The city’s Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC) is considered a necessary but harsh shelter for the hundreds of residents who stay there, and its distant location from city services has long been a criticism. The former jail facility has been described as “deplorable” and “scary.” Even though physical improvements are in progress, the WEHC isn’t […]
Albuquerque
Posted inAlbuquerque, Education
What to expect: APS Board to discuss community engagement
Albuquerque Public Schools board members are set to discuss ways they can better engage with community members. At its June 5 meeting, the board will discuss the goals of an ad hoc committee formed to address this issue. The committee, chaired by board member Courtney Jackson, is tasked with identifying goals to improve board members’ […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Commentary
Letter to the Editor: Charter changes could allow a minority party to “game the election system”
This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the author. You can submit your own: editor@citydesk.org Prior to 2013, Albuquerque had an election system that allowed a minority of voters to elect a candidate even if a strong majority of voters wanted someone else. In most elections, like for state legislature or governor or county commission, there […]
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What to expect: City councilors to debate charter changes and immigrant friendly policy
Proposals to change the city charter and the immigrant friendly policy will dominate the agenda for the Albuquerque City Council meeting on Monday. Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn told City Desk ABQ the meeting would “quite possibly be the worst council meeting on the planet,” and will be “a long one.” HOW TO PARTICIPATE: WHEN: 5 p.m. […]
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Photos: Albuquerque Community Safety shows off new digs
The city department formed in 2021 that’s charged with, among other things, responding to situations involving those who are experiencing homelessness has a new home. Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) is now located in a 10,800-square-foot facility at 1210 San Mateo Blvd. SE, just northwest of its previous location at the Gateway Center at Gibson Health […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Commentary, Opinion
Letter to the Editor: R-45 Undermines Public Safety and Erodes Community Trust
This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the author. You can submit your own: editor@citydesk.org As soon as Monday, the Albuquerque City Council will consider amending our city’s long-established immigration protection policies under the auspices of public safety. But this misguided amendment will have the exact opposite effect, weakening police work while opening the door […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Education
City summer lunch program returns
Albuquerque is once again stepping up to make sure local youths get fed even though school is out. The city’s summer lunch program will begin distributing meals June 3. The effort will be expanded to parks on June 5 and to Albuquerque community centers on June 17. Meals will be served for one hour on […]
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No central point of contact stymie motel voucher program
The clock is ticking on a required city report to address the metro’s inventory of blighted motels and its hotel voucher program — one that’s meant to assist citizens in urgent need of a free room for a night or a short stay, including those experiencing homelessness. Frustrations with unsafe and unhealthy motels and the […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Education
Expanding the arts, programs for struggling schools approved in $2.15 billion APS budget
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has approved a $2.15 billion budget for the next fiscal year — which will go toward educating, feeding, busing and otherwise serving almost 65,000 students at 143 schools. The budget also includes raises for more than 11,000 employees and more arts instruction. The spending plan covers APS schools […]
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Councilor Dan Lewis ‘likely violated’ ethics law during air quality board controversy
The executive director of the State Ethics Commission found that City Councilor Dan Lewis “likely violated” the Governmental Conduct Act when he applied to work for an association of paving companies whose members were impacted by air quality legislation he sponsored and voted on in his role as an elected official. Under a pre-litigation settlement […]