By Jesse Jones, with research assistance from Noah Gollin – About 75,000 New Mexicans who buy coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange will see health insurance rates increase between 35% and 52% starting in January, though state subsidies could help mitigate those increases for lower income families. Earlier this year, the State’s Superintendent of […]
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Posted inLocal Gov.
ABQ fast-tracks solar permits as credits canceled by “Big, Beautiful Bill” are set to expire at year-end
Albuquerque homeowners wanting to install solar panels at home had better hurry before federal incentives canceled by President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” expire in December. Fortunately for procrastinators, the city is here to help. The City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Oct. 20, to fast-track residential solar permits through the end of 2025, helping residents […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Councilors question timing of “Gateway” rebrand of city’s “Juniper Flats” hotel converted to senior housing
City Councilors on Monday, Oct. 20, urged the Keller administration to rethink its plan to rebrand the under-renovation Juniper Flats senior apartments after signage with the “Juniper Flats” project name was already installed. During the City Council’s question-and-answer period, District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout said the new name could make the permanent affordable housing […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Major votes on deck for Albuquerque seniors, cyclists
The Albuquerque City Council could vote Monday, Oct. 20, on millions in senior housing bonds, expanded bicycle safety rules and a new downtown redevelopment plan. The meeting agenda had not been finalized as of Friday morning, but recent filings suggest councilors may take up initiatives that have been developing for months. Potential items include senior […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Independent audit questions integrity of Albuquerque’s anti-fraud office
An independent audit found Albuquerque’s fraud watchdog failed to meet professional standards in reports that uncovered $74,000 in waste. Now, two lawsuits are pushing the city to release six investigation reports that have been kept from the public for seven months. The audit, conducted by accounting firm REDW and released Oct. 1, reported that investigators […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Albuquerque’s 2026 agenda: Council and mayor push for safer, stronger neighborhoods
Albuquerque’s City Council approved its 2026 legislative agenda Monday, Oct. 6, and received the Mayor’s legislative requests, setting priorities for housing, homelessness, public safety and infrastructure. The combined proposals for the Second Session of the 57th New Mexico State Legislature outline district-specific projects and policy initiatives, including affordable housing expansions, Metro Crime Initiative funding, community […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy
Will Southeast ABQ be home to a new Target by The Pit?
A couple of lines of text buried in a developers planning application to the city tease that Target is targeting a new Southeast Albuquerque site for expansion. The city’s Environmental Planning Commission held a hearing on Thursday to consider zoning changes requested by UNM and private developers working to bring the large Lobo Landing development […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
AFR responds to overnight fire at Hinkle Fun Center
Albuquerque firefighters responded around 2 a.m. to reports of smoke and fire at the Hinkle Fun Center near Indian School Rd. and Tramway Blvd. in the northeast part of the city. Fire officials report that they found heavy smoke coming from at least one building and brought the fire under control in about 25 minutes. […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Keller promised to “freeze fees… for everyone” but what that means depends on who you ask
During Mayor Tim Keller’s State of the City address in August, he announced a plan to freeze city fees for everything from business licenses to BioPark admissions. It came as a surprise to his own staff and city councilors who, by law, must set fees in the city. Months later, all of those fees still […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy
Holtec abandons plans for New Mexico nuclear waste storage facility opposed by gov, legislators
Holtec Industries has pulled out of an eight-year-old land use agreement with local stakeholders in Southeast New Mexico for the construction and operation of an underground temporary nuclear waste storage facility. Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for Holtec, confirmed in an email to New Mexico Political Report on Thursday that the decision for Holtec and the Eddy […]