Fresh Food and Local Democracy Bloom: City Officials and Community Celebrate Grand Opening of The People’s Market in the International District

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Today, Mayor Tim Keller, District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers, District 19 State Representative Anyanonu, municipal officials, and the District 6 Participatory Budgeting (PBABQ) Steering Committee gathered in the International District to cut the ribbon on the new grower’s market in the International District. The highly anticipated community hub stands as a landmark achievement for local grassroots democracy, having emerged as the top vote-getter out of 243 entries during the City’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting Pilot in 2025.

 "The grand opening and ribbon cutting also featured the elected name of the new market -  “The People’s Market” represents an absolute triumph of community-led determination," said City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. "Our District 6 neighbors didn't just ask for change - they designed it, debated it, and voted to build it. From youth to our unhoused neighbors, over 1,150 residents cast their ballots in our first pilot to prove that when we give communities real power over real public money, we deliver meaningful solutions to pressing challenges like food insecurity and public health."

“The People’s Market is what happens when we put decision-making power directly in the hands of people,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Through participatory budgeting, residents shared ideas, priorities, and shaped the design. This project will expand food access, support local vendors, and strengthen neighborhood connections.”

 “The People’s Market matters,” noted NM House Representative Janelle Anyanonu. It’s proof that when you trust a community with real power over real public money, they will build exactly what they need. This is a place for local vendors, a stage for our young people, and essential services right alongside food access.”

The People’s Market transforms a previously vacant lot into a vibrant campus designed to tackle food insecurity, uplift local vendors, and provide key neighborhood infrastructure. Funded by $1.5 million in District 6 City Council Set-asides dedicated by City Councilor Rogers and $1 million from Mayor Tim Keller, this completed phase of the market campus features a courtyard stage for community programming, solar panels, LED signage, water bottle-filling stations, and accessible walkways. 

Crucially, the site blends food access with essential services, integrating a permanent Portland Loo public restroom (already installed) and a One Stop Respite Station with secure storage lockers managed in coordination with the adjacent ACS headquarters (soon to come).  Both the Portland Loo and the One Stop Respite Station were also top vote-getters in the first cycle of PB in District 6. The site also features a specialized footbridge spanning the nearby drainage channel, connecting the market directly to ACS facilities to ensure seamless service delivery and support for vulnerable residents.

The realization of the market was driven by a dedicated Project Development Team led by District 6 constituents, including Steering Committee Member Colleen Tsosie. "Designed by residents like myself - for residents like myself - this vibrant emerging food hub will provide vital access to fresh, affordable produce while supporting local vendors and bringing our community together," said Colleen Tsosie. "Many years in the making, the opening of this new market is now cultivating hope and nourishment in the International District."

During the ribbon cutting, City Councilor Rogers also announced her Office’s Call for Potential Operators for the new market.  This Call for Potential Operators is based upon market goals and operator qualifications identified by a Working Group of 40+ District 6 community members that first convened in December 2025.  The Call for Potential Operators will be open until June 30.  Here is the link to the online form: Call for Potential Operators.

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Working Group. The Operator that is chosen will be responsible for 12 months of market activation and programming, with the intent of building systems, partnerships, and operational capacity that can transition into a future Main Street-led organization and long-term management structure.

Charting the Path for 2026 PBABQ Projects

Following the celebration, neighborhood residents convened at the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) headquarters to participate in a Community Project Workshop, where they reviewed the 245 project ideas that were submitted in the second round of PB in District 6 throughout the months of April and May.  The Workshop laid the groundwork for the Project Development and Refinement phase of the second round of PB by starting to identify the highest priority projects to be placed on the PB District 6 Ballot.  This Ballot is slated to be open to District 6 community members to vote on in mid-July).     

Get Involved as a Budget Delegate for the 2026 PBABQ Cycle 

With the 2025 pilot projects officially transitioning from construction to community use, the 2026 PBABQ cycle is well underway, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, including stepping into the role of a Budget Delegate. Budget Delegates will serve as the main lead for projects that are added to the PB District 6 Ballot and will serve as the main liaison between their fellow community members and the City. Budget Delegates will serve on small Project Development Teams, which include at least one Budget Delegate, one District 6 Steering Committee member, and one City staff member, that all help get projects fully developed before being added to the Ballot. Community members can become Budget Delegates by completing the following application form: Budget Delegate Application Form. 

Community members also have the opportunity to participate in the voting process launching in mid-July. Councilor Rogers and PBABQ encourages community members to stay updated on the progress of the 2026 PB cycle by emailing Jeff Hertz at [email protected] and getting on the PBABQ email list.   

Participatory Budgeting uses a six-step process that empowers community members aged 11 and older who live, work, or study in the district to directly decide how public funds are spent. Neighbors are encouraged to visit [http://www.pbabq.org](http://www.pbabq.org) to learn how to get involved, submit infrastructure ideas, and join a Project Development Team for the 2026 cycle.

**See more photos of the Ceremony and the Workshop!**