The New Mexico State Fairgrounds may soon see significant changes as Senate Bill 481 advances to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo), proposes creating a new state fair district with a governing board to develop and implement a plan for the use of over 200 acres of land. The plan aims to generate up to $1 billion for redevelopment.
Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Chamber, supports the bill: “If you will, travel back in time with me to 1938, the year the current fairgrounds was first utilized – it was outside the city limits, there were only horse stables on the corner of San Pedro and Central. Even UNM was considered ‘out of town.’”
Cole continued: “Almost 90 years later, the city has grown up around the fairgrounds, and it’s way past time that we move forward to find a new home for the fair. I don’t know exactly where that is, and that’s what SB 481 is about – giving a platform to look at all the choices, make a decision and then move forward.”
The governor supports this initiative as part of revitalizing communities surrounding the fairgrounds with affordable housing and commercial spaces. However, concerns have been raised regarding an exemption from procurement codes within SB 481. Senate Majority Floor Leader Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) proposed an amendment to remove this exemption which was accepted.
Meanwhile, another legislative proposal is progressing through committees. Senate Bill 21 by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) seeks state control over federal Clean Water Act administration following a U.S. Supreme Court decision affecting water regulation in New Mexico.
Additionally, Senate Bill 434 on math and reading tutoring passed unanimously in committee with support from various stakeholders including J.D. Bullington representing Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce who stated: “High-impact tutoring is an evidence-based solution for improving student outcomes."
Finally, New Mexico moves closer towards joining a national social work licensing agreement after Senate Bill 105 passed unanimously on the Senate floor.
