by Jesse Jones, The Paper. — With Bernalillo County averaging six opioid-related deaths a week in 2025, commissioners will consider declaring a state of emergency over the fentanyl crisis Wednesday. They’ll also consider tax breaks for housing developments that would add hundreds of apartments in Albuquerque and discuss plans to transition health care services at […]
Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones is a reporter covering local government and news for The Paper. through a local journalism fellowship from NM Reports. He is a graduate of UNM.
Posted inAlbuquerque
What happened to the 10 out-of-state properties on Albuquerque’s Lazy Landlord list?
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — When raw sewage backed into kitchen sinks and bathtubs at the Mont44 apartment complex, residents organized a tenant union. Landing on Albuquerque’s landlord list in June brought no immediate relief. Maintenance crews only returned after a September city inspection of more than 60 units, organized with tenants. Mont44’s experience […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County opens center to turn recovery into a career
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For people who have gone through recovery, that experience can become more than a part of their past. It can shape their future and become a career helping others navigate mental health and substance-use challenges. Bernalillo County, in coordination with the Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery (ACHR), has […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Albuquerque’s report card is in. Here’s what went right and what’s still a work in progress
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque checked off some goals this year, while others are still a work in progress. The City Council reviewed Mayor Tim Keller’s fiscal year 2026 objectives Monday, Oct. 5, looking at everything from thousands of visits at the Gateway sobering center to ongoing problems with recycling and transit. Councilors […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
When the green flag flies, Albuquerque’s economy gets a lift
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For nine days each October, hot air balloons fill Albuquerque’s morning sky as visitors pack hotels, restaurants and businesses across the city. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings hundreds of thousands of visitors, boosting the local economy. As the 2026 event continues, its full economic impact is still taking […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Coalitions lose clout as Albuquerque puts neighborhood associations in charge
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Who decides what gets built on your street? When a new apartment complex, business or other development is proposed nearby, Burqueños often look to neighborhood coalitions to stay informed and track community developments. That role changed Monday after the City Council voted to strip coalitions of formal recognition and […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Why Albuquerque’s $5.2 million opioid settlement vote came to a sudden halt
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque families could soon see $5.2 million in opioid settlement money go toward addiction treatment, recovery housing and school prevention programs. But the City Council voted not to extend Monday’s meeting, leaving no time for a final vote on the proposal and leaving the funding unresolved. During the meeting, […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County makes it easier for residents to find behavioral health care
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Bernalillo County residents now have new tools to find and access behavioral health and other social services more easily. Close the Loop, the county’s coordinated system for behavioral health and social service referrals, includes a public resource directory, an online assistance request form and a third tool, Population Insights, […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
City Council set to hear changes to development appeals
by Jesse Jones, The Paper. — A battle over who gets a say in Burque’s development process hits City Hall on Monday. The City Council will consider four measures from Councilor Dan Lewis that could reshape zoning appeals, developer fees and the role neighborhood associations play in development decisions, drawing strong opposition from neighborhood coalitions. […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Drones grounded as Balloon Fiesta takes flight
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Leave your drone at home if you plan to capture the hundreds of hot air balloons painting the sky at this year’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Federal officials have established a temporary no-drone zone around Balloon Fiesta Park and warned that unauthorized operators could face steep fines and other […]