Albuquerque on the map in multiple ways this week

It's Albuquerque's time to shine — and fly.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta started this weekend and continues through Oct. 13. It puts the Duke City on the map and draws visitors from around the world.

In this week's edition, we did our One-on-One interview with Tom Garrity, who is a spokesperson for the Fiesta. He shared some of his Fiesta stories, including a time when news outlets and Black Hawk helicopters partnered together to dry off a muddy field before the state's signature event.

He's one of the many people in Albuquerque who start working well-before the sun comes up to help make the event possible.

In addition to attracting visitors, the Fiesta also brings the city together. Last week, I covered a story when officials launched the annual campaign seeking property owners to put large white Xs on their property, signaling to balloon pilots that they are welcomed to land on the property.

Thanks for those who turned their yards into landing zones. I won't be able to participate because I don't think a pilot or my property manager would like an X on the top of my Downtown apartment.

Speaking of Downtown, our cover story this week is about Downtown Albuquerque and the different financial incentives that are being used to encourage more development.

Reporter Matthew Narvaiz broke down the ins and outs of the mechanisms — a Tax Increment Financing District and a Business Improvement District — that aim to spur development.

I feel like it's an exciting time for Downtown. It is catching the attention of business leaders and government officials who are trying to turn the heart of Albuquerque into a fun and exciting place to work and play. Ex Novo's new restaurant and taproom on the west end is close to Hotel Blue, which is being modernized by a California company that is pouring $30 million into the project.

If I had my wish, I would suggest the community comes up with an entertainment venue for Downtown that doesn't involve drinking alcohol. Maybe a Ferris wheel or dog park. The proposed Albuquerque Rail Trail is a great start. Hopefully we can keep the momentum growing.

And also, check out this week's podcast with Ernie CdeBaca, the president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. He talked about the history of the Chamber, which is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year. We also discussed the spelling of his classic New Mexican last name, and why he recently decided to remove the apostrophe.

Enjoy the section, and the balloons.