, and improvements to the lobby and signage. The Civic Plaza also got new restrooms and a structural assessment of its parking garage.
The police department received about $5.8 million for improvements. Major projects include the APD headquarters 3rd-floor buildback, boiler replacement at the main station and a remodeled bathroom at the Police Academy. Other upgrades cover K‑9 unit concrete pads and a fallen officer memorial wall.
About the 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 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 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 cthe ity 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.