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Committee advances Midtown metropolitan redevelopment area designation to spur commercial investment
Summary
The Public Works and Utility Committee on April 21 approved a finding of necessity to create a metropolitan redevelopment area in Midtown, advancing a planning process that would enable tools such as tax‑increment financing and public‑private partnerships; the designation does not change zoning or building height rules.
The Santa Fe Public Works and Utility Committee voted April 21 to approve a staff report finding that the Midtown area meets statutory criteria for designation as a metropolitan redevelopment area (MRA) and to advance the project toward a formal redevelopment plan. The vote was unanimous at the committee and the measure will proceed to the governing body for final action.
Staff said the designation is an economic and planning tool, not a land‑use change. "This is an economic plan that does not look at building heights," the planning presenter said during the committee presentation, noting that the MRA report builds on prior community plans and the Midtown Link Local Innovation Corridor. The proposed geographic boundary aligns with the Midtown Link corridor except for one parcel, the Tres Santos Apartments complex, which staff intentionally excluded to keep the initial MRA focused on commercial properties.
Why it matters: An MRA gives the city a governance structure (a Metropolitan Redevelopment Commission), additional funding and financing tools such as tax‑increment financing (TIF), and a formal mechanism to prioritize public and private investment in a target area. Staff said the designation would help implement goals from the Midtown master plan and other community‑led plans.
Process and consultants: Staff identified PLANNED (an Albuquerque firm) and SB Friedman as consultants assisting with economic analysis and plan preparation. The first of two resolutions — the finding of necessity — was the committee item; the second would be adoption of an MRA plan later this year. Staff projected a governing body vote on the finding on April 30 and the potential adoption of an MRA plan by late 2025, depending on consultant work and public engagement.
Questions from councilors focused on what the designation does and what it does not do. Planning staff reiterated that the MRA is an economic tool and does not change zoning or building height rules; Councilor Michael Garcia noted the Midtown Link overlay ordinance (2016) already establishes height and design standards in the corridor (the Midtown site allows up to 62 feet). Staff said outreach to adjacent property owners had not produced significant opposition and that the commission intends to continue public engagement as the plan is developed.
The committee approved the staff report and recommended it move forward. Roll call recorded Councilor Castro: yes; Councilor Romero Worth: yes; Councilor Michael Garcia: yes; Chair Chavez: yes. The item proceeds to the governing body schedule for additional hearings and final action.
