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City Council designates four additional Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas to target infill investment
Summary
The Las Cruces City Council approved a resolution to designate four subareas as Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas (MRAs), enabling redevelopment tools and public–private investment to address blight and infrastructure needs in targeted neighborhoods.
The Las Cruces City Council voted March 17 to adopt a resolution designating four new Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas (MRAs) intended to target blighted conditions and unlock tools for public–private redevelopment.
Interim Deputy Director Selena Morales summarized consultant findings and outreach that informed the recommendation. The four proposed designations were Amador/Proximo/South, Apodaca/Lift Up (spelled in presentation as Apa, Dhaka and Lift Up), East of Solano and Mesquite. The consultant’s report cited indicators including vacant parcels, a high share of older housing, deteriorating streets and sidewalk gaps.
Morales read selected data from the designation report: Amador/Proximo/South has 15 vacant parcels and 74% of housing built before 1980 with a median household income near $25,000; the Apodaca/Lift Up area has 40 vacant parcels and 69% of housing built before 1990; East of Solano shows “deteriorating streets, sidewalk gaps, and lacking ADA-compatible infrastructure”; and the Mesquite area has about 115 vacant parcels and 83% of housing built prior to 1990.
Councilor Grant moved to approve the resolution and a second was recorded. Councilors then voted by roll call; the motion passed with all present voting yes (Councilor Bencomo was recorded absent). Councilors said designating additional MRAs will not divert resources from other ongoing MRA projects and noted the city plans to stagger implementation (one MRA plan per year) and pursue grants and public–private partnerships to fund work.
Supporters emphasized the designation’s legal benefits under the state Metropolitan Redevelopment Code, including tools to contribute public resources to private redevelopment without violating the state anti‑donation clause. Council discussion focused on ensuring the new designations complement—not replace—existing MRA investments in El Paseo, South Solano and West Picacho.
