Posted inLocal Gov.

City committee backs memorial supporting federal public lands

An Albuquerque City Council committee unanimously approved a measure Thursday supporting continued federal oversight of public lands in the area, timing the vote just ahead of National Public Lands Day. The Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee advanced Memorial M-25-5, which expresses the council’s backing for federal stewardship of lands, including the Sandia Ranger District […]

Posted inAlbuquerque

Exclusive: Pacific Fusion on why they chose ABQ for $1 billion fusion research campus

Pacific Fusion is bringing a $1 billion fusion energy campus to Albuquerque, adding more than 200 permanent high-paying jobs, nearly 1,000 construction jobs, and new momentum for New Mexico’s push to become a national leader in advanced energy technology. The California company’s move, confirmed in an exclusive interview with CityDesk, marks one of the biggest […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety

Albuquerque police drone program draws privacy concerns after reporting four arrests in first month

The Albuquerque Police Department’s new drone surveillance program has assisted in four arrests during its first month of operation, but civil liberties advocates are raising concerns about privacy protections and community input in the program’s deployment. The program, which launched in August, has conducted more than 200 flights using drones housed in strategically placed “hives” […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Photo of the day: Mayor Keller takes virtual tour of Albuquerque’s future

Mayor Tim Keller gets a virtual reality glimpse of the future Uptown Connect project during the development’s launch event on Thursday. The innovative mixed-use development promises to link affordable housing with public transportation, employment opportunities, and entertainment in Albuquerque’s Uptown area. Check back tomorrow for a full story on Uptown Connect, a $120 million mixed-use […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

After governor’s veto, Albuquerque gets $21.8 million in homeless funding with strings attached

Albuquerque will add 183 homeless shelter beds and 204 senior apartments after the City Council approved $21.8 million in state funding last week, with some unusual oversight requirements. The funding, deferred from the Sept. 3 meeting for a required second public hearing, comes with weekly progress reports and detailed operational plans that Councilor Dan Lewis […]

Posted inBernalillo County

Bernalillo County backs state action to counter federal tax bill impact

Bernalillo County commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday urging state lawmakers and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect residents from anticipated federal spending cuts during a special legislative session beginning Oct. 1. The resolution addresses concerns about the federal H.R. 1 bill, which county officials say will reduce funding for healthcare, nutrition programs and emergency services […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety

Albuquerque mayoral candidate charged for inappropriate touching of former campaign staffer

An Albuquerque police officer investigating an incident between mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez and his former staffer found probable cause to charge him with battery, according to court documents filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court and obtained by City Desk ABQ. The criminal complaint, filed in July, alleges that Daniel Chavez inappropriately touched a person without […]

Posted inBernalillo County

Bernalillo County Commissioners to address legislative priorities, National Recovery Month

Bernalillo County commissioners will convene Tuesday night to establish policy priorities for the upcoming New Mexico Legislature special session and recognize National Recovery Month during their administrative meeting. The Board of County Commissioners, led by Chair Eric Olivas, will meet at 5 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers to consider an administrative resolution outlining […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

Dispute heats up over publication of Inspector General fraud reports

The head of Albuquerque’s oversight committee is pushing back against accusations that it violated city law by delaying Inspector General reports. Victor Griego, who chairs the Accountability in Government Oversight Committee (AGOC), said the group acted within its authority to make sure the reports were solid. In a Sept. 17 response to District 5 Councilor […]