FAQ – Reimagining Albuquerque

I. What This Is and Why It Exists

Why does this page exist?

Because too many civic conversations in Albuquerque are driven by fear of change.

We created Reimagining Albuquerque to offer something different: a vision for a more equitable, connected, and forward-looking city. We write about housing, transit, zoning, and policy not just to critique the status quo, but to show what’s possible when we stop settling for less.

Who writes this?

People who live in Albuquerque. People who want to stay. People who believe this place can grow stronger, more inclusive, and more vibrant—if we let it.

Is this blog part of an organization?

No. Reimagining Albuquerque is an independent project. We’re not funded by or affiliated with any nonprofit, campaign, or political group.

We share values with many organizations pushing for a better city, but the opinions expressed here reflect the views of this blog alone.

II. What We Believe and Advocate For

Why counter NIMBY narratives?

NIMBYism—short for “Not In My Backyard”—isn’t just a punchline. It’s a powerful force in local politics.

In Albuquerque, opposition to housing, infrastructure, or transit upgrades often comes from a small but influential group of residents who have long shaped policy. These voices claim to support growth “in principle,” but reject nearly every actual proposal.

That dynamic contributes to real problems: housing shortages, long commutes, economic stagnation, and a city that struggles to retain young people and working families. Challenging this mindset is the first step toward building a more livable, inclusive Albuquerque.

Are you just advocating for building everywhere?

We’re advocating for building in a lot more places than we do now—especially near jobs, transit, schools, and existing infrastructure.

Albuquerque has the space and capacity to grow more affordably and sustainably. But too often, zoning laws and local opposition make it harder to build housing where it’s needed most.

If you think Downtown, Nob Hill, Old Town, or the Central corridor are already “full,” take another look. These areas can—and should—welcome more people. Cities grow. The question is whether that growth is intentional and inclusive, or disorganized and exclusionary.

Are you trying to change my neighborhood?

All neighborhoods change. The only question is whether they change by design or by default.

We support change that makes neighborhoods more welcoming, walkable, and affordable. That includes adding more housing types—like duplexes, fourplexes, and mixed-use buildings—especially in places that already have access to amenities.

This isn’t about erasing character. It’s about creating opportunity, and making sure our neighborhoods work for more people, not fewer.

Do you support gentrification?

If gentrification means rising rents, displacement, and longtime residents being priced out—no, we don’t support that. But blocking new housing doesn’t prevent those problems. It makes them worse. Gentrification and displacement are inherently problems linked to scarcity: of nice neighborhoods, of walkability, of amenities.

When housing supply is limited, newcomers compete with existing residents for too few units. Wealthier buyers usually win. That’s how displacement happens.

The best way to ease that pressure is to build more housing—affordable, market-rate, and everything in between. A city that builds enough homes is one where fewer people get pushed out.

What’s your position on exclusionary zoning?

We’re against it. Every neighborhood should allow housing. Cities work best when they’re open to people, not just protected from them. More than 60% of Albuquerque’s territory is zoned for single-family homes only. That means no corner coffee shops, daycare centers, or corner grocers. It means no courtyard apartments nestled around the corner where friends and family can live close by. It means sprawl, traffic, “stroads,” and pollution. Long term, this building pattern leads to displacement, gentrification, and lack of affordability in the walkable neighborhoods that do exist. Removing exclusionary zoning, parking mandates, and arbitrary character protection overlays are the easiest things we can do to create a more vibrant, inclusive, affordable, and livable city. Exclusionary zoning must go.

III. Clarifying Misconceptions

Isn’t “NIMBY” a slur?

It’s a label for a behavior, not an insult. If someone supports good policies and participates in good faith, it doesn’t apply to them.

But if someone says they support affordable housing and infill, then fights every apartment proposal in their district—that’s NIMBYism. If they support sustainability, but oppose density near transit—that fits too.

The term describes a pattern we see over and over again: saying “yes” in theory, but “no” in practice. That pattern is worth naming.

Don’t some NIMBYs raise valid concerns, like solar access or stopping highway expansion?

Yes. Not every opposition to development is NIMBYism. Concerns about infrastructure, environmental impact, and design are important.

But these arguments are sometimes used selectively to block housing, not improve it. We’ve seen solar rights cited to stop apartment buildings. We’ve seen environmental rhetoric used to oppose infill, while sprawling subdivisions continue to expand on the fringes.

Real sustainability means more people living closer to where they work, shop, and travel. That’s how you reduce traffic and pollution, not by restricting housing near transit in the name of solar panels.

We believe in protecting the environment and expanding housing. These goals are not in conflict.

Are you developers?

No. And even if we were, the ideas still stand. Blaming developers for the housing crisis is like blaming farmers for food prices.

