The International District Choice Neighborhood Steering Committee held its latest meeting on Friday, August 9, at the Albuquerque Housing Authority. This committee comprises 16 community partners, including AHA residents from the target housing properties, elected officials, and local stakeholders from sectors such as education, health, housing, and economic opportunity.
The meeting aimed to establish a collaborative foundation for the planning process. Key objectives included re-introducing participants with each other and their roles, updating them on the plan's status, and outlining the planning process and key milestones. Discussions centered on identifying early action activities for immediate positive impacts, sharing insights from the community meeting, and discussing existing neighborhood conditions. The committee also focused on identifying community assets, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and engaged in revitalization efforts.
Discussion points included both the City of Albuquerque's and the International District's political context and local organizing, and how the International District (ID) community is growing weary of being inundated with plans that often fail to produce tangible outcomes. As a major hub for the unsheltered, the ID provides essential resources for this population. To improve planning outreach, efforts should include engaging at events hosted by churches, community organizations, and cultural gatherings, as well as bringing activities to schools to involve youth.
Key discussion items highlighted the following priority assets, challenges and opportunities:
Priority Assets:
Strength in the diversity of the community and community organizations
The International District Library is an important hub
Public transportation
Churches are on the frontlines providing services
Priority Challenges:
Parks require additional resources and support
Grocery stores are closing due to issues related to the unhoused population, including vandalism, theft, and violence.
Develop methods to assess how the unhoused population wants to be helped.
Priority Opportunities:
Implement short- and medium-term goals for attracting and supporting grocery stores
Expand land trust initiatives to better meet community needs
Develop strategies to provide housing options across all income levels
Support small vendors, such as food carts and food trucks, to foster economic development
The Steering Committee members is integrated by the following individuals:
JOHN BULTEN, Director, East Central Ministries and Community Land Trust
MARLA GORENA, Office Manager, Endorphin Power Company
MIRIAM HICKS and KENZIE DAVISON, Sol Housing and ABQ Affordable Housing Coalition
JAZMIN MORENO, NM Coalition to End Homelessness
CHENOA STILWELL JENSEN, DAWN BEGAY and KYLE TAPAHA, SW Indigenous Housing Justice Collaborative
JONA MOBERG, Community School Coordinator, Emerson Elementary School
ASHLEY CHARZUK, Executive Director, NM Harm Reduction Collaborative
SONORA RODRIGUEZ, MRCOG Workforce Connection of Central NM
GUILLERMINA (GIGI) OSORIA, ID Healthy Communities Coalition
MOISES GONZALEZ, University of New Mexico, Chair of Community and Regional Planning
COUNCILOR NICHOLE ROGERS / PALOMA GARCIA, District 6, City of Albuquerque
LETICIA LOPEZ, Wainwright Manor Resident
JOSIAH FOWLER, Wainwright Manor Resident
EMERY LOUEMBE, International District Resident
NAIMAN HURAIN, Pennsylvania Apartments Resident
KRISTEN KUE McCann, Wainwright Manor Resident