Jesse Jones, Author at City Desk ABQ

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.

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)

Albuquerque

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.

Albuquerque

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 […]

Albuquerque

Albuquerque ramps up fireworks enforcement and safety ahead of July 4th

by Jesse Jones June 25, 2025June 25, 2025

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 […]

Only one city-approved Safe Outdoor Space exists right now — the Refuge House, run by the New Creation Albuquerque church.

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 […]