Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4819
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2014
International District Community Celebration July 25-27
Senator Tim Keller Champions Community Vision in Action
Santa Fe, NM – The Stories of Route 66: The International District community project is just around the corner and the area’s Senator, Majority Whip Tim Keller (D-17-Bernalillo), says he excited to see another example of the steady improvement of Albuquerque’s International District. “This event is so important for the district because it is really about empowerment and community building, and also gives the public an opportunity to meet their neighbors and learn about the most culturally diverse area in Albuquerque,” Sen. Keller said of the July 25-27 event.
According to the extensive event calendar, multiple public events are planned all weekend long, including the ribbon cutting for the International Art Garden, book exchanges at six new libraries in the area, a picnic in Veteran’s Park, a film festival, photo exhibits, and the San Mateo block party among other festivities.
“This project is yet another example of the steady positive changes that make me proud to represent this part of Albuquerque,” Sen. Keller said. “We are celebrating the fifth year of the community’s re-naming and we have seen a distinct moderation of public safety challenges and significant increases of investment and social services in the area; and above all, newfound pride from residents in what is New Mexico’s diverse urban neighborhoods.”
Partners include the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services Department, University of New Mexico (UNM) Architecture/Community Resource Planning, Story of Place Institute, the UNM ArtsLab, PB & J Family Services, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, and the International District Healthy Communities Coalition. Details can be found at the project facilitator, LittleGlobe’s, website: http://www.littleglobe.org/portfolio/stories-of-route-66-international-district/
In 2009 Sen. Keller championed the desire of community members and passed Senate Joint Memorial 24, which designates the International District as a series of neighborhoods centered around Louisiana Boulevard, between Zuni Road and Central Avenue. Sen. Keller initially approached Littleglobe in 2011 with a request to consider a project in the International District. The project gained partners and was consolidated with Albuquerque’s “Stories of Route 66” program. Sen. Keller’s legislative district (17) represents the South East Heights, East Central and the International District of Albuquerque. His key priority is improving the lives of District families.
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