citydeskabq, Author at City Desk ABQ

Former APD Chief Harold Medina, left, and Mayor Tim Keller. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/The City Desk

Here’s how you can shape the search for Albuquerque’s next police chief

Mayor Tim Keller launched a search for Albuquerque’s next police chief Wednesday with an online survey and scheduled community forums, seeking public input before evaluating candidates to lead the more than 950-officer department. The city hired Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. to conduct the nationwide search. The firm has managed police chief searches in […]

County to weigh strict rules for data center incentives

Bernalillo County commissioners are set to revisit a high-stakes resolution aimed at tightening oversight of large data center and AI infrastructure projects when they meet Tuesday in Albuquerque. The “Holding Data Center Projects Accountable in Our Community” measure, introduced at the Jan. 13 meeting, would condition county incentives on clear community benefits and sustainability standards. Under […]

Sam Bregman, district attorney for New Mexico's Second Judicial District, sent a letter Wednesday to Bill Shaw, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant field office director, raising concerns about ICE operations in the state.

ICE policy under fire: Bregman threatens criminal charges for unlawful ICE detentions

The Bernalillo County district attorney has warned federal immigration officials that certain detention practices could result in criminal prosecution under state law. Sam Bregman, district attorney for New Mexico’s Second Judicial District, sent a letter Wednesday to Bill Shaw, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant field office director, raising concerns about ICE operations. The letter […]

While the city continues to grapple with persistent problem properties, officials want residents to know that progress is being made. The City of Albuquerque's Code Enforcement division has been working steadily to resolve cases, whether through owner remediation or municipal action. The results show that change is possible, even for properties that have plagued communities for years.

From eyesore to success: Albuquerque’s problematic properties that got fixed

Yesterday, we reported on Albuquerque’s 15 most problematic properties—the blighted buildings and neglected lots that drag down neighborhoods and frustrate residents. But there’s another side to this story: the success stories. While the city continues to grapple with persistent problem properties, officials want residents to know that progress is being made. The City of Albuquerque’s […]

The property at 7901 Marquette Ave. NE has begun demolition, with completion anticipated in 2026.

Meet Albuquerque’s 15 worst properties and see what city hall is doing about them.

City officials have identified 15 properties as the most problematic among approximately 300 substandard structures across Albuquerque, according to the Planning Department’s Code Enforcement Division. The Problematic Properties Program targets structures that pose public nuisances to neighborhoods, including abandoned or substandard homes that drain city resources, structurally compromised buildings and locations that serve as hotspots […]

Heads up, commuters: Rio Bravo lane closures start now for 5 weeks of major intersection work

A section of Rio Bravo Boulevard SW will operate with reduced lanes for about five weeks as part of ongoing road improvements, Bernalillo County officials announced Tuesday. Westbound traffic on Rio Bravo Boulevard from the approach to Second Street through the intersection will be limited to one lane from Tuesday through Feb. 21. The closure […]

Bernalillo County seeks $72.9 million for capital projects in 2026 session

Bernalillo County is requesting $72.9 million in capital outlay funding for the 2026 legislative session to address public safety, housing, infrastructure and other countywide priorities. The funding request combines major capital projects with investments tailored to each of the county’s five commission districts, officials said. County commissioners are seeking $5 million to expand the Mesa […]

Albuquerque’s nightly outreach hits record as winter temperatures plunge

Albuquerque Community Safety transported a record 1,230 people experiencing homelessness to shelter in December, helping protect lives during extreme winter temperatures. The total is the highest since the service relaunched in November 2025, a 136% increase from the previous month and a 92% jump from December 2024. The surge reflects rising community need and an […]

Beyond the crosswalk: APS’s Vision Zero plan gets a $2.7M boost

Albuquerque Public Schools has received a $2.7 million federal grant to expand safe walking routes and launch a new “Walking School Bus Program.” U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., announced the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The grant will support APS’s Vision Zero for Youth Initiative, expanding […]

APD Interim Chief reorganizes department, eliminates 12 command positions

Albuquerque Police Department Interim Chief Cecily Barker announced a reorganization that includes new executive appointments and the elimination of 12 command staff positions, expected to save the city about $2.4 million. Three officers were promoted to interim executive roles: Luke Languit as Deputy Chief of the Field Services Bureau, Mike Hernandez as Deputy Chief of […]