Working Groups #3: Resources and Partners
- Gabriela Abril Reyes
- May 14
- 3 min read
The third round of working group meetings were hosted from May 12th to 14th. These sessions covered presentations and discussions on the core plan elements: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. Working groups build upon the feedback gathered from residents during the engagement process so far, ultimately shaping strategies, projects, and programs. The goal of these sessions was to identify resources and partners for proposed projects that have been included in the Draft Plan completed in March. Within each of the plan's elements, participants brainstormed on potential leads, partners, and resources available, and in some cases prioritized proposed ideas and strategies.
For the Neighborhood element, the conversation centered on transportation, parks, amenities, services, and a sense of belonging and culture. Participants discussed how to activate open spaces in the neighborhood, improve transportation access to health and wellness hubs, and increase access to fresh food. Shared ideas on resources and connections that could support these initiatives from technical assistance for improvements in open spaces, to access to grants and donations. There is also a desire to offer more services to the unhoused population. Besides some City departments, key partners that meeting participants identified are Tree New Mexico, and the National Park Service, as well as nurturing connections with Community School Coordinators.
The People Element session focused on education, well-being, safety, and employment for the International District. The main projects discussed included creating accessible after-school programming, for instance, on-site child care services and activities that offer transportation services, connecting teenagers with post-grad resources, and having an on-site technology hub for AHA residents. Among wellness projects evaluated by residents were offering cooking classes, growers classes, and community gardens that foster their leadership. Another key goal highlighted was offering health resources to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Lastly, attendees showed enthusiasm about building relationships with partners that could connect them with job opportunities, for instance, the Department of Workforce Solutions, and the Street Food Institute, among others. Other general partnerships are UNM, NM Youth Leadership, First Nations, East Central Ministries, Albuquerque Adult Learning Center, Agri-Cultura Network, and various grant programs.
The Housing Element discussion focused on housing types, quality, and affordability. The aspects that participants value are affordability, safety, well-designed buildings, and accessibility. The main design improvements participants would like to see in the redevelopment of the housing sites are secured open spaces for AHA residents such as gardens, accessible parking, and strong connections with the surrounding neighborhood while ensuring safety and privacy. There was also a focus on underutilized properties and their potential to become affordable housing sites and community amenities. Highlights of the conversation included potential partnerships with community land trusts, City departments, and rental assistance programs, as well as sparked light on assets such as funds, homebuyers programs, and financial education counseling. Some of the most mentioned were Homewise, Housing NM, Nusenda Credit Union, and Prosperity Now.
Working groups sessions have been an important part of the process of developing strategies and the upcoming implementation of projects while connecting different stakeholders and resources. The next steps include Community Meeting #5 at the Courtyard of Wainwright Manor on June 14th, 2025 (12-2pm) and our last Working Groups session in July leading towards the development of the Final Plan in September.
Presentations of these meetings can be accessed at the following links:
Monday, May 12, 2025, 1:00-2:30 pm
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1:00-2:30 pm
Working Group: People
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1:00-2:30 pm
