Santa Fe designates Midtown District as metropolitan redevelopment area under Mayor Weber's initiative

In the heart of Santa Fe's city hall, a pivotal discussion unfolded during the Public Works & Utilities Committee Meeting on April 21, 2025. The focus was on a resolution that could reshape the Midtown District, a key area poised for redevelopment. Mayor Weber, along with Councilors Cassette and Romero Wirth, sponsored the initiative aimed at designating a significant portion of the Midtown Local Innovation Corridor as a metropolitan redevelopment area.

Daniel Hernandez and Carly Vendetti, representatives from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, presented a comprehensive overview of the proposal. They emphasized that the resolution is not merely a bureaucratic step but a strategic move to unlock economic development tools under the Metropolitan Redevelopment Act. This act allows municipalities to address deteriorating infrastructure and outdated planning, paving the way for revitalization.

The Midtown District, as outlined in the proposal, has been identified as a critical area for redevelopment, building on previous community-led planning efforts. The presentation highlighted the necessity of this designation, referencing the 2022-2023 community development plan and the Midtown master plan, which underscored the need for a focused approach to economic challenges in the area.

The proposed metropolitan redevelopment area aims to enhance access to funding, establish a governance structure through the Metropolitan Redevelopment Commission, and prioritize community resources. The plan also includes innovative financing methods, such as public-private partnerships and tax incremental financing, to stimulate investment and development.

Looking ahead, the committee anticipates a vote on the resolution by April 30, with hopes of finalizing the metropolitan redevelopment plan by the end of 2025. This initiative represents a significant step toward revitalizing the Midtown District, promising a more resilient and mixed-use community for years to come. As the meeting concluded, the air was filled with a sense of optimism about the future of Santa Fe's urban landscape, driven by community engagement and strategic planning.