Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has proposed a new plan aimed at revitalizing Downtown Albuquerque. The proposal includes the creation of a "tax increment financing" district (TIDD) and a "Business Improvement District" (BID). These measures are intended to focus tax revenues on the downtown area and involve private sector participation in managing certain services.

Douglas Peterson, president of Peterson Properties, and Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, expressed skepticism about these plans in an op-ed published by The Albuquerque Journal. They argue that crime and vagrancy issues remain significant challenges for Downtown Albuquerque, which they believe will not be addressed by the proposed TIF or BID.

The authors note that Downtown has struggled to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 riots, with office, retail, and restaurant spaces facing difficulties. They criticize imposing new taxes on property owners without addressing crime and vagrancy concerns. Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara has reportedly increased property taxes on some downtown properties by up to 100%.

Peterson and Gessing suggest that more police presence and stricter enforcement against public camping could help improve conditions downtown. They also call for efforts from state legislators to diversify New Mexico's economy using oil and gas surpluses.

They conclude that a stronger downtown would benefit both the city and state economically. "We all should want a strong Downtown," they stated, emphasizing their readiness to assist in such efforts.

Douglas Peterson is noted as an attorney and president of Peterson Properties, while Paul Gessing leads the Rio Grande Foundation.