Jesse Jones, Author at City Desk ABQ

Albuquerque mayoral candidates split on Trump homelessness order threatening $167M in federal funding

by Jesse Jones July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

Albuquerque mayoral candidates are sharply divided over President Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off federal funding to cities that don’t enforce civil commitment laws for homeless individuals. Signed July 24, the order requires cities to prioritize involuntary treatment for people with mental illness or substance use issues and penalizes those that allow urban camping, […]

Residents find community and support in shared tents behind New Creation Albuquerque Church. (Jesse Jones)

Housing & Homelessness

Keller seeks to cut red tape for Safe Outdoor Spaces

by Jesse Jones July 29, 2025July 30, 2025

Mayor Tim Keller wants to ease costly rules that have stalled efforts to open more Safe Outdoor Spaces in Albuquerque, saying churches and nonprofits should be able to create legal encampments without facing major financial barriers. Speaking July 28 at New Creation Albuquerque Church—the city’s only operating Safe Outdoor Space—Keller said current regulations make it […]

General Interest

Balling for peace: Free hoops tournament builds community, promotes purpose

by Jesse Jones July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

A free basketball tournament promoting community and nonviolence will bring 25 teams to Albuquerque’s Westside on Saturday, July 26. The 1st Annual Summer of Nonviolence: Above the Rim 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Westside Community Center, 12520 Isleta Blvd SW. It’s open to players 15 and older, with four divisions: […]

Local Gov.

District 5 gets $10.4M investment in first northwest Multigenerational Center

by Jesse Jones July 24, 2025August 1, 2025

Albuquerque is investing big in its future — nearly $167 million in capital projects have already been launched or completed across the city. From new parks and library upgrades to fire stations and public art, these efforts aim to improve everyday life in every district. This series breaks down where the money went, what was […]

The city has invested more than $12.7 million in aquatic and recreation projects in District 4, with most of it going to the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, according to the Municipal Development Department.

Local Gov.

From Balloon Fiesta to swim meets: District 4’s $31 million makeover

by Jesse Jones July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Albuquerque has launched or completed nearly $167 million in capital projects across the city. From new parks and library upgrades to fire stations and public art, these efforts aim to improve everyday life in every district. This series breaks down where the money went, what was built and how it was funded in each City […]

Local Gov.

Firefighter union battles mayor over staffing changes

by Jesse Jones July 23, 2025July 24, 2025

Albuquerque’s firefighter union is pushing back after a city committee sided with the mayor in a heated staffing dispute, saying the administration is misusing the decision to impose changes without negotiation. On July 7, the Intragovernmental Conference Committee (ICC), formed by Burqueño voters to settle power struggles at City Hall, ruled the City Council overstepped […]

Local Gov.

Uballez criticizes Keller’s ICE policy, calls for stronger immigrant protections

by Jesse Jones July 22, 2025July 23, 2025

Mayoral candidate and Former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez launched a petition last weekend urging Albuquerque to adopt stronger immigrant protections, criticizing the city’s response as insufficient ahead of Mayor Tim Keller’s executive order signed July 21. Alex Uballez’s 11-point plan, first proposed on social media, includes measures like banning masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) […]

Mayor Tim Keller, joined by members of the Albuquerque City Council, held a press conference to announce a new Executive Order that reaffirms the City’s longstanding commitment to supporting and protecting Albuquerque’s immigrant and refugee communities. Pictured is Mayor Keller flanked by Speaker of The House Javier Martinez,left and State Senator Cindy Nava (D), on the right. Roberto E. Rosales / New Mexico News.

Local Gov.

Albuquerque takes stand on immigration

by Jesse Jones July 21, 2025July 21, 2025

Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order July 21 reaffirming Albuquerque as a city of refuge, directing police to help residents identify immigration agents and limiting city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Unveiled at City Hall with immigrant advocates, city councilors and state leaders, the order puts new limits on how the city works with […]

Tenants at a Northeast Heights apartment complex went weeks without air conditioning in extreme heat, despite a city law requiring cooling in all rental properties. Management at The Retreat at Candelaria told residents there was “nothing we can do,” according to tenant John Reiser, even as indoor temperatures hit 90 degrees or more.

Tenants Lose Their Cool

This report was co-published with The Paper., Albuquerque’s weekly home for arts, culture, news and events. After weeks without air conditioning during extreme heat, tenants at The Retreat at Candelaria say repairs are finally in motion, weeks into triple-digit temperatures and days after city inspectors ordered repairs. Despite a city ordinance requiring landlords to provide […]

Local Gov.

Mayor Keller’s ICE policy sparks backlash from mayoral challenger Darren White

by Jesse Jones July 16, 2025July 17, 2025

Albuquerque mayoral candidate Darren White is calling for a federal investigation into Mayor Tim Keller’s new policy that lets residents call police to verify whether federal immigration agents are operating nearby. Keller announced the change July 12, saying it would help build trust and transparency with immigrant communities. The next day, White — a former […]