tunruhenos, Author at City Desk ABQ

Multigenerational center first of several new projects planned for NW Albuquerque

City leaders celebrated a key Westside project with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new multigenerational center to be built near Cibola Loop and Cuba Road NW. The center, expected to open in August 2025, will bring to the area city services and programs aimed at residents of all ages. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said access […]

Over 1 million claims related to toxic exposure granted under new veterans law

by tunruhenos May 21, 2024

By SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — President Joe Biden, aiming to highlight his legislative accomplishments this election year, traveled to New Hampshire on Tuesday to discuss how he’s helped military veterans get benefits as a result of burn pit or other toxic exposure during their service. “We can never fully thank […]

Lawsuit: City leaders attempted to use Risk Management as a ‘slush fund’

A former city manager within the Risk Management Division filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the City of Albuquerque on May 17 citing intimidation, false accusations and disregard for workplace safety laws concerning asbestos at the Gateway Center. The lawsuit was filed by Jeanette Chavez, an official within Risk Management who was one of the first […]

Officials who flagged asbestos dangers at Gateway Center told to stay home, given sick leave as city fined by state

At least two senior officials who raised concerns about the city’s mishandling of asbestos exposure during the construction of the Gibson Health Hub were threatened with reassignment and then quietly placed on sick leave. Both officials were made unavailable to answer questions from the city council and others about the administration’s actions that resulted in […]

City charter changes could create chaos

Proposed changes to the city’s charter have stirred up an old-time controversy. Several Albuquerque city councilors are asking for a slew of changes to the city’s charter that would go to the voters. The stack of charter amendment proposals will be debated at their May 20 regular meeting. If approved, the changes will go to […]

Fees for fun things in ABQ won’t be raised

Albuquerque City Councilors have dropped proposed fee increases from Mayor Tim Keller’s draft budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. At the May 16 Committee of the Whole meeting, members voted to make a few changes to Keller’s $1.4 billion budget. Among the amendments was allocating an additional $250,000 for the ABQ BioPark, eliminating the need for […]

Bernalillo County, Local Gov., Politics & Elections

Early voting begins Saturday in Bernalillo County

by tunruhenos May 16, 2024April 20, 2025

Get ready to vote! Beginning tomorrow eligible voters in Bernalillo County can make their way to any one of 20 early voting polls to cast votes for the primary election. The early voting will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and begins May 18 through June 1. This gives voters […]

Local Gov.

Commissioners spend big bucks to acquire property in the International District

by tunruhenos May 15, 2024April 20, 2025

More urban green space, continuing a tax for health care and a failed attempt to amend a proposal to set policy on hiring a county manager topped the May 14 Bernalillo County Commission agenda. Bucks for Blooms Commissioners unanimously approved $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to be used to buy land and develop […]

Budget committee meets one last time to tackle the mayor’s big buck budget

Get your popcorn ready to watch some municipal excitement. The Committee of the Whole will meet on May 16 for members to pull out their red pens to mark up the mayor’s $1.4 billion proposed budget for fiscal year 2025. This is the last meeting scheduled before the final budget will be presented at the […]

200 seniors, 90 veterans housed at Westside shelter — some for years

The city’s Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC) is home to about 200 seniors and 90 veterans seeking shelter among hundreds more who are experiencing homelessness. While the number who sleep there fluctuates throughout the year, during the winter months officials say it’s not uncommon to reach its capacity of 600. City officials and advocates for […]