Mayor Tim Keller vetoed four parts of Albuquerque’s newly approved $1.5 billion budget, saying the changes are needed to stay within the law and treat nonprofits more fairly and setting up a potential council override fight.
The mayor’s line‑item veto strikes funding for an independent permitting office, shuffles economic‑development dollars back to cultural partners and removes two large tourism earmarks he says violate state law and city procurement rules. The City Council passed the budget May 19, with strong support, but now councilors will decide whether to stick with Keller’s edits or push back at tonight’s meeting with an override.
“Crafting a budget is the most consequential policy decision we make each and every year,” Keller said. “I have four technical corrections which will help ensure our budget is legally sound, is fully enforceable, and invests in our non-profit partners.”
The Breakdown of the vetos
- Independent Permitting Office:
The mayor struck a line in the budget that would have created an independent permitting office, saying the move would conflict with state law and construction rules.
“I agree with the sponsor of this provision that continuing to improve the efficiency in our permitting process is a priority,” Keller said. “However, the creation of an ‘Independent Permitting Office’ would be legally problematic.”
According to the mayor, the proposal may conflict with the state’s Construction Industries Licensing Act, Section 60-30-1 et al, NMSA (1978), and the Construction Industries General Provisions rules, Title 14, Chapter 6, Part 5.
Keller said removing the language lets the funding stay in place so the Planning Department can keep working to speed up permitting.
- Regional Economic Alliance Funding Shift
Keller said he supports the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and included $203,000 for it in his budget, but pushed back on how the Council chose to fund it.
To cover the cost, the Council cut sponsorship money from several local groups, including the National Hispanic Cultural Center, American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber and the New Mexico Tech Council.
“This action pits our non-profit partners against each other and forces us to pick winners and losers,” Keller said.
- Cycling Championship Earmark
Keller said the Cycling USAC Masters Championship may not come to Albuquerque this year, so setting aside money for it isn’t the best use of taxpayer dollars.
He said he’d rather see the funding go toward another tourism project, like the Route 66 Centennial.
- Bands of Enchantment Funding
Keller said he supports Bands of Enchantment and included funding for it in the budget, but the way the Council handled the money raised legal concerns.
“I will ensure that the City continues to support it,” Keller said.
The funding amount would violate the state’s anti-donation clause and the city’s procurement rules, he said, which require an RFP for spending at that level. He also said the Council overstepped by taking control of the funds, which goes against the City Charter.
Get Involved
The City Council meeting is at 5 p.m. June 16 in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers, basement level of the City of Albuquerque Government Center, 1 Civic Plaza NW.
To speak during public comment, you must sign up by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. If you don’t have internet access, call 505-768-3100 for help.
Join virtually:
- Zoom link: cabq.zoom.us/j/84979163903
- Webinar ID: 849 7916 3903
- Phone: 669-444-9171, then enter the Webinar ID
Watch live:
- Comcast Channel 16 (GOVTV)
- Stream at cabq.gov/govtv
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