Albuquerque – Page 7

Mayor’s proposed budget would increase zoo ticket prices by a dollar

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 […]

Spring fever has broken out at the new Phil Chacon Park

By Diantha Swoboda This commentary was submitted to City Desk ABQ.You can submit your own: editor@nm.news It’s been a long time coming, but it’s almost here. