COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BUILT TOGETHER

The Albuquerque Rail Trail is shaped by years of community input. Residents, neighborhood leaders, business owners, and community organizations helped guide the project from the very beginning.

Community voices have consistently emphasized the importance making sure existing neighborhoods benefit as the Rail Trail moves forward.

INCLUSIVE GROWTH REPORT

ADVANCING INCLUSIVE GROWTH THROUGH THE ALBUQUERQUE RAIL TRAIL

This report looks at existing conditions in Rail Trail neighborhoods, tracks changes over the last decade, and highlights strategies that can help ensure communities benefit from this public investment.

Community feedback played a key role in shaping the final materials.

Inclusive Growth Report – Public Comment Draft (PDF)

Executive Summary (PDF)

Community Input Survey Results (PDF)

Community Priorities

Across surveys, meetings, and public comments, community members consistently highlighted the importance of:

  • Helping existing residents stay in their neighborhoods

  • Supporting local and small businesses

  • Creating programming that reflects community ideas

  • Celebrating neighborhood history and culture

  • Partnering with community-based organizations

These priorities continue to guide Rail Trail planning, partnerships, and future investments.

The City is committed to ensuring that those living in neighborhoods surrounding the Rail Trail can benefit from access to the trail and the economic opportunity it will bring. The Rail Trail is a social equity infrastructure project that can:

  • Increase green space in our historic communities

  • Expand economic opportunities for workers and businesses

  • Add five miles of safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure for both commuters and families

  • Uplift the cultural heritage of historic neighborhoods

  • Grow public space acreage for community-based programming

  • Activate and develop vacant lots and buildings

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVER TIME

  • In June 2021, MRA hosted a public meeting at the Rail Yards with more than 100 attendees. Feedback from this meeting helped shape the overall Rail Trail design.

  • A bilingual survey was shared with more than 4,000 nearby residents and businesses. A total of 455 responses helped identify preferred materials, amenities, and programming.

  • Community members shared feedback through neighborhood meetings, surveys, and a public comment period. This input was incorporated into the final Rail Trail Framework Plan.

  • Stakeholder meetings with City departments, property owners, and neighborhood representatives helped identify the preferred trail alignment and confirmed strong community support.