Establishing "Slum" & "Blight" in Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas
To assist in assessing whether an area has slum and blight conditions, Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) uses an evaluation framework. Derived directly from the definitions in MRA’s guiding state statute (NM Stat § 3-60A-4), this framework helps MRA to evaluate all of our areas in a consistent and transparent manner.
Evaluation Process for Slum & Blight Conditions
Prior to creating a plan that targets investments to encourage revitalization, the City must establish that an area has slum and blight conditions. MRA’s framework helps to ensure that every area is assessed using the same criteria and in a manner that aligns with the state statute.
Blight Categories and Criteria*
| Category | What We Look For | Examples |
| 1. Deteriorated Buildings | At least 20% of buildings show structural damage | Roof damage, cracked walls, broken windows, peeling paint |
| 2. Site or Infrastructure Issues | Sidewalks, lots, signage, or drainage in poor condition | Cracked parking lots, missing sidewalks, illegal dumping, damaged fencing |
| 3. Unsanitary or Unsafe Conditions | More than isolated safety hazards, crime, or fire risks | High crime rates, hazardous materials, unsafe intersections, poor fire protection |
| 4. Economic Decline | Signs of weak or declining economic activity | High vacancies, falling property values, reduced sales tax revenue |
| 5. Housing Issues | Poor condition or shortage of housing | More than 20% of units deteriorating, low vacancy rates, unmet housing demand near transit corridors |
| 6. Faulty Lot or Street Layout | Parcels or street layouts that limit development | Lots too small or too large for zoning, inaccessible parcels, excess curb cuts |
| 7. Ownership or Title Issues | Barriers caused by fragmented ownership or delinquency | Multiple owners per parcel, title defects, tax delinquency |
*New Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas and boundary amendments to existing Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas are evaluated using the above framework. Generally, areas merit inclusion if they show indicators in four (4) categories, with at least three (3) of them reflecting economic conditions.