The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is joining other utilities in offering a break to furloughed federal workers, allowing them to defer water bill payments without penalties as the government shutdown enters its fourth week. The Water Authority announced Oct. 21 that it will let furloughed federal employees defer payments without late fees or […]
Author Archives: Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones is a reporter covering local government and news for nm.news
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Early voting data reveals which Albuquerque voters are showing up — and who’s staying home
Democrats are leading early voting turnout ahead of Albuquerque’s Nov. 4 municipal election, with 7.3% of registered Democrats casting ballots compared with 6.6% of Republicans, according to Bernalillo County Clerk data. As of Oct. 23, 21,456 Burqueño voters have cast early or absentee ballots since voting began Oct. 7. That includes 12,164 Democrats, 6,492 Republicans, […]
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ABQ fast-tracks solar permits as credits canceled by “Big, Beautiful Bill” are set to expire at year-end
Albuquerque homeowners wanting to install solar panels at home had better hurry before federal incentives canceled by President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” expire in December. Fortunately for procrastinators, the city is here to help. The City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Oct. 20, to fast-track residential solar permits through the end of 2025, helping residents […]
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Councilors question timing of “Gateway” rebrand of city’s “Juniper Flats” hotel converted to senior housing
City Councilors on Monday, Oct. 20, urged the Keller administration to rethink its plan to rebrand the under-renovation Juniper Flats senior apartments after signage with the “Juniper Flats” project name was already installed. During the City Council’s question-and-answer period, District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout said the new name could make the permanent affordable housing […]
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Out-of-state billionaire money floods APS board races
An unprecedented $300,000 from a group established by two out-of-state billionaires is flooding Albuquerque’s school board races — contests where only a small fraction of voters usually decide the outcome. Editor’s note: This story was updated to include comments from all candidates in races where NMKidsCAN PAC money was spent, not just those who reached […]
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Major votes on deck for Albuquerque seniors, cyclists
The Albuquerque City Council could vote Monday, Oct. 20, on millions in senior housing bonds, expanded bicycle safety rules and a new downtown redevelopment plan. The meeting agenda had not been finalized as of Friday morning, but recent filings suggest councilors may take up initiatives that have been developing for months. Potential items include senior […]
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Independent audit questions integrity of Albuquerque’s anti-fraud office
An independent audit found Albuquerque’s fraud watchdog failed to meet professional standards in reports that uncovered $74,000 in waste. Now, two lawsuits are pushing the city to release six investigation reports that have been kept from the public for seven months. The audit, conducted by accounting firm REDW and released Oct. 1, reported that investigators […]
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Albuquerque’s 2026 agenda: Council and mayor push for safer, stronger neighborhoods
Albuquerque’s City Council approved its 2026 legislative agenda Monday, Oct. 6, and received the Mayor’s legislative requests, setting priorities for housing, homelessness, public safety and infrastructure. The combined proposals for the Second Session of the 57th New Mexico State Legislature outline district-specific projects and policy initiatives, including affordable housing expansions, Metro Crime Initiative funding, community […]
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Two mayoral candidates were left off the debate stage. Here’s what they had to say
Two Albuquerque mayoral candidates excluded from KOAT’s televised debate are getting their turn to weigh in. With Election Day three weeks away, City Desk ABQ invited Mayling Armijo and Eddie Varela to answer the same questions voters heard on TV, covering issues like crime, homelessness and immigration. Armijo and Varela were left off the Oct. […]
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Albuquerque Sunport becomes latest airport to reject partisan shutdown video
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Sunport won’t air a Department of Homeland Security video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown. “The Trump Administration asked airports to play a political TSA video, but our airports aren’t the place for partisan messages,” Keller said in a Facebook post. […]