This Act directs the transfer of approximately 9.89 acres of former Albuquerque Indian School federal land into trust for the benefit of the 19 New Mexico Pueblos for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development, while prohibiting gaming on the land.
Melanie Stansbury
Representative
NM-1
The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 directs the transfer of approximately 9.89 acres of federal land in Albuquerque, historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, into trust for the benefit of the 19 New Mexico Pueblos. This land is designated for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development purposes. The Act also conveys ownership of existing buildings on Tract 1 to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, while prohibiting gaming on the trust land.
Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 Transfers 9.89 Acres of Federal Land to 19 New Mexico Pueblos for Development
The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 is a straightforward piece of legislation that returns approximately 9.89 acres of federal land in Albuquerque to the 19 New Mexico Pueblos. This land, which was historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, is currently under the jurisdiction of the General Services Administration. The bill mandates that within 90 days of enactment, the government must move all current federal tenants out and transfer the administrative jurisdiction to the Department of the Interior, which will then hold the land in trust for the benefit of the Pueblos. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture; it’s a transfer of physical assets, including a 76,000-square-foot warehouse and several other structures, aimed at providing long-term resources for the tribes.
Putting the Land to Work
Under Section 2 of the bill, the 19 Pueblos—ranging from Acoma and Zuni to Taos and Santa Clara—are granted the authority to use this land for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development. For the average person living in the area, this could mean seeing new community centers, health clinics, or local businesses popping up on these parcels. The bill also specifically hands over ownership of the buildings on Tract 1 to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. This gives the Center full control to renovate or repurpose these spaces without having to navigate federal red tape, potentially turning old government warehouses into vibrant community hubs or museums.
No Casinos in the Fine Print
While the bill allows for "economic development," it comes with a very specific restriction: a total ban on gaming. Section 2 explicitly states that the land cannot be used for any Class II or Class III gaming activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This means you won’t see a new casino on these specific 10 acres. Instead, the focus is strictly on diversifying the local economy and providing services. For local residents and business owners, this clarifies that the future of this land is tied to traditional commerce, healthcare, or education rather than the gambling industry.
Moving Out and Moving In
The bill’s timeline is aggressive, requiring federal tenants to be relocated within three months. While this is a win for the Pueblos who have waited decades for the return of this land, it does mean a quick transition for the federal employees currently working in those offices or warehouses. The bill ensures that all existing utility agreements, easements, and rights-of-way remain in place, so the transition shouldn't disrupt local power lines or municipal services. By requiring a formal survey and recording the transfer in Bernalillo County records, the Act provides a clean legal break from federal ownership, allowing the 19 Pueblos to start their development projects with a clear title and a solid plan.