The Albuquerque City Council could vote Monday on more than $800 million in spending, including historic industrial bonds for a fusion energy facility and millions for homelessness programs that have faced intense scrutiny.
At the Sept. 15 meeting, councilors are set to consider $776.6 million in industrial revenue bonds for Pacific Fusion LLC’s Mesa del Sol research and development facility. They could also approve additional funding for Gateway West services, affordable housing, and citywide housing innovation programs.
Councilors are expected to consider two ordinances on Monday supporting Pacific Fusion Corporation’s 225,000-square-foot research and development headquarters at Mesa del Sol.
Ordinance O-25-96 would provide up to $10 million in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds — $9 million from the state and $1 million from the city. The project is expected to create 174 to 224 high-paying jobs and generate more than $30 million in net benefits for Albuquerque, according to fiscal impact analyses provided to the City by the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Ordinance O-25-97 would authorize $776.6 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds. Pacific Fusion would self-purchase the bonds, meaning no city taxpayer risk, while receiving a 20-year, 80% property tax abatement. A University of New Mexico fiscal analysis projects the city could recoup nearly $29 million over the term of the bonds.
The California-based company plans to build a “Demonstration System” using pulsed magnetic fusion technology. Construction could start in early 2026, with operations by mid-2027. The project is expected to create nearly 1,000 construction jobs and establish Albuquerque as a hub for clean energy innovation.
The council will also weigh more funding for Chicanos Por La Causa to run Gateway West, following recent concerns over program oversight. EC-25-481 would add $3.55 million to the Gateway West contract, extending it through next June and bringing the total to $7.1 million a year.
Another measure, R-25-188, would accept about $21.8 million in state funds for homeless services and facility upgrades. The plan sets aside $13.4 million for operations, $3.3 million for improvements at the Gateway Center and Gateway West, and $5 million to buy the former Ramada Inn. That site would be converted into 204 senior apartments called Juniper Flats, expected to open by October.
Councilors will also take up two housing proposals.
Ordinance O-25-91 would create the Preserving Albuquerque Through Critical Housing, or PATCH, Program. Starting in January 2026, the program would offer 0% interest, deferred payment loans up to $75,000 for income-qualified homeowners to make essential health, safety, and structural repairs. Supporters say the goal is to preserve long-term homeownership and stabilize neighborhoods.
Another measure, resolution R-25-179, would launch a Continuing Sobriety Housing Voucher Pilot Program. It would provide housing vouchers to 25 people leaving substance abuse treatment, with eligibility tied to maintaining sobriety and taking part in recovery support. The Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness would run the pilot and report back on results compared with existing housing-first programs.
Another item on the agenda is Councilor Dan Lewis’s emergency resolution, R-25-183, to spend $2 million from city reserves on park turf replacement. The measure cites widespread dead grass and weeds across city parks. It would also require the administration to submit a detailed repair plan by Dec. 1 and give monthly progress updates.
Get Involved
The City Council meeting is at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers, basement level of the City of Albuquerque Government Center, 1 Civic Plaza NW.
To speak during public comment, you must sign up online by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting.
If you don’t have internet access, call (505) 768-3100 for help.
Join virtually:
- Zoom link: cabq.zoom.us/j/84979163903
- Webinar ID: 849 7916 3903
- Phone: (669) 444-9171, then enter the Webinar ID
Watch live:
- Comcast Channel 16 (GOVTV)
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