Rio Rancho City Center Sees New Development Interest

43-acre lot in Rio Rancho designated as 'shovel-ready' by state, drawing inquiries from potential investors

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:04am

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A 43-acre, triangular lot in the Rio Rancho City Center has been designated as 'shovel-ready' by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, sparking interest from potential developers and businesses. The city center, which was initially planned as a hub in the early 2000s, has struggled to attract development as the city's growth has shifted south towards Albuquerque. Now, with the new state designation and infrastructure already in place, Rio Rancho officials are hoping to attract employers, housing, and retail to the area to turn it into a bustling urban center.

Why it matters

The revitalization of the Rio Rancho City Center is seen as crucial for the city's economic development, as it aims to create more jobs and housing on the west side of the Rio Grande. Currently, many Rio Rancho residents commute to the east side of the river for work, and the city hopes that attracting new businesses and residents to the city center will help reduce that commute and spur further growth in the area.

The details

The 43-acre 'pizza slice' lot near King and Unser is one of dozens of properties across New Mexico that have been designated as 'shovel-ready' by the state's Economic Development Department. This means the land has the necessary infrastructure like water, wastewater, and connectivity in place, making it attractive for quick development. Rio Rancho officials are hoping to attract industries like aerospace, defense, biotech, and other tech companies to the site, as well as multi-family housing with retail components to bring more residents to the area.

  • The Rio Rancho City Center was initially planned in the early 2000s.
  • The state's 'Site Readiness' designation for the 43-acre lot was announced in February 2026.

The players

Greggory Hull

The mayor of Rio Rancho.

Matt Geisel

The city manager of Rio Rancho.

New Mexico Economic Development Department

The state agency that designated the 43-acre Rio Rancho lot as 'shovel-ready' under its 'Site Readiness' project.

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What they’re saying

“The city really hasn't grown out here yet. But we are starting to because we put in roads like Broadmoor, and that has created a lot of connectivity into this area.”

— Greggory Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho

“Ideally, what we'd like to see here is things that lend towards job creation. Job creation on the west side of the river is very important. A lot of folks west of the river commute to the other side of the river on a daily basis. So having more jobs on this side is a great addition for the entire community.”

— Matt Geisel, City Manager of Rio Rancho

“It makes sense to have higher density population out here. Townhomes, multi-family. That would bring in that population that would attract retailers and job creators.”

— Greggory Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho

What’s next

Rio Rancho officials say they are open to either selling or leasing the 43-acre lot, and they have already received an inquiry from a local business interested in the property since the state's 'site ready' designation was announced.

The takeaway

The revitalization of the Rio Rancho City Center represents an opportunity for the city to attract new businesses, jobs, and residents to the west side of the Rio Grande, reducing commute times and spurring further economic growth in the area. The state's 'shovel-ready' designation for the 43-acre lot has already generated interest, signaling that the city's efforts to breathe new life into this long-dormant area may be starting to pay off.