By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors last year avoided several proposed fee increases for popular amenities. Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 brings back one notable increase for a second try: He’s floating a $1 hike for admission to the BioPark. Last year, the City Council kept in place a $5-per-ticket increase […]
Communities
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Spring fever has broken out at the new Phil Chacon Park
By Diantha Swoboda This commentary was submitted to City Desk ABQ.You can submit your own: editor@citydesk.nm.news It’s been a long time coming, but it’s almost here. Just like the whole Trumbull and Elder neighborhoods, I’m anxiously awaiting the grand opening of the Phil Chacon Park May 3. I’m looking forward to the shaded walkways, the benches […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Food
Trail Rider Pizza hosts fundraiser to support local studio owner
By Andrea Vasquez Trail Rider Pizza in Cedar Crest is organizing a fundraiser event to help Body Dynamic Studio’s Christell Thomas, who is recovering from “a very traumatic accident.” The event is set for May 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The dynamic consists of supporting Trail Rider by enjoying their dishes, as a […]
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It’s budget time in Albuquerque again
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller proposed a $1.5 billion city budget for fiscal year 2026 earlier this month, kicking off the annual budget process in the city. Now, the city council will start its process, which includes public participation, to finalize a budget before the end of May. Thursday will be the first […]
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Mayor’s proposed budget calls for 1,100 cops
By Rodd Cayton Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget returns to a recurring theme: Albuquerque needs to have more police officers on the streets. The $1.9 billion spending plan goes before a City Council committee Thursday, as the annual budget process starts its final stretch. More money in the proposed budget — almost $287 million — […]
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Keller slams Trump immigration order
The Donald Trump administration stepped up its attempt to make state and local governments help with enforcing immigration laws with another executive order this week. The executive order prompted a sharp rebuke from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. Keller said the order was an attempt to “extort immigrant-friendly cities like ours.” The executive order is aimed […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Environment, Climate & Conservation
Bernalillo County hosting town hall to help East Mountains residents prepare for wildfire
Staff report With wildfire season becoming increasingly unpredictable, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue is inviting East Mountains residents to a wildfire preparedness town hall. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Los Vecinos Community Center, located at 478 NM-333, Tijeras, NM 87059. The town hall will cover several key topics, including […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Letters to the Editor, Moriarty
Letter to the Editor: Thank you Rep. Stansbury for your determination
April 17, 2025 will go down in local New Mexico history in fame. The Town Hall meeting in Moriarty was attended by 150 rationals. When the speaker, U.S.Rep. Melanie Stansbury, entered, 95% of the audience stood up, applauded powerfully and roared with respect/praise as if a hero returned from a victorious battle for law and […]
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City launches basic income payments program
By Rodd Cayton A new guaranteed basic income (GBI) program in Albuquerque is distributing its first monthly payments. City leaders say the $750 payments will provide financial relief to struggling residents and underscore Albuquerque’s commitment to economic equity and financial empowerment. The first payments went out last week. The money is unrestricted, and participants were […]
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City council looking at federal housing cuts
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors will soon consider an action plan required to secure federal housing aid. One councilor, however, is concerned about when and whether the city will see that money. District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers said Trump administration actions have placed a cloud of uncertainty around the city’s funding from the U.S. […]