Community Celebration for International District's Choice Neighborhood Transformation Final Plan
International District residents, workers, and partners invited to sixth and final Community Meeting on October 18, 2025.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Councilor Nichole L. Rogers, City Council District 6, the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Housing Authority (AHA) are inviting all community members who live, work, or play in the International District to attend the sixth Community Meeting for the International District Choice Neighborhood Initiative. This meeting marks the culmination of the community’s collective vision shaped since Spring 2024, after the City of Albuquerque and AHA were awarded a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant.
ABQ Choice Neighborhood Grant Program
Through the ABQ Choice Neighborhood Grant, the City and AHA have worked with local residents and a variety of community stakeholders – including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, anchor institutions, supportive services agencies, businesses, and others – to create a forward-looking Transformation Plan focused on People, Housing, and Neighborhood with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Plan is centered on redevelopment of three AHA properties, including Wainwright Manor, Grove, and Pennsylvania apartments, while leveraging other investments to the International District neighborhood.
The HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) is committed to ensuring current residents benefit from the transformation by preserving affordable housing or offering them the choice to move into affordable and accessible housing in another existing neighborhood of opportunity.
The Community Meeting on October 18 is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide valuable input on the Final Plan's goals, strategies, and projects. Attendees will also learn about upcoming Early Action Activities designed to activate the target housing sites and preview future beautification improvements in collaboration with local artists. Early Action Activities, as defined by HUD, include physical community development or economic development projects that happen during the planning phase of the affordable housing redevelopment process that build community confidence, support social cohesion, and accelerate neighborhood transformation.
The community meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the International District Library (7601 Central Ave NE).
Leadership Voices
This initiative has been highly important to the residents of the International District and other parts of the City of Albuquerque. Community leaders urge broad participation at this final input session:
“This Choice Neighborhood Plan represents a monumental effort to transform key housing sites like Wainwright Manor, Grove, and Pennsylvania apartments into energy-efficient, mixed-income communities,” said Linda Bridge, Executive Director of the Albuquerque Housing Authority. “We are nearing the finish line, and now is the critical time for the community to review the final details and ensure our collective vision for sustainable, viable housing is ready for implementation.”
“Since the very beginning, the International District community has passionately driven this Transformation Plan, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Councilor Nichole L. Rogers, City Council District 6. “This final meeting is a vital step for our district to solidify strategies that will lead to the development of more affordable public housing units, improved supportive services, high-quality education programs, and community beautification for everyone who calls this place home.”
Event Details and Participation
The event will feature a combination of open engagement activities, a community gallery (displays), and short overview presentations throughout the duration of the event. All community members living, working, or going to school in the International District are encouraged to attend and continue to help shape the district together.
What: International District Choice Neighborhood Final Community Meeting (Sixth Meeting)
When: Saturday, October 18th, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: International District Library, 7601 Central Ave NE
Focus: Final Plan Goals, Strategies, Projects, and Early Action Activities
Albuquerque Choice Neighborhoods Initiative is centered on redevelopment of three AHA properties, including Wainwright Manor, Grove, and Pennsylvania apartments and investments to the International District neighborhood.