The State Fairgrounds District Board has unanimously approved a $67.8 million predevelopment plan for the Albuquerque State Fairgrounds property. The plan, which was adopted on Thursday, focuses on community benefits and aims to support the rehabilitation of Albuquerque’s International District.
This predevelopment plan is a preliminary step toward establishing a master plan for the site. The process began in July and is expected to conclude by March 2026.
Key elements of the approved plan include the creation of a 10-acre public park with green spaces distributed throughout the 236-acre fairgrounds parcel. Planned features for the park include stormwater management systems, plazas, trails, play areas, and restrooms. The specific location for the park within the property has not yet been decided. Additional improvements will target pedestrian infrastructure along the fairgrounds’ boundaries.
According to officials, these upgrades are intended to benefit both the fairgrounds and neighboring communities without impacting decisions regarding whether or not to relocate the State Fair.
“Today’s unanimous vote reflects broad support for redeveloping the State Fairgrounds and revitalizing central Albuquerque,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in a statement. “I look forward to continued community discussion and work on this vitally important project.”
Development is scheduled to begin in 2026 with completion targeted for fall 2029. This approval follows an earlier decision by the board in September to allocate $22.35 million through bonding authority for acquiring a 14-acre parcel located on the southwest side of the fairgrounds.
Dr. Peter Belletto, president of the District 6 Neighborhood Coalition, commented on Thursday’s action: “The State Fairgrounds District Board has taken the first step to transform southeastern district six into a thriving economic hub,” he said. “This action will drive public investment job growth and small business development.”
The next meeting of the State Fairgrounds District Board is set for December 11.
Residents can find more information about upcoming plans and participate in an ongoing community survey through mid-November at www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov, which offers an FAQ section and Resource Library.
The New Mexico Fairgrounds District Board was established by statute in early 2025 with a mandate to redesign the fairgrounds area and deliver new benefits aimed at improving conditions in surrounding neighborhoods.
