Jesse Jones, Author at City Desk ABQ

Starting Aug. 23, Albuquerque Fire Rescue will expand its experimental deployment model to stations 5, 11 and 12

Fire chief defends paramedic changes, disputes union claims

Albuquerque Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo is moving forward with her paramedic deployment plan, set to begin Aug. 23, and disputing union claims that firefighters have been shut out of the process. The changes come after a months-long tension between the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244 and Mayor Tim Keller’s administration over how the […]

Commuters begin to board an Art bus at the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque. Credit: Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/The City Desk.

ART security calls skyrocket, but actual violence plummets

Less than three weeks after a city bus driver fatally stabbed a passenger near Coors Boulevard, new data shows security calls to Albuquerque’s transit system have jumped 81% over the past year. The July 9 stabbing followed an argument on board that spilled onto the street. Surveillance video shows the 41-year-old driver pursuing the passenger, described as […]

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

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)

Keller seeks to cut red tape for Safe Outdoor Spaces

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 […]

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

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: […]

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

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.

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

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 […]

Firefighter union battles mayor over staffing changes

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 […]

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

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.

Albuquerque takes stand on immigration

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 […]