METRO REDEVELOPMENT CODE EMINENT DOMAIN

SB 311 would amend New Mexico’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Code to explicitly grant local governments the power of eminent domain for redevelopment projects. This directly affects property owners in designated slum or blighted areas where local governments seek to acquire land for public projects. The bill’s key mechanism adds eminent domain to the list of powers local governments already hold, enabling them to seize private property to promote economic development, housing, medical care, infrastructure, and other public benefits outlined in the code. The change aligns with the code’s existing purpose of revitalizing distressed areas without authorizing governments to operate businesses or facilities.