Mayor Keller Legalizes Neighborhood Markets

Mayor Tim Keller announced a rule with zero fees to make it easier for small, locally owned neighborhood markets to open in communities that currently lack convenient access to healthy food.

The City’s Environmental Health Department is creating a new category of business under the city’s “retail food establishment” permit. The new permit will require that a store be less than 5,000 square feet, cannot sell alcohol, tobacco or cannabis products and must provide grocery products focused on healthy, affordable foods. The new permit will simplify and accelerate the process for opening small-scale neighborhood markets, particularly in underserved areas. To make it easier for first-time business owners and local farmers to enter the market, the Environmental Health Department is reducing the business fee to 25% of the standard rate. The Chief Administrative Officer will grant fee waivers to qualifying new small grocers.

“Every family deserves a convenient place to buy fresh food without having to drive miles,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This plan will open doors for our local food economy and expand grocery options for families, right in their own neighborhood.”

Mayor Keller also announced proposed updates to the City’s Integrated Development Ordinance that will expand eligibility for small neighborhood markets to be located closer to neighborhoods and within walking distance of homes. The new reforms would also streamline permitting, inspections, and compliance.

Community groups, residents, growers, small businesses, and food-system partners will continue to shape the rule through upcoming events such as the ABQ Fresh Food Summit on Dec. 16, ongoing neighborhood feedback, recommendations from local food sector and health organizations, and date from prior market studies.

The Environmental Health Department will open the rule for public comment and schedule a hearing for final adoption in upcoming weeks.