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Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Q&A released on potential changes coming to New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Video: Coverage of the fair in 2024. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — Bernalillo County released an update on the future of New Mexico's state fair Tuesday morning. The new details come after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham spoke in late 2024 about potentially moving the state fair, and upgrading the fairgrounds. Take a look at the questions and answers provided by Bernalillo County below: The county says this is the State of New Mexico's decision. Full Response: 'It is state-owned land and ultimately the State of New Mexico's decision. The state's General Services Department released a $500,000 request for proposal (RFP) on March 6 for professional consultants to propose a master plan that will form the baseline for determining the area's future, including the location of the fair and any new improvements to the site. The state's General Services Division will select the consultant that will form the master plan.' The state says, 'there is substantial potential to increase the usage of the State Fairgrounds on a year-round basis.' Full Response: 'State Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), whose district includes the State Fairgrounds, also has advocated significant revitalization of the area to include 'a mixed-use, mixed-income, walkable, green space-filled neighborhood.' She sponsored Senate Bill 481, which passed both the state House and Senate during the just-ended legislative session and is awaiting the governor's signature. If signed into law, it will create a State Fairgrounds District and form a mechanism to finance redevelopment in the area, based on the findings in the master planning process.' This bill, sponsored by state Sen. Mimi Stewart, forms the 'State Fair District.' Full Response: 'This district would encompass the existing fairgrounds and any contiguous land acquired subsequently, aiming to revitalize the area through economic development initiatives. The bill includes provisions for a property tax levy and authorizes the issuance of up to $500 million in bonds to finance infrastructure projects within the district. SB 481 names the district board members as the following seven elected officials or their designees: the governor; the state senator, state representative, county commissioner and city councilor from the area; the mayor and a representative community member selected by the governor. This board will appropriate funding for the district.' The Expo site is in Bernalillo County, as opposed to Albuquerque. Full Response: While the land is owned by the state, the Expo New Mexico site is technically not in the City of Albuquerque but in the unincorporated area of Bernalillo County. For any private development on the land, developers could seek permitting either through the city or the county. Request-for-proposal submissions are due April 18. Full Response: 'They will be reviewed and scored by a committee selected by the state's General Services Department. The contract is scheduled to be awarded by May 9, per the state website.' Bernalillo County is not aware of a specified location at this time. Full Response: 'The state approved the governor's capital outlay request for funding in House Bill 450 in the amount of $14 million for 'EXPO NM Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvements and site acquisition.' Bernalillo County, however, is not aware of a named location or vision for the future of the annual State Fair.' It would allow some tax revenue to stay in the district for developing infrastructure. Full Response: 'The district would allow for certain tax revenue (state GRT, gaming revenue, and property tax) from the defined 'district' – in this case, the area of the current fairgrounds – to stay in the district to finance its infrastructure development – such as for roads, water/sewer and community facilities. The district would need the approval of the state Board of Finance, New Mexico Finance Authority and the state Legislature to issue bonds, which then could expedite development. District funds would be controlled by a specially created body of elected officials or their designees.' Those chances will be announced once a master-plan developer is chosen. Full Response: 'Further opportunities will be scheduled after a master-plan developer is selected and can field questions in the setting of a public meeting. The potential contractors have been encouraged to consider data-driven economic analysis and community engagement in forming the master plan.' A finalized plan is expected to be available by early 2026. Full Response: 'Upon selection of a developer for the master plan in May, public engagement, including in-person public meetings, will follow through the summer. A draft of the master plan is expected by fall, and a finalized plan should be available no later than early 2026. A budget and construction timeline then would be determined by the District Board.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stewart's remaining climate bills await House hearing
Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) has two bills to infuse millions of dollars to address climate change pass through their final committee and await a hearing on the floor. Stewart said she wouldn't give up on legislation she sponsored to codify New Mexico emissions reduction goals into law, which stalled earlier this session. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Two bills that would funnel hundreds of millions for climate change adaptation into communities and state government advanced Tuesday night through the House Appropriations and Finance Committee along party lines. The bills now head to the House floor, but time is running out as the session ends at noon Saturday. Sponsor Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) told Source NM the House could consider Senate Bill 48 as soon as Wednesday. Senate Bill 48, also called the Community Benefits Fund and would make available $210 million for communities and the state to: train workers in the oil and gas industry for other jobs; reduce oil and gas emissions; improve the electric grid; develop renewable energy projects; modify public buildings to be more energy efficient; reduce the impacts of climate change on human health, agriculture and the environment; purchase electric vehicles and develop charging infrastructure. 