Project Overview. A Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) is a designated area within a municipality that has been targeted for rehabilitation, redevelopment, and private investment to stimulate economic development and community building. The designation of an MRA allows for the contribution of Public Resources to Private Redevelopment projects, thereby helping catalyze reinvestment in the area. The designation of an MRA includes a corresponding MRA Plan that outlines specific redevelopment projects and activities. A copy of the approved and recorded White Rock MRA Plan is posted in the document library at the bottom of this webpage.
In 2019, the County, with the assistance of NM MainStreet and Los Alamos MainStreet, developed, and adopted by resolution, the White Rock Commercial Center MRA Designation Report. Later in 2021, the County adopted the White Rock Town Center Master Plan, a comprehensive plan outlining the long-term vision and associated tools supporting the revitalization of the White Rock Town Center.
The County is now developing and adopting the White Rock Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan, a required document outlining specific financial tools and strategies to accomplish in the White Rock Town Center Master Plan. When adopted, the White Rock MRA Plan will affirm the designation of the White Rock MRA and strategically call out a collection of strategies to drive catalytic projects through public-private partnerships and incentives per New Mexico state statutes. When completed, the County will have the authority to offer:
- Incentives for Property Owners. MRAs allow municipalities to offer incentives to property owners to encourage private investment. These incentives can include direct contributions of public funds, infrastructure improvements, below-market leases, land swaps, zoning changes, favorable development bonds, and others.
- Public-Private Partnership Opportunities. MRAs allow property owners to engage with local governments in projects that involve the contribution of public funds to the redevelopment of private property. This also includes entering into development agreements to redevelop underutilized public properties.
- District-Wide Public Improvements. MRAs allow for the effective planning and construction of public infrastructure improvements, including streetscape projects, placemaking projects, and utility upgrades. It allows the municipality to contribute public resources to infrastructure upgrades that benefit private landowners (including waiving fees).
- Increased Commercial Activity. Through the designation and planning for MRAs, many communities attract and grow commercial activity in an area, leading to long-term redevelopment and a more robust local business market.
- Tax Incentive & Tools. A municipality may offer tax abatements and establish a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) or Tax Increment Development District (TIDD). The municipality may also issue MRA Bonds for private projects. These tools do not change or increase taxes.