Lot Reimagined Turns Waiting Into Doing

ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller announced the launch of Lot Reimagined, a new initiative from the City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) that makes vacant City-owned lots available for activation. This initiative provides a unique chance for local entrepreneurs and community groups to gain visibility and engage the community at a low cost.

 

“Vacant spaces don’t have to sit empty! They can be reimagined as gathering places that bring our community together,” said Mayor Keller. “With Lot Reimagined, we’re turning challenges into opportunities by opening these lots to entrepreneurs and community groups who want to bring activity, pride, and energy into our city.”

 

Pop-up markets, performances, art installations, and family-friendly events are just a few examples of how these lots can be transformed. Through temporary activations like these, Lot Reimagined is an exciting opportunity to foster creativity and innovation while contributing to the local economy through providing a forum for local organizations and individuals to showcase their work. This program will help to increase neighborhood activity and inspire residents to explore their city. Lot Reimagined focuses on Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas—parts of the city that have experienced long-term disinvestment—ensuring that revitalization efforts are directed where they are needed most.

 

The available lots will all be redeveloped, with some projects already in the planning stages. While bricks-and-mortar redevelopment takes time, Lot Reimagined offers an immediate way for people to see visible change, feel new energy in their neighborhood, and take part in shaping what comes next.

 

“This program is about creativity and momentum,” said Terry Brunner, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. “Big redevelopment projects often take time before you can see visible progress on the ground. Lot Reimagined allows the community to step in and bring these lots to life right away, giving neighborhoods a chance to see change and feel energy in these spaces while we work toward the larger, long-term vision.”

 

Available lots for activation are located in key redevelopment areas across Albuquerque, including Downtown, the East Gateway, the Near Heights, and Sawmill/Wells Park. By making these properties available for short-term, community-led use, the City is both empowering local ideas and supporting the conditions that lead to long-term investment and neighborhood pride.

 

A free webinar will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM (MST) to walk interested applicants through the program. The session will cover eligibility, application requirements, and tips for submitting a strong proposal. Register here.

 

For more information on Lot Reimagined and available lots, visit the MRA website.