By Rodd Cayton
Albuquerque City Councilors last year avoided several proposed fee increases for popular amenities.
Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 brings back one notable increase for a second try: He’s floating a $1 hike for admission to the BioPark. Last year, the City Council kept in place a $5-per-ticket increase for out-of-state visitors, while ditching proposed $1 and $2 price hikes for New Mexicans’ fares.
Tickets for local residents are $16 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 65 and older and $7 for youth ages 3-12. Admission is free for children younger than 3. Those prices remain unchanged since 2017.
If approved, according to the budget, the increase would generate about $225,000 in revenue.
The arts and culture portion of the proposed budget totals just under $55.75 million, $52.8 million of which would come from the city’s general fund.
According to data from the budget, it’s getting more expensive to feed and medical care for animals at the BioPark. That cost is reflected in an increase of $275,000 in operations.
The Department of Arts and Culture’s workforce is projected to essentially stay flat, with 413 full-time positions compared to 414 for the current fiscal year. Keller’s administration proposes to inactivate two vacant full-time positions, hire a Route 66 Center manager and reclassify our other positions.
Spending for public libraries is down about $49,000 to $16.54 million. Data in the budget show library spending for fiscal 2025 to be below expectations.
The proposed budget reallocates $93,000 from the Department of Arts and Culture to the General Services Department for operations of the Albuquerque Rail Yards.
Arts and Culture goals outlined in the proposed budget include $1.18 million visitors to the BioPark, $1.6 million library visits and 7,000 bookings of library spaces.
The council’s Committee of the Whole will host a budget meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday to discuss arts and culture and other social goals. Those wishing to speak during the public comment period must sign up in advance.
Final approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget is expected in May.
