Construction for an outdoor grower’s market coming to the International District has broken ground this summer with hopes of revitalizing the area. The project will be allocated approximately $1 million to support the market, which would feature vendors of produce and art.
The funding for the project comes from City Councilor Nicole Rogers’ Government Obligation bond for 2025. A Government Obligation Bond is $1.5 million that a City Councilor has the ability to spend on a project of their choice.
A unique approach was taken by Rogers this year, because she allowed community members in her district to vote on the project of their choice. Once set up, the market is expected to be locally run.
Some challenges associated with running growers’ markets in Albuquerque are extreme external temperatures and keeping up with the pace of changing regulations, LeVar Eady, market manager of the Downtown Growers Market, said.
“The weather in Albuquerque is a challenge because the heat can be very extreme. (The Downtown Growers is) a fully outdoor market so we have to be very mindful of temperatures when it comes to produce,” Eady said.
Permits, licensures and regulatory changes may sometimes occur too quickly for vendors to adapt, Eady said. Decrease in funding and staff for permit issuing departments may also contribute to challenges faced by vendors.
“The staff that are there are doing a really good job but I think they need more people,” Eady said.
It’s important for the market to lean into culturally significant aspects of its space, Eady said.
The International District has the highest concentration of cultural and ethnic diversity in the state, according to East Central Ministries. It also houses the State Fair Grounds, the Talin Market, the World Market and a variety of ethnic restaurants and craft shops.
The International District was once bustling with residents and economic activity, according to East Central Ministries. However, after Interstate 40 was constructed through Albuquerque and the relocation of Kirtland Air Force base’s personnel housing, many businesses closed down due to reduced foot traffic.
“I believe that uplifting the International District is possible because it has a lot of things going for it, but if we’re relying only on the market to do that then it would be impossible. It has to be a movement for the entire area. It has to be filled with businesses, vendors that reflect the cultural significance of the place, and uplift local entrepreneurs,” Eady said.
Shin Thant Hlaing is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
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