By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque checked off some goals this year, while others are still a work in progress. The City Council reviewed Mayor Tim Keller’s fiscal year 2026 objectives Monday, Oct. 5, looking at everything from thousands of visits at the Gateway sobering center to ongoing problems with recycling and transit. Councilors […]
Author Archives: Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones is a reporter covering local government and news for The Paper. through a local journalism fellowship from NM Reports.
Posted inAlbuquerque, Jobs, Workers & Economy
When the green flag flies, Albuquerque’s economy gets a lift
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For nine days each October, hot air balloons fill Albuquerque’s morning sky as visitors pack hotels, restaurants and businesses across the city. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of thousands of visitors, boosting the local economy. As the 2026 event continues, its full economic impact is still taking […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
Coalitions lose clout as Albuquerque puts neighborhood associations in charge
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Who decides what gets built on your street? When a new apartment complex, business or other development is proposed nearby, Burqueños often look to neighborhood coalitions to stay informed and track community developments. That role changed Monday after the City Council voted to strip coalitions of formal recognition and […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
Why Albuquerque’s $5.2 million opioid settlement vote came to a sudden halt
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque families could soon see $5.2 million in opioid settlement money go toward addiction treatment, recovery housing and school prevention programs. But the City Council voted not to extend Monday’s meeting, leaving no time for a final vote on the proposal and leaving the funding unresolved. During the meeting, […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Local Government
Bernalillo County makes it easier for residents to find behavioral health care
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Bernalillo County residents now have new tools to find and access behavioral health and other social services more easily. Close the Loop, the county’s coordinated system for behavioral health and social service referrals, includes a public resource directory, an online assistance request form and a third tool, Population Insights, […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
City Council set to hear changes to development appeals
by Jesse Jones, The Paper. — A battle over who gets a say in Burque’s development process hits City Hall on Monday. The City Council will consider four measures from Councilor Dan Lewis that could reshape zoning appeals, developer fees and the role neighborhood associations play in development decisions, drawing strong opposition from neighborhood coalitions. […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
Drones grounded as Balloon Fiesta takes flight
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Leave your drone at home if you plan to capture the hundreds of hot air balloons painting the sky at this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Federal officials have established a temporary no-drone zone around Balloon Fiesta Park and warned that unauthorized operators could face steep fines and other […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
Albuquerque adds $1.6M to legal fight over homeless encampment sweeps
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque’s legal bill for defending its treatment of unhoused residents is getting bigger. The city has already paid nearly $1.4 million in legal fees and litigation expenses and has added another $1.6 million to its outside counsel contract, pushing the contract’s maximum value to $2.66 million. The City Council […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
Uptown Connect Secures millions as Albuquerque affordable housing project gets scaled back
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — The long-promised Uptown Connect housing project at Albuquerque’s Uptown transit hub is finally moving toward construction, with $31.2 million in new financing approved this week. But the project looks different on paper than it did last year, with fewer apartments, a lower price tag and a different financing package. […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Government
Councilor Dan Lewis wants more say for neighborhood associations, less for coalitions in ABQ development
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — When the City of Albuquerque approves a development project, construction may still be a long way off. Residents and community groups can challenge approved projects through city appeals and, in some cases, state court. Councilor Dan Lewis has proposed four companion measures that would change who can appeal those […]