Strong Towns ABQ 

December 6th Updates

Recap of the I-25 S-Curve Study Presentation

On December 3rd, Strong Towns ABQ members showed up in force to the I-25 S-Curve Study presentation, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the discussion. The presentation materials were thoughtfully prepared, and the engineering team engaged openly with attendees. It was encouraging to see many strongtowners advocating for a no-build option while asking critical questions about the project, the underlying data, and the lack of comprehensive regional traffic modeling.

While the no-build option will advance alongside two build options, we remain deeply concerned about the direction of the proposed designs. Both build options prioritize highway lane expansions, high speeds, and frontage roads—choices that risk further dividing downtown neighborhoods, increasing traffic, and worsening pollution.

Additionally, we were disappointed by the continued dismissal of proven, cost-effective safety measures like automated enforcement. Despite their potential to reduce speeding and save lives, the contractor appears to have made little effort to engage with the Department of Public Safety, other NMDOT divisions, or legislators to explore this alternative.

Moreover, the proposed build options fail to adhere to the Federal Highway Administration's Bikeway Selection Guide and other updated best practices. This oversight neglects the needs of cyclists and pedestrians, missing a crucial opportunity to create a safer, more connected transportation system.

We emphasize that neither of the proposed build options will alleviate congestion or improve mobility in Albuquerque. Instead, they risk creating more fatal and life-altering crashes, increasing environmental harm, and reinforcing inequities in our community. We strongly urge our members to submit public comments opposing the build options and advocating for a no-build alternative that prioritizes safety, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Where and how to comment:

1. Complete their public survey at this link

2. By email at study@i25scurve.com

3. Call the study team at 505-600-2232

Sample Public Comment

Here’s a sample comment you can personalize and submit:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed build alternatives for the I-25 S-Curve project. Both options focus on highway lane expansion, high-speed travel, and frontage roads, which will exacerbate traffic, pollution, and neighborhood division in Albuquerque. These designs fail to address root causes of congestion, neglect holistic regional traffic modeling, and ignore safer, proven solutions like speed cameras or public transportation.

Additionally, the proposals fall short of meeting the Federal Highway Administration's updated Bikeway Selection Guide and best practices, which should be a standard for all future transportation projects.

I urge decision-makers to prioritize the no-build option and consider alternative strategies that align with safety, sustainability, and community well-being. Expanding highways will not solve our transportation challenges—instead, we need solutions that reduce speeding, support multimodal transit, and foster stronger neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] 

Looking Ahead: Why a No-Build Option today can bring opportunities tomorrow

As we look to the future, we believe the success of the no-build option would send a powerful message that our city and state can prioritize a people-centered, sustainable approach to transportation infrastructure. While the contractor has suggested that a no-build scenario would result in no improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s important to clarify that this limitation applies only to this specific project. A no-build outcome does not preclude Albuquerque from pursuing other funding opportunities that prioritize equitable, forward-thinking solutions.

In fact, by helping the no-build option succeed, we create an opportunity to advocate for grants and projects that focus on reconnecting neighborhoods rather than dividing them further. While we appreciate the inclusion of bike and pedestrian amenities in the current proposals, the failure to adhere to even currently adopted best practices—such as the Federal Highway Administration's Bikeway Selection Guide—demonstrates that Albuquerque deserves a better vision for its future.

A no-build success would empower us to work collaboratively with state agencies like the NMDOT and Department of Public Safety, as well as with legislators and local leaders, to champion proven methods for improving safety and mobility. This includes pursuing automated enforcement systems, enhancing local and regional transit options, and expanding active transportation networks.

By rejecting highway expansions that prioritize high speeds and vehicular traffic over community well-being, we can take a meaningful step toward a transportation system that serves everyone in Albuquerque—reducing crashes, protecting neighborhoods, and fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.

Another Chance to Speak Up on the I-25 S-Curve Project!

In addition to the ongoing public engagement efforts, there’s another important opportunity to voice your thoughts on the I-25 S-Curve Project. The project will be on the agenda of the Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee (GAATC) meeting on:

Date: Monday, December 9
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Meetings held on Zoom. Meeting information, including a link to access the meeting will be included in the agenda, which is posted on the GAATC events page 

Public comments will be welcomed during the meeting, making this a perfect moment to emphasize the need for people-centered, sustainable solutions for this project.

What to Say:
Advocate for the no-build option by highlighting:

• The importance of investing in regional transit and active transportation alternatives instead of highway expansions.

• The negative impacts of highway projects on downtown neighborhoods, including increased traffic, pollution, and community division.

• The need for adherence to FHA best practices and prioritization of pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Let’s use this opportunity to ensure that Strong Towns voices are heard in shaping Albuquerque’s future.

Passionate about active transportation?

There are currently vacancies on the Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee (GAATC)? If you're passionate about active transportation and want to make a difference in Albuquerque’s future, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

GAATC advises the City on pedestrian, bicycle, and trail issues and plays a key role in shaping policies and projects that prioritize safety and accessibility for all road users.

Learn more about the vacancies and how to apply: City of Albuquerque Boards and Commissions

Let’s work together to ensure Albuquerque continues to move toward a more walkable, bikeable future!

