Santa Fe lays out $77M Midtown infrastructure plan, recommends phased approach

Metropolitan Redevelopment Director Carly Venditti presented a Midtown infrastructure update that places the program-level cost at about $77,000,000, with $54,000,000 earmarked for rights-of-way and $23,000,000 for parks. Venditti said the estimate includes $12,300,000 for underground utilities and green stormwater infrastructure and a 20% contingency to reflect recent construction escalation.

"When we look at this $77,000,000, we can break it down a couple different ways," Venditti said, explaining the phasing rationale and funding options. She said the city is pursuing tax increment financing, a Local Economic Development (LITA) pre-application (up to a $40,000,000 cap), state capital outlay and an EDA public-works grant, while noting federal funds would require "federalized" plan sets and inspectors that increase costs and complexity.

Councilors pressed Venditti on timelines, disposition revenue and trade-offs between an all-in Phase 1 and smaller "a la carte" phases. Venditti recommended Phase 1—building roads and utilities first—so parcels can be marketed and disposition negotiations can proceed, while parks could shift to a later phase. She said the recommended approach is funding-dependent and that staff will brief county and state partners as TIF and other legislation are prepared.

Why it matters: Midtown redevelopment and its infrastructure plan will shape parcel disposition and housing and commercial opportunities adjacent to existing neighborhoods. The phasing choice affects how quickly parcels can be conveyed and whether parks and full amenities arrive with the first wave of development.