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 […]
Category: Local Gov.
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 Council to address housing, internet and budget concerns
The Albuquerque City Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, with a light agenda. The Downtown Core Vacancy Report and a likely deferral of Gateway housing expansion contracts to September are set for the consent agenda. Councilors will also consider canceling a planned moratorium on fiber internet permits and hear a proposal to speed […]
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 […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Hotel, food hall break ground near Albuquerque hospital
A 126-room extended-stay hotel and food hall broke ground Friday on Central Avenue, adding new dining and lodging options near Presbyterian Hospital in a neighborhood undergoing redevelopment. The $96,000-square-foot project will include a Marriott Residence Inn and Highlands Central Market, a food hall with 10 to 12 vendors. The development will connect to the medical […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County awards grants to 19 neighborhood associations
Bernalillo County has awarded grant funding to 19 recognized neighborhood associations for community projects designed to strengthen local neighborhoods and promote civic engagement. The Neighborhood Grant Program, administered annually by the county’s Planning & Development Services Department, provides up to $7,500 for large projects and $2,500 for small projects. Recipients will use the funding for […]