Albuquerque Begins Construction on First Large-Scale Green Stormwater Project

The project aims to reduce flooding in the Mile Hi neighborhood using green infrastructure.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The city of Albuquerque has begun construction on its first large-scale green stormwater infrastructure project in the Mile Hi neighborhood, which has experienced severe flooding for decades. The project will install curb cutouts, garden beds, and an underground storage system to divert and capture stormwater, reducing the impact on residents' properties.

Why it matters

Albuquerque's Mile Hi neighborhood has long struggled with flooding, causing damage to homes and financial hardship for residents. This green infrastructure project is a proactive solution to address the issue and provide climate benefits through improved urban heat island effects, water quality, and traffic calming.

The details

The project will install six curb cutouts along Summer Avenue to divert water from the roads into garden beds with soil, trees, and plants. An underground storage system on La Veta Drive will also funnel the captured water to be cleaned and reused. This is the third green stormwater infrastructure project in the city, following successful installations on Central Avenue/Jefferson Street and Morningside Drive.

  • Construction began on February 24, 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed by August 2026, before the start of monsoon season.

The players

Tammy Fiebelkorn

Albuquerque District 7 City Councilor.

Jennifer Turner

Albuquerque Municipal Development Director.

Abraham Amaral

Mile Hi Neighborhood Association Treasurer.

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What they’re saying

“It's been in the works for over five years, I think longer than that. Looking at solutions for some of the flooding people in this area are experiencing.”

— Tammy Fiebelkorn, Albuquerque District 7 City Councilor (KRQE)

“We've been seeing some increased flooding events where the impacts and headlines for this neighborhood have shown some shocking photos of neighbors trudging through knee-high water.”

— Jennifer Turner, Albuquerque Municipal Development Director (KRQE)

“Luckily, my road doesn't get flooding. But this road, Summer gets a fair amount once you go down that way. I know there's been some mixed feelings about it throughout the neighborhood. Some people are opposed; they think it'll cause other problems. But largely, the current neighborhood association is for the project. The idea of diverting water away from people's yards and harvesting that water to be reused for something else. Rather than causing somebody's property harm.”

— Abraham Amaral, Mile Hi Neighborhood Association Treasurer (KRQE)

What’s next

The city said they plan on installing another round of green stormwater infrastructure at the Silver Triangle in Nob Hill, which should begin in a few months.

The takeaway

This green infrastructure project in Albuquerque's Mile Hi neighborhood represents a proactive and innovative approach to addressing long-standing flooding issues, while also providing broader climate and community benefits. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for other flood-prone areas in the city and beyond.