Corrales Village Council rejects Arts and Culture District plan

Published March 31st, 2025 at 3:37 pm

By Kevin Hendricks

A controversial proposal to establish an Arts and Culture District (ACD) in Corrales was voted down by the Village Council on March 25. The 4-2 decision came after months of debate and public opposition to the plan, which was spearheaded by Corrales MainStreet.

The ACD Economic Development Plan, which had been in development since 2013, aimed to secure state authorization for an ACD, potentially opening the village to arts and events grants. However, concerns arose among residents that the plan conflicted with the village’s Comprehensive Plan, which will be voted on in May.

Opponents of the ACD plan expressed fears that it would disrupt the village’s rural character and “Querencia,” a deep spiritual connection to the community. They worried about over-tourism, increased traffic, and a loss of the village’s unique identity. Some residents went so far as to compare the proposed changes to turning Corrales into “Adobe Disneyland” or “downtown Santa Fe.”

The plan touted “revitalization” and “transformation,” which the villagers did not feel were appropriate for Corrales.

“Corrales is not a defunct downtown that suffered a demise,” Councilor John Alsobrook said. “We’re not looking to be reborn from anything, it was never a booming downtown. This is not the correct tool for Corrales.”

Angela Gutierrez, director of Corrales MainStreet, clarified that the ACD plan was not an action plan and would not immediately bring about significant changes. 

“It could be something that at some point is referenced or utilized, but it’s also something that isn’t necessarily going to change anything,” Gutierrez said. “As part of the arts and cultural district authorization process, we’re able to support events, promote them and ensure that our residents know what exists here, and that’s the true reason for the application. Nothing is going to change dramatically because of the authorization. It is something that could be a reference, could be a tool, but isn’t going to immediately institute massive change.” 

Mayor Jim Fahey noted that the plan reflected the needs and desires of the community, stressing the value of tradition, history, arts, culture, and agriculture.

“A relatively small vocal group believed this would harm our community,” Fahey said. “The ACD Plan committee’s work reflected the needs and desires of the community and residents, much like the Comprehensive Plan. It stressed the value of tradition, history, arts, culture and agriculture that have created our unique community feel. The desire was to provide value and a greater quality of life for us and the entire community we are all proud to call home.”

Despite Gutierrez’s assurances, the Village Council ultimately rejected the plan.