Advance Planning & Urban Design

Fiscal Year 2006 Planning Projects

Fiscal Year 2007 Planning Projects

The long range planning function resides in the Advance Planning and Urban Design Division of the City Planning Department. The Division develops, maintains and implements a coordinated, comprehensive general planning program for quality growth and development of the city and county that balances social, economic, and environmental goals. Advance Planning & Urban Design is responsible for developing plans, policies and programs designed to guide the physical development of Albuquerque. Work includes a long range orientation toward improving the the quality of life for Albuquerque residents. Community participation is a key element. This division works with the community to articulate ideas and develop goals which are then translated into policy. Extensive coordination with various government agencies and private sector interests is also a critical element as is on-going public policy analysis.

The sector plannning efforts that are ongoing in the Advance Planning and Urban Design Division are listed at the bottom of this page. Please scroll down and click on either the 2006 plans or the 2007 plans to see what we are currently working on!

The History of Planning in Albuquerque

The first Albuquerque Planning Department was established in 1954 and the the City's first Subdivision Ordinance was adopted in 1954. The first Zoning Ordinance was also adopted in 1954 but challenged in Court and re-adopted in 1959. The earliest elements of the first General plan were adopted in 1962 and further elements adopted through 1972.

The City's second plan (adopted 1975) was also adopted by Bernalillo County, and a Zoning Ordinance prepared by the City Planning Department for Bernalillo County was adopted by the County in 1968.

The 1975 Comprehensive Plan was substantially revised by the City Planning Department and re-adopted by both the City Council and Bernalillo County Commission in 1988. Further amendments were added to the Plan in 1991. In November 2001 amendments were approved for creating mixed use activity centers and linking corridors, and adding policy to better protect and promote community identity within the several unique districts of Albuquerque.

More detailed plans are prepared for portions of these unique areas, and occasionally for neighborhoods or corridors within them. Examples of area, sector and corridor plans can be viewed in the "publications " section of this website. Other work of the Advance Planning Division includes policy analysis and development, mainly associated with plan implementation tools such as the Zoning Code and Capital Improvements Program.