Jesse Jones, Author at City Desk ABQ

City leaders break ground at the future site of the Southwest Safety Center last year. (CABQ)

New parks, fire stations and community centers

by Jesse Jones July 15, 2025July 15, 2025

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

At a tense July 10 town hall, Councilor Louie Sanchez called for federal rule changes to fix Albuquerque’s ART line, drawing sharp criticism and strong support from business owners, residents and transit riders.

Councilor’s meeting on possible ART changes sparks heated debate

by Jesse Jones July 11, 2025July 11, 2025

At a tense July 10 town hall, Councilor Louie Sanchez called for federal rule changes to fix Albuquerque’s ART line, drawing sharp criticism and strong support from business owners, residents and transit riders. The meeting at the Patrick J. Baca Library near Central and Unser was meant to gather public feedback as Sanchez, who is […]

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.

Local Gov.

Albuquerque renters swelter as landlord delays repairs — until inspectors show up

by Jesse Jones July 10, 2025July 10, 2025

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. That changed […]

The Children’s Fantasy Garden at the Botanic Garden is getting an upgrade. It was originally estimated at $5 million, but so far it’s received about $807,000. The city plans to make the area safer, more accessible and more fun for kids, with community input shaping the redesign. (CABQ)

Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov.

Albuquerque’s $167 million citywide boost

by Jesse Jones July 10, 2025August 6, 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 […]

From BioPark Upgrades to Medians: A look at public projects in District 1

A man died Wednesday morning after being stabbed near an Albuquerque city bus, leading to the detention of the bus driver.

Rapid Transit line’s impact on Central sparks call for federal rule changes

An Albuquerque city councilor is urging Congress to change federal rules so cities can fix flawed transit projects like the Rapid Transit line without risking costly penalties, as Central Avenue businesses struggle. Councilor Louie Sanchez wants federal grant rules overhauled in the 2025 transportation bill, saying the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) bus line is doing […]

Councilor Rogers hosts July 3 Community Conversation

District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers will host her next “Community Conversation” from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at Flock of Moons Brewing Company to share updates on development projects, policy changes and the upcoming participatory budgeting groundbreaking. The July 3 event, part of Rogers’ monthly series held at rotating venues across District 6, offers residents […]

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.

Everything you need to know for Freedom 4th

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 […]

Pictured are the Route 66 Flats, a new affordable housing apartment complex being built in Albuquerque’s westside near 98th.

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 […]

Mayor Tim Keller speaks during a press conference on Bosque and open space fire prevention Tuesday, June 24, at Tingley Beach. City officials urged public vigilance after a string of suspected arsons prompted new patrols and technology deployments ahead of the Fourth of July.

Environment, Climate & Conservation, Housing & Homelessness

Multiple fires spark Bosque crackdown

by Jesse Jones June 25, 2025June 26, 2025

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 […]