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 […]
rodd cayton
Rodd Cayton is a senior reporter with nm.news covering local news and government.
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It’s budget time in Albuquerque again
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller proposed a $1.5 billion city budget for fiscal year 2026 earlier this month, kicking off the annual budget process in the city. Now, the city council will start its process, which includes public participation, to finalize a budget before the end of May. Thursday will be the first […]
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Mayor’s proposed budget calls for 1,100 cops
By Rodd Cayton Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget returns to a recurring theme: Albuquerque needs to have more police officers on the streets. The $1.9 billion spending plan goes before a City Council committee Thursday, as the annual budget process starts its final stretch. More money in the proposed budget — almost $287 million — […]
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City launches basic income payments program
By Rodd Cayton A new guaranteed basic income (GBI) program in Albuquerque is distributing its first monthly payments. City leaders say the $750 payments will provide financial relief to struggling residents and underscore Albuquerque’s commitment to economic equity and financial empowerment. The first payments went out last week. The money is unrestricted, and participants were […]
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City council looking at federal housing cuts
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors will soon consider an action plan required to secure federal housing aid. One councilor, however, is concerned about when and whether the city will see that money. District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers said Trump administration actions have placed a cloud of uncertainty around the city’s funding from the U.S. […]
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Food drive seeks to restock shelves for needy APS students
By Rodd Cayton With supplies dwindling, operators of a program serving Albuquerque Public Schools’ neediest students are asking community members to spring into action to fight hunger. APS Activities will host a food drive Saturday to benefit the McKinney Vento program, which serves students and families experiencing homelessness. Joey Wilson, community partner coordinator for donations, […]
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Film studio, supplement expansions approved by council
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors approved a pair of economic development projects expected to bring dozens of jobs to the city’s west side. Mesa Media Group got the OK to build on a 60-acre plot adjacent to Double Eagle II Airport. According to a city news release, the company will expand its production ability, […]
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City Council approves funding for two housing projects
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors are continuing to try to reduce a housing shortage in the city that has reached the level of thousands of units. Monday night, the council approved more than $9 million for the Somos and Farolito Senior Community housing developments as construction costs increase. Most of the money, $6.1 million, […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Councilors want more info on National Guard role
By Rodd Cayton The impending deployment of National Guard troops on the streets of Albuquerque has drawn questions from some city councilors, including two who represent areas in which they will be deployed. Councilor Nichole Rogers said her phones and emails have been “blowing up” about the National Guard, after New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan […]
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Council defers one Gateway Center contract
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors Monday approved one of two contracts for services at the Gateway Center. Councilors voted to defer a proposed professional services agreement with Chicanos Por La Causa, which would pay the organization up to $1.8 million after some councilors had questions about work it is already doing for the city. […]