Posted inHousing & Homelessness, New Mexico, State Government

$500 million for affordable housing clears first committee

 PATRICK LOHMANN/ Source New Mexico A Senate committee on Monday approved legislation that would put half a billion dollars toward affordable housing in New Mexico – a huge investment that one lawmaker said is necessary to stem the tide of homelessness and rising housing costs in the state. Sen. Nancy Rodriguez (D-Santa Fe) acknowledged that […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, crime-courts, Housing & Homelessness, State Government

Advocates say housing, not harsher criminal penalties, will reduce crime

Albuquerque’s crime problems improve when affordable housing is addressed, not by instituting more severe penalties and longer jail sentences for offenders. That was the message a coalition of community advocates delivered to lawmakers during a virtual news conference held ahead of the New Mexico Legislature’s 30-day session which convened in Santa Fe today. Members of […]

Posted inBernCo, County Government, Housing & Homelessness

BernCo to legislature: fund housing, homelessness projects

Bernalillo County officials made clear Jan. 9 what it wants to see from lawmakers in Santa Fe this year: $550 million directed to affordable housing programs and homelessness initiatives. The amount represents the bulk of almost $554 million in funding requests or endorsements. The board of commissioners’ legislative priorities provide a window into some of […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, City Hall, Housing & Homelessness

Councilors propose “poop patrol” for public, private property

Those who have encountered human feces on the streets of Albuquerque would say it’s unsightly and offensive to the nostrils of residents and visitors. But the effect of these deposits goes beyond the aesthetic, according to city leaders and health experts. City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn recently introduced legislation that would establish a $100,000 fund to […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, City Hall, Housing & Homelessness

$70 million and counting: Gateway Center price tag continues to rise

Albuquerque’s Gateway Center at Gibson Health Hub – a massive project designed to address the city’s burgeoning homeless population – continues to need millions of dollars for renovations and operations. The center has received funding from multiple sources since the city initially bought the building in 2021 for $15 million. In a December 2023 Gateway […]

Posted inCounty Government, Housing & Homelessness

Bernalillo County Commission faced a packed agenda at its first meeting of the year

Bernalillo County commissioners took care of some New Years business Tuesday evening when they elected Commissioner Barbara Baca to continue her role as Chair. Commissioner Eric Olivas will be second in line for the gavel as Vice Chair. Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada was excused from the meeting leaving Commissioners Baca, Olivas, Adriann Barboa and Walt […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, City Hall, Housing & Homelessness

Keller’s air quality veto stands

Albuquerque’s new-look City Council  decided not to press the issue of  Mayor Tim Keller’s veto of legislation related to changes to the local air quality authority at the Jan. 8 council meeting. The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Joint Air Quality Control Board is responsible for maintaining air quality locally, in accordance with state and federal law. Among […]