The woman who led the Albuquerque Community Safety Department since its inception in 2021 is transitioning to a new role in city government. Mariela Ruiz-Angel is now the Associate Chief Administrative Officer, the city announced Monday. The position was previously held by Bob White, who retired at the end of last year. Ava Montoya, a […]
Housing & Homelessness
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Council approves additional funding to help with increasing number of migrants
Helping asylum seekers and migrants and recognizing the impact of the atomic industry on downwinders topped the short Albuquerque City Council meeting held on March 18. Migrant Help An increasing number of migrants arriving in Albuquerque — “due to unforeseen circumstances at the southern U.S. border” — since early fall has stretched thin the nonprofit […]
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One man’s quest to help solve the city’s homelessness problem
The campaigning hasn’t stopped, but now the focus is homelessness. Daymon Ely, an attorney and former three-term state representative, has spent the past 12 months developing a proposal to address homelessness in Albuquerque. The problem is well documented: There are more people living on Albuquerque’s streets, some with severe mental health and addiction issues, and […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Downtown, Housing & Homelessness
Business owner, deputy commander talk crime in Albuquerque’s Downtown
Editor’s note: This is the fourth installment in a series titled Downtown Albuquerque Reboot, about the city’s center, its challenges and the plans to address them. Read about why the area matters here, about vacant buildings here, peruse a photo essay about lowriders here, and end with what the area has to offer here. On […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Housing & Homelessness
Roadrunner CEO: ‘Food insecurity can strike anyone’
Roadrunner by the numbers: Dana Yost was named the president and CEO of Albuquerque-based Roadrunner Food Bank in August 2023. He comes to the city from Tucson, Arizona — a state where he worked in the food bank industry for 13 years. In just a handful of months at the helm, Yost said he’s noticed […]
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City faces new lawsuits from asbestos mishandling at Gateway
The city’s ongoing headache brought on by asbestos issues at Albuquerque’s Gateway Center at Gibson Health Hub continued this week. Three new lawsuits were filed against the city in relation to its mishandling of the cancer-causing material during construction at the 572,000-square-foot center. Located at 5400 Gibson Blvd. SE, the center offers overnight beds and […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
County closer to spending millions in opioid funds
The latest round of opioid settlement funds — $18 million — has made its way to Bernalillo County. Payments total $22.6 million so far. The funds come from historic settlements between states and companies like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and others due to their alleged involvement in the opioid epidemic. According to the New […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Longtime Bernalillo County Manager Announces Retirement
The long-time county manager Julie Morgas Baca will leave her position on June 28, the end of Bernalillo County’s fiscal year. Morgas Baca was appointed as county manager in 2015. Prior to that, she was president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation from 2013 to 2015 and the deputy county manager for […]
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How many stay in Albuquerque shelters every night?
Albuquerque’s efforts to end homelessness isn’t a one person or one department affair. The project involves those in city departments, outside agencies, nonprofits, emergency shelters, day shelters, street outreach, housing, volunteerism and public policy work. It’s a tree with multiple roots and branches that can be confusing for a public eager for straightforward information. The […]
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North Valley senior housing to see $600K upgrade
The City of Albuquerque is serving up a $600,000 assist to the North Valley senior housing community known as 1212 Candelaria, located near Candelaria Road and 12th street. Officials said the affordable housing project is scheduled for an installation of new water main lines that will service all 50 households occupied by low-income elderly and […]