By Jesse Jones The Village Council tackled a packed agenda May 13, starting with a public hearing, then discussing a conservative budget aimed at employee retention, public safety and infrastructure while trimming overall spending for the first time in years. Councilors held a public hearing on an appeal filed by Kirt Kirkpatrick and Angela Morgan […]
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Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Local Government
Corrales’s guiding plan was approved!
By Jesse Jones The Corrales Village Council unanimously adopted a new comprehensive plan May 13, amending key provisions after years of public debate over village character, housing density and representation. The plan, shaped by months of committee work and community input, will guide future land use, development and policy decisions. Councilors struck language about transferable […]
Posted inLocal Government, Town of Bernalillo
Surplus projected in Bernalillo’s preliminary budget
By Jesse Jones During its May 12 meeting, the Bernalillo Town Council got its first look at the town’s $12.5 million preliminary budget, which includes a projected $767,000 general fund surplus and major investments in infrastructure and essential services. The budget also highlighted upcoming road repairs, park improvements and progress on the town’s long-range Comprehensive […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Shoplifting in Rio Rancho soars
By Jesse Jones Most crimes in the City of Vision are down, with shoplifting being one of the few exceptions. According to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report, shoplifting cases have increased by 13% since 2022, likely due to economic pressures and city growth. “Shoplifting is something that we’re always after,” Mayor Gregg […]
Posted inLocal Government, Town of Bernalillo
Bernalillo hires new fire boss
By Jesse Jones The Town of Bernalillo has a new lead firefighter. Adam “AJ” Bonnett was sworn in as fire chief at the May 12 town council meeting after receiving unanimous support from the Councilors and mayor. Bonnett steps into the role at a time of steady growth and momentum for the department. After a […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Motor vehicle thefts fall 27% in Rio Rancho in 2024
By Jesse Jones In Rio Rancho, car thefts and break-ins have dropped, likely due to police crackdowns. The City of Vision has seen an 11.4% decrease in property crime as a whole over the past two years. Motor vehicle thefts fell 27.5% and thefts from vehicles dropped 56.5%, according to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s […]
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Rep. Cullen champions crime reform and education bills
By Jesse Jones Fresh off her first 60-day session, Rio Rancho Republican Rep. Catherine Cullen is highlighting legislative wins focused on empowering communities, cracking down on crime and improving New Mexico schools. Cullen, a former Rio Rancho Public Schools board member and associate real estate broker, sponsored or co-sponsored 25 bills during the session, with […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho sees decline in violent crime, despite surge in homicides
By Jesse Jones Violent crime in Rio Rancho is shifting — while homicides have risen, aggravated assaults and reported rape cases have dropped. New crime data from the Rio Rancho Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report paints a picture of declining violent crime in the area. Violent crime in Rio Rancho dropped about 20% from 2022 […]
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Sen. Block reflects on key legislative victories, plans for future bills
By Jesse Jones Republican Sen. Jay Block of Rio Rancho, who represents Senate District 12, returned to familiar ground in April, giving Sandoval County commissioners a rundown of legislative wins and losses from the 60-day session. The freshman senator sponsored 37 bills during his first session, which included major wins like a $1 billion behavioral […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, New Mexico Legislature #nmleg
Lawmakers deliver legislative update as Corrales grapples with tax hikes, water fears
By Jesse Jones Soaring property tax valuations and shrinking water access have Corraleños on edge, turning the village into a vivid example of how state policies hit home. At an April 19 town hall, Rep. Kathleen Cates of Rio Rancho and Sen. Cindy Nava of Bernalillo met with Corrales residents to explain how recent legislation […]