Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety, Local Gov.

Sheriff’s Office, nonprofit partner for gun buyback event

Turn in your firearms for cash this weekend at a gun buyback event hosted by a local nonprofit, in partnership with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.  In a news release, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV) said it doesn’t keep any information on participants and they can turn in as many guns as they’d […]

Animal Welfare Department tells pet owners to keep their furry friends on a leash

As summer brings pet owners and their dogs to parks and trails, the Animal Welfare Department is emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs leashed. With that in mind, the department sent out a news release this week telling residents to follow the leash laws in Albuquerque.  “We love our furry friends here in Albuquerque and […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Education

Where are APS graduates headed?

Almost seven out of 10 graduates of Albuquerque Public Schools this year are heading for higher education — and most of them plan to remain in the city. According to a district survey of 4,249 graduates, 48.3% (2,053) are planning to attend four-year colleges or universities, with another 20.3% (862) heading for two-year or community […]

Drive-thrus, tribal consultation and other changes to the city’s zoning code

At their eight-hour meeting Monday, city councilors voted on multiple zoning changes that could impact neighborhoods and businesses, including allowing tribes to comment on developments in certain areas, allowing drive-thrus in others and creating design standards around the Rail Trail.  Tribes can now comment on land development: Passed  Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn introduced an ordinance to […]

Board wants city to make attacks on homeless a hate crime

The city’s Human Rights Board is recommending that Albuquerque’s hate crimes ordinance be updated to include housing status — a reference to those experiencing homelessness or who are precariously housed. The recommendation comes after board members noticed a rise in hostilities toward the unhoused community. The board is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by […]

Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.

County manager finalists make final pitches to commission, community

Joseph Lessard says he’s got the diversity of experience to head up the government of New Mexico’s most populous county. Cindy Chavez says her leadership record presents her as the ideal candidate. Marcos Gonzales says he’s invested in Bernalillo County’s future success and is familiar with the challenges facing it. One of them will be […]

Posted inBernalillo County, Local Gov.

Split commission redoes county manager selection process during tense meeting

The process Bernalillo County commissioners used to figure out how to hire a new county manager has now been redone to please state investigators, but two commissioners are still questioning whether it was legal. The ratification was necessary after the New Mexico Department of Justice sent a letter to the commission saying it had violated […]