Voters will decide whether or not to approve the General Obligation Bond 3, or GO Bond 3, to fund a $126.1 million medical school building and campus upgrades at the University of New Mexico which are part of a statewide higher education bond package worth over $351 million.
New Mexico voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve GO Bond 3, part of a statewide higher education bond package exceeding $351 million. The measure includes $126.1 million for the University of New Mexico, primarily a $116 million medical education and research building replacing the aging Fitz Hall, which would allow medical school enrollment to nearly double from 103 to 200 students annually.
The bond also funds upgrades at UNM’s Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia branch campuses, plus $600,000 for the New Mexico Reforestation Center in Mora County. Supporters estimate the projects could support roughly 3,500 jobs and generate significant economic activity across 25 cities without raising taxes.
UNM’s biggest planned project is a $116 million medical education and research building to replace Fitz Hall, which has been in use for over 50 years. The proposal says the current building no longer fits the needs of today’s medical education, research, technology, or the growing number of students.
The new building features larger classrooms, allowing the university to increase medical school admissions from the current 103 students to up to 200 each year. Additionally, the building will have areas for hands-on learning and simulations, research labs, and spaces for group work.
Branch campuses would get upgrades
The bond would pay for upgrades at UNM’s four branch campuses such as the following:
- UNM-Gallup would get $3 million to renovate the north wing of Calvin Hall, updating classrooms, labs, technology, and group learning spaces. Supporters say these changes would help students in science, health care, and related fields, and meet workforce needs in northwestern New Mexico.
- UNM-Los Alamos would get $3 million to create a Student Services and Success Center in a renovated building. This center would offer advising, academic help, career support, and other services.
- UNM-Taos would get $2.5 million to renovate Pueblo Hall and upgrade campus facilities.
- UNM-Valencia would get $1 million to turn an existing building into a center for automotive technology and welding programs, giving students a dedicated space for these trades.
Moreover, the proposal would give UNM $600,000 to support the New Mexico Reforestation Center, which is located in Mora County in northern New Mexico. It is operated in partnership with New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, UNM, and the state’s Forestry Division.
This year, the center started building its first nursery facilities as it plans to deliver 1 million seedlings for reforestation in fall 2028. The center intends to grow up to 5 million seedlings each year after that, with the goal of helping New Mexico restore forests lost to wildfires.
Projects could create thousands of jobs
GO Bond 3 is also expected to support about 3,500 jobs as the investments would attract businesses and industries that need skilled workers
Additionally, the projects could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity across 25 cities in 22 counties.
GO Bond 3 is part of New Mexico’s plan to pay for public infrastructure with bonds that voters approve. The state has passed higher education bonds in every election since 2012.
The 2026 proposal follows the same method. It will use public money for higher education buildings, job training, and economic development without raising taxes. Voters will decide on the measure in the November 3 general election.
