Posted inLocal Gov.

Mayor signs HEART ordinance amendment targeting public animal sales

Mayor Tim Keller has signed an amendment to the city’s Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment ordinance that closes enforcement gaps in regulating unlawful animal sales in public spaces. The amendment, sponsored by District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and unanimously approved by the City Council on Aug. 4, prohibits displaying, selling or giving […]

Posted inOpinion

Op-ed: New Mexico needs strong heat safety rules for workers

Submitted by Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn  Every year, it gets hotter in Albuquerque. Summers stretch longer, temperatures climb higher, and extreme heat warnings become more frequent. What we’re experiencing is no accident, it’s the reality of climate change, unfolding right here in our city. This crisis doesn’t impact everyone equally. The people on the […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

ABQ will not ‘give in to bullying:’ Keller defies federal immigration demands in letter to U.S. Attorney General

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller is refusing federal demands to eliminate city policies that protect immigrants, telling Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a letter Wednesday that the city will “not give in to bullying” and has no plans to change its immigrant-friendly laws. The mayor’s defiant response comes as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on […]

Posted inBernalillo County

Bernalillo County votes to approve $225 million energy storage project to get PNM grid to carbon-free power

By Connor Currier Bernalillo County commissioners will move forward with a proposed $225 million energy storage project that aims to support New Mexico’s transition to renewable energy.  The Board of County Commissioners approved issuing taxable industrial revenue bonds for Corazon Energy Storage LLC with a 3-1 vote. Vice Chair Barbara Baca was absent from the […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

From red tape to rapid construction: Councilors embrace “supply-side progressivism” to remove red tape delaying housing spending

As Albuquerque’s housing crisis deepens—with rents rising, homelessness up 83% from 2022-2023 and a shortage of 20,000 units—city leaders are turning to “supply-side progressivism” to speed affordable housing construction. The law, sponsored by District 2 Councilor Joaquín Baca and co-sponsored by District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers, passed unanimously 9-0 at the Aug. 18 City Council […]

Posted inBernalillo County

Bernalillo County to consider over $400 million in economic development projects Tuesday

Bernalillo County commissioners will vote Tuesday on more than $400 million in economic development projects that could bring hundreds of jobs and affordable housing units to the area. The Board of County Commissioners will consider industrial revenue bonds for a $225 million battery energy storage facility and $46 million in financing for 239 apartment units […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

City: Transit security force needs to triple to meet need, but only “incremental” hiring planned for now

After three years of incremental safety improvements, Albuquerque’s public transit system is implementing a comprehensive long-term security plan designed to address persistent safety concerns and boost ridership across the city’s bus network. The Albuquerque Long-Range Transit Security Plan represents the culmination of efforts that began in 2022, when ABQ RIDE first started rolling out safety […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

Major votes expected at Monday’s city council meeting on homelessness, housing and substance abuse treatment

Albuquerque City Council will tackle a full agenda Monday night, reviewing the Downtown Core Vacancy Report and voting on Gateway housing expansion, affordable housing funding and substance abuse treatment contracts affecting hundreds of residents. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in Vincent E. Griego Chambers. Councilors will reconsider two $1.8 million Gateway Center contracts for […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

The $10 Million makeover: How Nov. bonds could give projects in Albuquerque’s District 6 an overhaul

Albuquerque is investing big in its future — nearly $167 million in capital projects have already been launched or completed across the city. From new parks and library upgrades to fire stations and public art, these efforts aim to improve everyday life in every district. This series breaks down where the money went, what was […]