GO Bond 3 approval would bring $3M to UNM-Gallup without raising taxes

GALLUP, N.M. - During the 2026 General Election, New Mexico voters will be asked whether to approve a general obligation bond to fund higher education projects around the state, including $3 million for the renovation of Calvin Hall Center at The University of New Mexico-Gallup.

General Obligation Bond 3 will ask voters to authorize the state to issue more than $230 million in bonds to fund public higher education institutions, special public schools and tribal schools in New Mexico. Approval of the bond would not raise taxes.

"State projects supported by the 2026 GO Bond address issues as diverse as increasing the healthcare workforce and forest fire mitigation," UNM-Gallup Interim Chancellor John Zimmerman said. "These projects directly address a multitude of concerns that affect New Mexicans on a daily basis. This statewide effort, which brings real and tangible investments to our communities, is vital for our continued growth."

If approved, GO Bond 3 would create nearly 3,500 new jobs in the state and contribute to the economies of 25 communities in 22 counties across New Mexico.

GO Bond 3 approval would provide $126.1 million to UNM and its branch campuses. Among the most transformative projects is the construction of a new UNM School of Medicine education and research facility in Albuquerque.

The state-of-the-art building will help educate and train the physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals New Mexico needs while supporting groundbreaking medical research that benefits communities across the state.

For UNM-Gallup, approval of GO Bond 3 would bring in $3 million to renovate the north wing of Calvin Hall Center to improve the quality, functionality, and accessibility of instructional spaces that support science education and student success.

Modernizing science instruction
The renovation of Calvin Hall Center would modernize biology, chemistry, and geology laboratories, update classrooms and faculty workspaces, improve building systems, enhance the auditorium, and create collaborative spaces that encourage student engagement.

"For UNM-Gallup specifically, the opportunity to revitalize and expand the capacities of our science labs is crucial in addressing both statewide needs and those of our local communities," Zimmerman said. "These construction projects will enhance academic programs across the campus, engage faculty and students in expanded research opportunities, and provide a more comfortable and accessible space for large community events."

The existing laboratory and classroom spaces were designed for earlier instructional models and no longer fully support the hands-on learning experiences expected in today's STEM programs. This project will transform these aging spaces into modern teaching and learning environments that better serve students, faculty, and the community.

The renovation will support student recruitment, retention, and degree completion by providing high-quality facilities where students can learn, collaborate, and prepare for careers in science, healthcare, and other high-demand fields. Updated laboratories and classrooms will strengthen STEM pathways and expand opportunities for experiential learning and workforce preparation.

The project will also strengthen the campus's ability to support research activities, pursue grants, and develop partnerships that benefit students and the regional economy.

Early in-person and absentee voting begin Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Expanded early voting is from Saturday, Oc. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 31.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For more information about this project, visit Calvin Hall North Wing Renovation. For more information about GO Bond 3, visit higheredbond3.com.