Albuquerque’s biggest Fourth of July celebration returns Friday to Balloon Fiesta Park with fireworks, live music and a strong push for safety amid ongoing fire restrictions. City officials want Burqueños to enjoy the free Freedom Fourth event while keeping fire risks in mind. Speaking at a press conference on fireworks safety, leaders said tens of […]
Author Archives: Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones is a reporter covering local government and news for nm.news
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Albuquerque’s new opt-in zoning plan aims to ease housing crunch
A proposed resolution, sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, who introduced it on behalf of Mayor Tim Keller, still needs committee approval but could allow property owners to opt in to rezone for denser or mixed-use housing as part of a broader push to address the housing shortage. The city’s voluntary rezoning plan would let […]
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Multiple fires spark Bosque crackdown
City officials are asking residents to help prevent fires in the Bosque after a string of suspected arsons triggered expanded patrols, new surveillance tools and a crackdown ahead of the Fourth of July. At a press conference at Tingley Beach, Mayor Tim Keller said multiple fires over the past week were human-caused, including one tied […]
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Albuquerque ramps up fireworks enforcement and safety ahead of July 4th
Burqueños can expect ramped-up patrols and enforcement over the Fourth of July holiday to curb illegal fireworks and prevent fires in high-risk areas like the Bosque and foothills. With recent arson activity and a rise in illegal fireworks, Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Albuquerque Police Department are stepping up efforts to keep neighborhoods safe from […]
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A new bill could change how Albuquerque handles homeless camps
Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers is proposing changes to the city’s Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Operator’s Permit Ordinance, aiming to reduce regulatory obstacles and make it easier to open and manage sanctioned encampments for people experiencing homelessness. Rogers is pushing to ease city rules on Safe Outdoor Spaces. She argues that current regulations create unnecessary […]
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Real work, real progress
Mayor Tim Keller told Albuquerque business leaders that the city is finally making real progress on crime, homelessness and downtown revitalization after years of effort. Speaking at the Embassy Suites by Hilton during the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s annual mayoral address June 17, Keller said long-term investments and partnerships are starting to pay off. […]
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A Safe place to heal
Albuquerque’s new medical respite center is giving unhoused people a safe, supportive place to heal after hospital stays — and a better shot at stable housing. Mayor Tim Keller joined staff and a patient June 18 for a small-group conversation highlighting the early impact of the Gateway Medical Respite Center. Tucked inside the former Lovelace […]
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Hemp haze clouds the council’s crackdown
An Albuquerque ordinance meant to ban the sale of synthetic THC-lookalike products may have missed its mark, allowing semi-synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 and THC-A to remain legal after amendments changed the bill’s scope. The City Council passed the amended “Intoxicating Hemp Products” ordinance June 2, aiming to close a legal loophole and protect kids from […]
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Albuquerque Council restores event funding, overrides two of Mayor Keller’s vetoes
Albuquerque city councilors overturned two of Mayor Tim Keller’s budget vetoes at the June 16 City Council meeting, restoring funding for events the mayor said raised legal and procurement concerns. Keller had vetoed four parts of the city’s $1.5 billion budget, saying the changes were needed to keep the budget legally sound and avoid picking […]
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City Councilor Lewis qualifies for 2025 ballot and public financing
Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis has qualified for the 2025 ballot and public financing through the city’s Clean Elections program, doing so in just 10 days. As the 2025 City Council election begins, Lewis’s campaign said he is the first to qualify. He’s seeking his fourth term in District 5 and quickly met the 500 […]