'The idea behind this is that our communities are struggling with the results of climate change,' Stewart said during the hearing. Stewart noted impacts from the historic flooding in Roswell and the fires in Ruidoso in 2024 along with ongoing rebuilding in San Miguel and Mora Counties from the state's largest wildfires in 2022. Stewart said the fund offers communities a chance to prepare against disasters, which are more frequent due to the warming planet fueled by the extraction and burning of oil and gas. 'The climate impact to the Southwest is intense already,' she said. 'It's hotter, drier, more intense weather.' In response to questions about the financial cost to New Mexico from climate change, co-sponsor House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) said in 2024,the state spent over $141 million in emergency state funding, while the damage from the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon fires, flash floods and mudslides has totaled more than $900 million, and will ultimately cost billions of dollars. Stewart noted the original $340 million ask was whittled down during the budget process to $210 million, but noted some of the funding in the bill was transferred to state agency budgets instead. 'It's just the process, and I'm happy with $210 million, if that's where we're at,' Stewart told the committee. Senate Bill 83 allocates $10 million in funding for seven state agencies — the largest pieces going to the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The budget contains funding for both bills, but does require SB 48 and SB 83 to pass. Stewart said the funding will be used to continue the work the agencies must do on climate change and adaptation and mitigation, but to also help the communities that might apply for climate change funding through the Community Benefits Fund. 'This just charges them with continuing that work, with increasing that work and having the ability to help these communities who want to do their own work on climate adaptation and mitigation,' Stewart said. Advocates have confidence the bills will make it across the finish line, Camilla Feibelman, the director of the Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club, one of the environmental nonprofits supporting the bill, told Source NM Wednesday. 'These two bills make unprecedented investments in not just attending to the global climate crisis and projects that can help reduce emissions, but they also invest and in the people and communities who can help bring in the transition in, and are also most impacted by the effects of climate change or the transitioning economy,' Feibelman said. Stewart brought the bills as part of an expansive package to enshrine climate action into state law. The linchpin Senate Bill 4, Clear Horizons Act, which would have enshrined greenhouse gas emission reduction goals into law, stalled in Senate Finance earlier this session. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill that could create funding tool for fairground redevelopment passes first committee
Mar. 12—A bill introducing a new financial tool to fund the possible redevelopment of the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque has passed its first committee. The legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, passed through the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee on a 6-3 vote Tuesday and is now slated to go in front of the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, Senate Bill 481, would establish the current fairgrounds location just off Albuquerque's Central Avenue and any additional land nearby the state acquires as the "State Fairgrounds District Fund." The State Fair has taken place at Expo New Mexico since 1938, but in December, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a plan to flip the fairgrounds into a mixed-use development. "This has the potential to really change a section of our city, very close to my district, that's been troubled for a long time," Sen. Natalie Figueroa, D-Albuquerque, said Tuesday during committee. Figueroa was joined by the other four committee Democrats present Tuesday — Sen. Debbie O'Malley, D-Albuquerque, was not in attendance — and Sen. Gabriel Ramos, R-Silver City, in voting in favor of advancing the bill. The tax committee's other three Republicans — Sens. Nicholas Paul of Alamogordo, Joshua Sanchez of Bosque and William Sharer of Farmington — opposed the bill. In addition to classifying the area as a state district fund, the bill also creates a board to make financial decisions, including the ability to issue revenue bonds of up to $1 billion. But Sharer said the bill does not provide enough oversight for financial decisions. "If we're looking for fraud, waste and abuse, this is where I would start looking," Sharer said. The bill passes at a time when another proposed tool to fund the redevelopment of the fairgrounds is in limbo. Bernalillo County commissioners at the request of the state voted back in January to pass a resolution to establish a Tax Increment Development District, or TIDD, at the site of the fairgrounds and take a vote on it Tuesday — the same day the proposed legislation went in front of lawmakers in Santa Fe. But a contentious public meeting followed that resolution in February, where residents expressed opposition to moving the State Fair, and county leadership pointed the finger at the state for canceling a $500,000 request for proposal to redevelop the area hours before the meeting. On Friday, Bernalillo County announced it would not be taking a vote to establish a TIDD on Tuesday after all. "The county awaits a master plan from the State of New Mexico for public infrastructure for the 236-acre State Fairgrounds before proceeding," county spokesperson Randy Harrison said in a statement. "Once the master plan is completed, the Board of County Commissioners retains the option to present and approve a TIDD." Harrison also said that the state would no longer pursue Senate Bill 482, a bill that would've created the joint TIDD between the county and state that could've authorized up to $1 billion in bonds.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers look at how to manage property if state fairgrounds are moved
