Bernalillo County has its next manager. County commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday night to make Cindy Chavez the county’s top administrator. YES: Barbara Baca, Adriann Barboa and Eric Olivas NO: Walt Benson and Steven Michael Quezada “I really believe that Cindy Chavez possesses the skill and know-how to be a truly transformative leader,” Commission Vice-Chair Eric […]
Category: Government
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Sun Country Airlines joins Albuquerque International Sunport
The Albuquerque International Sunport last week added a new commercial airline option for travelers. Sun Country Airlines now offers flights between Minnesota’s Twin Cities and Albuquerque. Sun Country Airlines in October announced plans for a new Albuquerque route as well as expanded service to seven other U.S. cities. The seasonal service provides twice-weekly, nonstop flights […]
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What to expect: New county manager selection, State of the County Address on commission agenda
Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday are expected to name the next county manager. The commission is to select from three finalists at its regular meeting and begin the process of negotiating an employment agreement. The hire is contingent on the chosen candidate passing a background check and coming to contract terms with the commission. According to […]
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All e-bikes may soon be allowed on Open Space trails
E-bike users may be on their way to riding on Open Space trails — legally. At the June 12 Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, committee members passed an ordinance that proposes allowing all types of e-bikes on unpaved and paved Open Space trails, with regulations. The ordinance is now headed to the Albuquerque […]
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Anti-homeless attitudes, discrimination focus of Albuquerque hearing
Anami Dass, the chair of Albuquerque’s Human Rights Board, read a statement on behalf of her friend Levy, who couldn’t attend a June 22 public hearing on anti-homeless sentiment and discrimination. Dass said Levy tried to explain months ago what it was like to be discriminated against for being homeless to a case manager. “His […]
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Animal Welfare Department tells pet owners to keep their furry friends on a leash
As summer brings pet owners and their dogs to parks and trails, the Animal Welfare Department is emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs leashed. With that in mind, the department sent out a news release this week telling residents to follow the leash laws in Albuquerque. “We love our furry friends here in Albuquerque and […]
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Drive-thrus, tribal consultation and other changes to the city’s zoning code
At their eight-hour meeting Monday, city councilors voted on multiple zoning changes that could impact neighborhoods and businesses, including allowing tribes to comment on developments in certain areas, allowing drive-thrus in others and creating design standards around the Rail Trail. Tribes can now comment on land development: Passed Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn introduced an ordinance to […]
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Board wants city to make attacks on homeless a hate crime
The city’s Human Rights Board is recommending that Albuquerque’s hate crimes ordinance be updated to include housing status — a reference to those experiencing homelessness or who are precariously housed. The recommendation comes after board members noticed a rise in hostilities toward the unhoused community. The board is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by […]
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County manager finalists make final pitches to commission, community
Joseph Lessard says he’s got the diversity of experience to head up the government of New Mexico’s most populous county. Cindy Chavez says her leadership record presents her as the ideal candidate. Marcos Gonzales says he’s invested in Bernalillo County’s future success and is familiar with the challenges facing it. One of them will be […]
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Split commission redoes county manager selection process during tense meeting
The process Bernalillo County commissioners used to figure out how to hire a new county manager has now been redone to please state investigators, but two commissioners are still questioning whether it was legal. The ratification was necessary after the New Mexico Department of Justice sent a letter to the commission saying it had violated […]