The MCRP program is located in Albuquerque, the largest urban area in the State of New Mexico. Approximately 515,000 people livie in the metropolitan area out of a total State population of 1.7 million. Albuquerque is one of the fastest growing regions in the geographic Southwest. This sunbelt city sprawls along a river-basin plateau at an elevation of one mile above sea-level. It is noted for its high-desert, temperate climate. Santa Fe, considered one of America's premier cultural meccas, is located 50 miles to the north.

Because of the historic role of the region during both the Spanish and American territorial periods, New Mexico is characterized by a diversity of Anglo, Hispano, Native American and other minority communities. In addition, the State borders the northern frontier of Mexico. The region's growth and popularity, however, masks enormous planning related problems which face the area. Albuquerque suffers from suburban sprawl, environmental impacts (principally air quality and water management) and the burgeoning demand for infrastructure. All of these elements contribute directly to the factors which distinguish the program and its setting in planning education.

Visit UNM's Albuquerque Web site locator to find out more:

http://www.unm.edu/~cjdept/albsites.html

University of New Mexico

UNM is accredited by the North Central Association (1989). Founded in 1892, UNM is the largest institution of higher education in the State. The UNM campus is world-renown for its distinctive Pueblo-Spanish architecture and has a total enrollment of approximately 23,000. There are approximately 5,100 graduate students enrolled in most major academic disciplines.

The University community offers many amenities of academic life. Most students chose to commute to campus. Although public transportation is available, the daily crush of automobiles makes paid parking permits a premium. A wide variety of housing is available in the University neighborhood, although on-campus housing, especially married-student housing, is extremely limited. Student health plans and services are available on campus. A children's day-care center is also available. New students are encouraged to plan for at least a two-month stay before regular classes begin in order to become fully situated.

For more information, visit UNM's web site at:http://www.unm.edu or call:

Student Housing Services (505-277-4707)
Student Family Housing (505-277-4265)
Student Health Center (505-277-3136)
Parking Services (505-277-1938)
Manzanita Children's Day Care Center (505-277-5449)