The Target Scenario

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan presents a future growth forecast based on current land use and transportation plans and policies that is referred to as the Trend Scenario; this is the official forecast for the region. However, policy leaders from the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area chose to go one step further and guide the development of an alternative vision for the future, a scenario that imagines more efficient land use patterns and improve future mobility on our transportation networks; this vision is called the Target Scenario. 

Watch the video to learn about the Target Scenario.

The Target Scenario is based on eight Guiding Principles that were developed collaboratively by MRMPO member governments:

Guiding Principles of the Target Scenario

The Target Scenario also identifies key centers, and transit corridors for future growth to bring the region closer to fulfilling the principles of the Target Scenario. These locations were determined by representatives from MRMPO member agencies.

Key Locations of the Target Scenario

Investments in key centers and transit corridors supports vibrant urban communities while at the same time, preserving and protecting open spaces and rural communities from the pressures of growth. The result is improved access to goods and services while maintaining respect for the diverse needs of our metropolitan area. MRMPO models suggest the following potential impacts of the Target Scenario when compared to the Trend Scenario:

Key Benefits of the Target Scenario

When compared to the Trend, the Target Scenario shows an overall reduction in congestion, especially on our river crossings. A better mix of housing and jobs is achieved on both sides of the river under the Target Scenario, resulting in shorter and fewer trips across the river as well as better access to daily destinations by driving, transit, walking, and biking. In addition, fewer acres of vacant land are developed by new construction, and there is a decrease in development in areas that are considered high-risk for flooding and forest fires. 

The Land Use / Transportation Connection

The Target Scenario was developed and refined over the course of several years with active outreach effort that included large workshops, small focus groups, online surveys, inter-agency meetings, and community events. The guiding body in charge of development of the Target Scenario is the Land Use Transportation Integration Committee, a group of planning professionals dedicated to coordinating land use and transportation planning efforts in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. 

An important function of MRMPO is to guide and support local jurisdictions with their land use and transportation policies and plans. How we invest in our transportation systems has an influence on where growth and development occur. Similarly, where we experience new growth impacts how well the transportation system functions and where we need additional investment. This relationship lies at the root of the land use transportation connection and why it is imperative that we integrate transportation and land use planning.