With Project Jupiter, a controversial campus of data centers slated for Doña Ana County, in the works, the Bernalillo County Commission took a first step Tuesday toward imposing some of the state’s strictest regulations on data center development, introducing a resolution that would tie taxpayer-funded incentives to aggressive hiring, wage and environmental standards. Sponsored by […]
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Posted inLocal Government
New leadership takes the gavel in Bernalillo County
The Bernalillo County Commission elected the new chair and vice chair of the commission in its first meeting of the 2026 calendar year, where Adriann Barboa took over as the commission chair with Frank Baca as her vice chair. The commission voted 5-0 for Barboa to take over the gavel from outgoing chair Eric Olivas. […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bernalillo County Commission to consider data center regulations
The Bernalillo County Commission is set to tackle a landmark proposal to regulate data center incentives and a final vote on a revision of the county’s ethics code on Jan. 13. Commissioner Eric Olivas said he will introduce a resolution establishing strict criteria for data center projects that seek taxpayer-funded incentives. “If we are to […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bernalillo County joins Campbell Ranch lawsuit legal battle in Edgewood
Bernalillo County joined a longstanding lawsuit with the Town of Edgewood as an interested party last month, filing a petition to intervene after the Campbell Ranch development appealed the Town of Edgewood’s decision in July to deny its subdivision applications. The Edgewood Town Commission denied subdivision applications for an area known as Village 2, which […]
Posted inEdgewood, Local Government
Records reveal details of Santa Fe County lawsuit against Edgewood
A recent Inspection of Public Records request revealed more information about the complaint Santa Fe County filed against the Town of Edgewood in November. According to records in response to an Inspection of Public Records request from The Independent filed in October, Manager Greg Shaffer notified the Town of Edgewood in April 2025 of an […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Local Government
No runoff? Estancia mayoral election causes confusion as Riley overtakes incumbent
Estancia Mayor Runnel Riley was sworn into his position on Dec. 15 after overtaking the incumbent mayor, Nathan Dial, by just a few votes, prompting a recount and confusion from the community and Dial himself about the runoff process in New Mexico. After the initial count, Dial and write-in candidate Boyd Vardy each had 63 […]
Posted inEdgewood, Local Government
‘Abysmal’ morale: Edgewood commissioners accept clerk-treasurer’s resignation
Town of Edgewood commissioners voted to accept the resignation of Shaline Lopez, clerk-treasurer for the town, during the regular session Town Commission meeting on Tuesday evening. “Staff morale is abysmal right now,” Lopez said in her presentation early in the meeting. At the end of the meeting, after a closed session, commissioners moved to accept […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Madrid
Annual Christmas parade lights up Madrid
The Village of Madrid kicked off its annual Christmas parade and celebration on Dec. 6, featuring carolers, outdoor shopping, livestock and other festivities throughout the day, ending in an 11-minute parade that kicked off at 4 p.m. Madrid became known as the “Christmas City” in the early 1900s when it was a large mining town. […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Courts, Justice & Safety
AI eyes on the East Mountains: BCFR ups fire prep with new tech
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue is preparing for the 2026 fire season as fire risks increase with rising temperatures in the East Mountains. Updates, including new cameras and updated maps, are helping the BCFR prepare for the season. New cameras posted throughout the East Mountains help mitigate fires. The best way to fight fires is […]
Posted inLocal Government
$350,000 wastewater grant on the line at early Moriarty council meeting
The Moriarty City Council will discuss and approve a wastewater grant and a board appointment at its special meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The meeting will be held earlier for Thanksgiving week, instead of on the fourth Wednesday of the month. It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Moriarty Civic Center, City Council […]