The debate on new rules for Downtown continues

A proposal to put more pressure on vacant property owners in Downtown Albuquerque and ban sleeping on sidewalks is back on the table for city councilors to debate Monday. 

The proposed downtown vacant buildings and properties ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Joaquín Baca, is expected to lead the night.

The ordinance aims to tackle the vacant building issue and set new rules for sidewalks in Downtown by proposing increased registration fees for vacant property owners and prohibiting “sleeping, sitting, kneeling, crouching or lying down” and carrying banners or signs on sidewalks.

Read more about the ordinance here. 

AI policy working group 

Councilors will also discuss a proposal to put together a group of experts from city departments to develop an AI policy. 

The resolution, sponsored by Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Dan Champine, states that an AI policy would protect against the misuse of the technology. 

Read more about the resolution here. 

Firefighter recruitment grant 

Another bill councilors are expected to vote on is a resolution to authorize a grant from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) for public safety recruitment and new firefighter and EMT training. 

AFR would receive $738,450 for fiscal years 2025 through 2027.

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