Softening the workforce shortage squeeze

Construction projects across the state are booming, but contractors say finding enough skilled laborers to fill positions is a chronic challenge. The workforce shortages often cause project delays and increased costs — issues that have motivated officials to propose a fix in Albuquerque. The Apprenticeship Empowerment ordinance would require contractors to dedicate 15% of a […]

City Council to tackle downtown vacant buildings, sleeping on sidewalks

A proposal to tackle the vacant building issue and ban people from laying or sitting on sidewalks in Downtown Albuquerque is on the agenda for the City Council’s Monday meeting.  The Downtown Vacant Buildings and Properties Ordinance — sponsored by Councilor Joaquín Baca — states that vacant buildings and properties are a health and safety […]

Contention brewing over zoning change in University area

Albuquerque property owner Augustine Grace wants to convert two of his adjacent residential properties near the University area into a new coffee shop but after pushback from a neighborhood association, the future of the project is in the hands of City Council.  At their meeting Monday, city councilors will hear from Grace about his proposal […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety

Handgun reportedly found in Valley High School student’s backpack

A Valley High School student faces possible disciplinary and legal consequences after a loaded firearm was reportedly found in his backpack. Principal Anthony Griego sent a letter to parents Thursday informing them of the incident earlier in the day. The student found with the weapon is not believed to have expressed any intent to harm […]

What would you like to see built on the corner of Kathryn and San Mateo? 

It’s known as a dilapidated part of the city, but it wasn’t always so. Today the stretch of San Mateo Boulevard near Gibson Boulevard to Copper Avenue — like much of the International District — seems to feature as many shuttered storefronts as open ones. Few nearby services are available to neighborhood residents, resulting in […]

From patrolling the streets to trolling tweets: City Council blasts APD’s social media account

City councilors across the political spectrum blasted responses the Albuquerque Police Department’s (APD) official social media account made to private citizens — calling them “embarrassing” and “never acceptable.”  It’s not the first time this has come up. Last year, councilors criticized Mayor Tim Keller’s administration for letting APD make similar posts.  “Here we are, a […]