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – While the governor considers moving the fairgrounds out of the International District in Albuquerque, lawmakers are now working on a plan for how to structure what could be a once in a generation redevelopment. The bill, SB 481, would set up a new district detailing how the more than 200-acre Expo New Mexico property would still be overseen by the state, if the fairgrounds pack up for a new location. Story continues below Video: Wrong way high-speed chase on I-25 in Albuquerque ends in arrest Environment: ABQ BioPark moves some birds indoors to protect them from avian flu Real Estate: Private lake retreat listed for $3.1 million in Santa Rosa 'There are redevelopment and reinvestment opportunities in surrounding neighborhoods,' said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). So, what happens if a redevelopment moves forward? Lawmakers are now trying to set up a board to execute it. Democratic Senator Mimi Stewart is sponsoring the bill to create a new 'Fairgrounds District,' which would keep the property in state hands, out of city and county control. 'Grocery stores and pharmacies will return. They have abandoned the area. Adjoining property owners will see their homes and business real-estate increase in value,' said Sen. Mimi Stewart, (D-Albuquerque). Under the idea, the district could sign on contracts with neighboring governments, accept grants for redevelopment, or sell the property. 'This is a tremendous tool and opportunity to begin to improve the neighborhood, increase affordable housing access and do a lot of the things that the community has been hoping to do for several years,' said Roger Valdez, Director of Center for Housing Economics. The bill would also make a five-member district board, made up of the governor, lieutenant governor, and Albuquerque mayor. Sen. Stewart stresses that a financial plan is needed. 'Masterplan is meaningless without a financial vehicle and that's what this bill would do,' said Sen. Stewart. The bill cleared the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation committee Tuesday afternoon with a few changes. It now heads to Senate Finance. There's no guarantee at this point that the fairgrounds will be redeveloped. Earlier this month, the state quietly reposted its request to private developers to create a master plan for the district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democratic leaders say CYFD reform, crime to be priorities in second half of session
Democratic legislative leaders Saturday celebrated the progress they said they've made tackling New Mexico's struggles with crime and behavioral health but promised not to rest on their laurels during the second half of this year's legislative session. "We put in the hard work, and today we're seeing the fruits of that labor," Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, said at a news conference on the House floor. On Saturday, the House and Senate voted to concur with each other's amendments to House Bill 8 and Senate Bill 3 respectively, sending both to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk. The former combines six originally separate anti-crime measures, including a major overhaul of criminal competency laws and measures to crack down on shooting threats, fentanyl trafficking, vehicle theft and drunken driving and ban possession of devices to convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic ones. "It reflects the fact that we have listened to the community and made the community's priorities our priorities," said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe. Senate Bill 3 would restructure the state's behavioral health system, creating a "Behavioral Health Executive Committee to oversee the development of regional behavioral health resources and identify service gaps, tailoring solutions to meet local needs," according to a Saturday news release from Senate Democrats. A related bill to create a trust fund to help pay for behavioral health programs passed the House on Friday after having passed the Senate a week before. House and Senate leaders praised the process that went into crafting the bills passing now, after a one-day special session in July ended with lawmakers not taking up any of Lujan Grisham's crime proposals. Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, noted most Republicans in that chamber voted for House Bill 8. "That reflects what meaningful debate and deliberation yields when we take that time and effort," he said. With a little less than a month left in this year's 60-day session, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said the state Children, Youth and Families Department will be a major focus of the next few weeks. Several CYFD-related bills are working their way through the process, including ones to vest oversight of the department in an independent commission, improve the agency's data collection, increase oversight and strengthen plans of care for newborns exposed to drugs. "You cannot talk about public safety without talking about reforming CYFD," said House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque. He connected the issue to juvenile justice, noting many horrific crimes are committed by children who have been failed by their parents and the state. Lujan Grisham and Republicans have criticized the crime package for not going far enough and have said lawmakers should do more before the session is over. Martínez said lawmakers plan to keep working on the issue, but he wouldn't say which bills in particular he wants to see passed, saying they should go through the committee process. "We're not in the business of passing legislation just to score points or just to get on the 5 p.m. newscast," he said. Republicans have been calling on the state to sentence some serious youthful offenders more harshly and introduced amendments to House Bill 8 in both the House and the Senate to accomplish that which were voted down. Martínez indicated the issue would continue to be discussed. "That bill is in committee and I think it'll get its fair hearing," he said.
