Doug Majewski Downtown Transformation BIG Chair Hartman+Majewski Design Group | Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
The City of Albuquerque has unveiled its Downtown 2050 Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan, aimed at revitalizing the city's downtown area. This comprehensive plan outlines strategies for land use, transportation, development regulations, and public investment to support both public and private redevelopment initiatives. It also sets specific goals and includes policies, objectives, incentives, and tools to guide development while emphasizing Downtown Albuquerque's unique cultural aspects.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has been a strong advocate for downtown transformation as part of its Bold Issue Groups (BIG). Doug Majewski, chair of the Chamber's Downtown Transformation Bold Issue Group and CEO of Hartman + Majewski Design Group, contributed to the advisory committee for this project. He has also supported the plan for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Downtown Albuquerque.
The plan aims to establish Downtown Albuquerque as the best mid-sized downtown in the United States by implementing several key strategies. These include creating a pedestrian-first environment with excellent facilities for walking, transit, and cycling; preserving neighborhood character; increasing residential population within proximity to downtown; establishing an urban retail destination; maintaining downtown as a major employment center; promoting arts and culture; developing accessible parks and open spaces; and marketing downtown as a single mixed-use project.
Majewski highlighted that successful cities have vibrant downtowns with diverse economic bases. He noted that thriving downtowns require investment in housing, shopping, dining options, entertainment venues, public transit, and open spaces. The proposed Tax Increment Financing mechanism is expected to significantly boost revenue for development projects in the area.