You’re just pushing an agenda.

Correct. Our agenda is better housing, better transit, and a better Albuquerque.

Why don’t you just move to a city you’d like better?

Because we like this city—and we believe it can be better.

No one should have to move to Portland, Denver, Chicago, or Los Angeles just to find a walkable neighborhood, decent transit, or housing they can afford. Those things should be available here.

If everyone who wants progress leaves, who’s left to build the future? We stay because we believe Albuquerque is worth investing in.

IV. How to Get Involved

How can I get involved to push back against NIMBYism in Albuquerque?

If you’re tired of seeing good ideas get blocked by obstructionists, there are plenty of ways to get involved:

Show up & speak out – Many bad policies pass simply because no one pushes back. City Council, zoning hearings, and planning meetings are all places where decisions are made—showing up, submitting comments, and holding officials accountable makes a difference.
Support pro-housing & pro-growth policies – Pay attention to legislation that affects housing, transportation, and economic development. Strong policies don’t pass without public support.
Connect with local groups – Organizations like Strong Towns ABQ, BikeABQ, Generation Elevate New Mexico, and others are working to make Albuquerque a stronger, more connected, and more affordable city. Get involved, attend meetings, and find ways to contribute.
Challenge misinformation – NIMBY narratives thrive when left unchecked. If you see someone spreading false or misleading claims about housing, density, or transit, push back with facts.
Vote with the future in mind – Many local policies that shape Albuquerque’s growth are decided at the ballot box. Research candidates, support those who advocate for smart growth, and make your voice heard.
Stay engaged – Follow Reimagining Albuquerque to keep up with the latest news, analysis, and calls to action. The more people understand the stakes, the harder it is for a small, vocal minority to dictate the city’s future.

NIMBYism thrives on apathy and inaction. The best way to stop it is to build something better.

V. Clarifying Boundaries and Common Questions

Why was my comment removed or not posted?
This is a curated blog with a specific focus and mission. We moderate comments to maintain a constructive conversation that aligns with that purpose. If you’re looking for a more open forum, there are other spaces that may be a better fit.

Why don’t you use names?
We believe the strength of an idea should not depend on who says it. Anonymity or semi-anonymity helps keep the focus on the message, rather than the individual. In this space, it is common for ideas to be dismissed outright rather than considered.

Why don’t you attend neighborhood association meetings instead of writing anonymously?
Many of us have attended and spoken at neighborhood association meetings. We continue to do so. However, when those spaces are structured in ways that silence dissent or exclude new voices, it becomes necessary to create other platforms for civic participation. This blog is one of those platforms.

Why do you critique established neighborhoods?
Because Albuquerque is one city, and every neighborhood plays a role in its future. No area should be considered off-limits to public conversation. Our goal is not to criticize for the sake of it, but to advocate for communities that are more welcoming, inclusive, and livable for everyone.

Do you oppose neighborhood associations?
We value neighborhood engagement, but believe engagement should be more demographically representative. However, when associations act in ways that block needed housing, resist newcomers, or claim to speak for everyone while dismissing internal disagreement, that behavior deserves scrutiny—especially as associations are granted appeal standing in our city. Strong civic organizations should welcome discussion, not suppress it.

Are you allowed to critique communities (neighborhoods) you are not part of?
Yes. Public policy affects the entire city. Zoning, infrastructure, and housing decisions do not stop at neighborhood boundaries. Everyone has the right to participate in these conversations and offer perspectives on how Albuquerque should grow.

Is the real issue the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO)?
The IDO has its flaws, but many of Albuquerque’s challenges began long before it was adopted. In some cases, calls to dismantle the IDO are efforts to return to older systems that were even more exclusionary. We support reforms that make our land use policies more inclusive, not less.

You need to respect or follow the process
Respect for public process is important. But when that process becomes so convoluted that it blocks progress, undermines equity, and privileges a small group of insiders, it stops serving the public good.

Our current model of endless public meetings and hyper-local veto points often leads to discriminatory outcomes. It prioritizes the most organized and resourced voices while sidelining broader public needs. The result is stagnation, exclusion, and policies that preserve a broken status quo.

We believe in democratic decision-making. That means shifting important conversations to the ballot box, where everyone has a say—not just those with the time and resources to attend every meeting. A healthy process should be accessible, efficient, and designed to deliver fair, future-oriented outcomes.

That’s why this space exists. We want to reimagine Albuquerque and New Mexico as places where the process leads to progress—where outcomes are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of the future we want to build. That includes more opportunity for entrepreneurship, a deeper sense of belonging, stronger sustainability, better walkability, and a city that retains and attracts talent through thoughtful, equitable growth.