Constructive Conversation Series:

Housing and Homelessness

The City of Albuquerque is hosting a new Constructive Conversations series on housing and homelessness (RSVP Required but free!). These forums are designed to bring the community together to discuss the challenges we face and explore solutions for creating more housing and addressing homelessness in Albuquerque. The series kicks off with opportunities for residents to learn, ask questions, and share their perspectives in a collaborative environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Strong Towns ABQ members to contribute to the conversation. As advocates for abundant housing, we can bring fresh ideas to the table, emphasizing solutions that prioritize affordability, density, and inclusivity. We also have a chance to support our community by listening to others' experiences and needs and finding common ground to build stronger neighborhoods.

Meeting Details:
Join the conversation at one of these events:

• December 7, 1:00–3:00 PM: Albuquerque Convention Center, Ballroom A

• December 11, 6:00–8:00 PM: Bear Canyon Senior Center

• December 13, 6:00–8:00 PM: Westgate Community Center

Winter Clothing Donations:
If you’re able, participants are encouraged to bring winter clothing items, such as coats, gloves, and hats, to donate at the events. These donations will support those in need during the colder months.

Why Attend?

• Share your vision for abundant housing and sustainable development.

• Advocate for policies that prioritize equity, affordability, and strong neighborhoods.

• Show support for evidence-based solutions to housing challenges, including increased density, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and creative zoning reforms.

• Engage directly with other community members, city officials, and stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue.

Strong Towns ABQ encourages all members to participate and represent our commitment to building a more resilient and equitable Albuquerque. Let’s seize this opportunity to help shape the future of housing in our city.

For more details about the series and to RSVP, visit the City of Albuquerque's official announcement.

December Office Hours - Rescheduled

Wednesday, December 18th

6:00pm-7:30pm

Hosted by Brandi

Dripline Brewery, Wells Park

1320 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 

Office hours with a member of the Strong Towns ABQ team is an informal chance to chat about urban planning, community resilience, and how to build stronger, more vibrant towns. It’s a laid-back setting where you can ask questions and toss around ideas.

Upcoming Webinar on Street Safety 

The Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety will host their next webinar on December 11th at 11:00am. It will be focused on Street Safety and will feature Wes Marshall, author of Killed By A Traffic Engineer and Bruce Appleyard, author of Livable Streets 2.0. You can find out more about the webinar series here and register for free for this event here.

Downtown Parking Survey

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA), in partnership with Pland Collaborative and Toole Design Group, is conducting a Downtown Parking Study—and they want your input!

This is a unique opportunity for Strong Towns ABQ members to share their ideas on how parking policies can better support a thriving, people-centered downtown. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or occasional user of Downtown Albuquerque, your feedback will help shape the future of how we use and prioritize space in our city center.

Take the Survey:
Click here to share your thoughts: Downtown Parking Survey

Why It Matters:
Parking policies have a significant impact on the accessibility, safety, and vibrancy of our urban spaces. By participating in the survey, we can advocate for solutions that:

• Deprioritize car-centric infrastructure.

• Invest in wider sidewalks, public spaces, and shaded walkways.

• Prioritize transit lanes and bike-friendly amenities, including safe and secure bike parking.

• Encourage mixed-use development that reduces the need for excessive surface parking.

Sample Comment:
"Downtown Albuquerque has incredible potential to become a vibrant, walkable space, but its current over-reliance on car parking limits this potential. I encourage prioritizing investments in wider sidewalks, dedicated transit lanes, and bike-friendly infrastructure to make downtown safer and more accessible for everyone. Excessive surface parking diminishes opportunities for housing, commerce, and community gathering spaces. Let’s focus on solutions that reduce car dependency and create a more dynamic, people-centered downtown!"

Let’s work together to ensure downtown parking policies align with our vision of a resilient, equitable Albuquerque. Share your ideas and help make a difference!

2024 Bikeways & Trail Facilities Plan reaches the City Council

We’re in the final push to help shape Albuquerque’s transportation future! The Draft 2024 Bikeways and Trail Facilities Plan will go before the Albuquerque City Council on Monday, December 16, for adoption. This is the final step in setting our city's transportation goals for the coming years—and we need your help to ensure strong support for this transformative plan!

The plan prioritizes safer streets, expanded trails, and more equitable transportation options. It aligns with Strong Towns ABQ’s vision for a city where everyone—whether walking, biking, or rolling—can safely and conveniently get where they need to go.

How You Can Support the Plan:

• Sign the Open Letter: Join other supporters by adding your name to BikeABQ’s open letter here: bikeabq.org/bikeways-open-letter-2024. This letter will be shared with City Councilors ahead of the meeting.

• Spread the Word: Share this information with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who care about safer streets and better transportation options.

• Show Up at the City Council Meeting: Public comment can make a big impact! Meeting details will be available soon, so stay tuned for an Action Alert with more information on how to attend or provide online comments.

• Write your councilor if you can’t speak in person: Use this link to find your councilor’s contact information and let them know why this is such an important plan to support. 

Why It Matters:
The 2024 Bikeways Plan is more than just a document—it’s a commitment to a safer, more accessible Albuquerque. It represents a step toward a transportation system that reduces car dependency, improves public safety, and creates equitable access for everyone.

Let’s show the Council and Mayor that our community is ready to support this vision and that we expect robust implementation of these goals. Together, we can help make Albuquerque a city where biking and walking are safe, enjoyable, and encouraged.