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Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Homeland Sec. Noem comes to New Mexico to paint border wall black because Trump thinks it will make it too hot to climb

The Trump administration’s has a new tool in its arsenal to deter undocumented immigration and you can get one on sale at Home Depot for $5.67. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Krisit Noem arrived in Santa Teresa, New Mexico yesterday armed with a paint roller and a can of black paint to paint President Donald Trump’s […]

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 inCourts, Justice & Safety, Housing & Homelessness

62-year-old inmate dies at MDC after medical emergency

A 62-year-old man died Sunday night at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) despite extensive life-saving efforts by jail staff and University of New Mexico Hospital medical personnel, according to a county press release. The inmate, who had been booked into the facility Saturday morning at approximately 7:18 a.m., experienced his first medical emergency […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Bernalillo County GOP responds to mayoral candidate controversy

The Republican Party of Bernalillo County issued a statement Monday defending its handling of candidates following a news report that exposed false claims made by Albuquerque mayoral hopeful Patrick Sais. The party said it cannot prevent candidates from running for office and emphasized that campaign materials are solely the responsibility of individual candidates. “As a […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Local Gov.

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 inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Vasquez slams proposed $102M cut to New Mexico drug-fighting program

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is pushing back against a White House proposal to slash funding for a key anti-drug trafficking program that supports law enforcement agencies in regions of America, including across New Mexico. The administration last month proposed cutting the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, or HIDTA, by 35 percent, a move Vasquez […]

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 […]