Jesse Jones, Author at City Desk ABQ

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., speaks during a press conference at Saranam's Westside campus, announcing more than $7.6 million in federal Community Project Funding for seven local housing and homelessness projects. Aug. 19, 2026, (Jesse Jones)

Stansbury’s shifting position on Sandia land transfer raises questions

by Jesse Jones October 30, 2026October 30, 2026

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — A proposed transfer of nearly 10,000 acres in the Sandia Mountains has raised questions about public access and land management. A local advocacy group says Rep. Melanie Stansbury told them she opposes the transfer, despite her support for land-back efforts. But in an interview with The Paper. on Thursday, […]

The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales for the Paper

Bernalillo County bets on tax breaks to bring more workforce housing to the Heights

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — In Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, an area known for its high-value homes and good schools, middle-income workers can find themselves priced out of living near the communities they serve. On Oct. 27, the Bernalillo County Commission approved two ordinances sponsored by Commissioner Walt Benson granting 30-year property tax breaks to […]

Pictured is the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, where Dr. Rebecca Fastle previously managed medical operations before stepping into her new countywide healthcare role. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/City Desk Abq

Bernalillo County is changing MDC health care. What will it cost?

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Health care at the Metropolitan Detention Center faces a major shake-up in 2027 as Bernalillo County prepares to take over the system, with nearly $40 million in startup costs and a funding request that still needs state approval. At its Oct. 27 meeting, the Bernalillo County Board of County […]

Albuquerque International Sunport, where a federal grant of up to $18.5 million will help fund upgrades to the Sunport Rail Spur to improve freight service and give local businesses another way to move goods. (CABQ)

Jobs, Workers & Economy

Albuquerque’s Sunport rail spur is getting a multimillion-dollar federal boost

by Jesse Jones October 27, 2026

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — From construction materials to industrial supplies, businesses could have an easier way to move goods in and out of the Duke City after the city was selected for a multimillion-dollar federal grant to upgrade six miles of the Sunport Rail Spur. The city was selected to receive up to […]

BernCo commissioners set to write a new prescription for jail health care

By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. — Everyone booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center gets a health screening. That was more than 26,000 people last fiscal year, and many of them arrived in withdrawal or mental health crisis. On Tuesday, Bernalillo County commissioners will decide who provides that care once UNM Hospital’s contract ends June 30, […]

Early voting is happening in Bernalillo County. Pictured are voters exiting after casting their ballots at the Clerk’s Annex County Government office on 1500 Lomas Blvd NW. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales for the Paper

Early voting surge gives Democrats early edge in Bernalillo County

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Bernalillo County voters are helping shape New Mexico’s next political era ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with Democrats turning out at higher rates than Republicans, continuing a pattern seen in last year’s municipal election. As of Oct. 22, nearly one in five registered Democrats had cast a ballot, […]

Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers speaks at a District 6 participatory budgeting meeting where residents helped shape proposals for neighborhood improvements. Courtesy of Nichole Rogers.

District 6 voted on $1.7 million in improvements. Three are guaranteed, but Councilor Rogers wants more.

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — District 6 residents have chosen how Albuquerque should spend $1.7 million on neighborhood improvements. With 11 projects on the ballot and funding set aside for the top three, Councilor Nichole Rogers hopes to fund more of the community’s ideas. District 6 residents cast 1,866 votes in the second annual […]

Want to challenge a development project in your neighborhood? It just got more expensive

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Burqueños looking to challenge neighborhood development will face steeper costs after the Albuquerque City Council narrowly approved higher fees to appeal project decisions. The Council voted 5-4 at its Monday night meeting to approve Ordinance O-26-60, sponsored by Councilor Dan Lewis, which creates a new fee schedule for development […]

Shelter beds are seen inside Gateway West in Albuquerque. The city allocated $2 million in opioid settlement funds to launch a treatment navigation and assessment program through the Gateway system. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/City Desk ABQ.

Albuquerque approves millions in opioid settlement funds: Here’s where the money is going

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For Duke City residents facing addiction and students struggling with mental health, getting connected to treatment can be a critical step toward recovery. Newly approved city funding will expand access to addiction treatment navigation, sobering beds and school counseling for Albuquerque residents and students. The Albuquerque City Council unanimously […]

MDC health care transition could cost millions. Commissioners weigh next steps

By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Thousands of people booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center each year depend on medical care and addiction treatment behind bars. Bernalillo County plans to take over those services in 2027 when its current contract ends next summer. Commissioners will consider using $30 million in county reserves to help fund […]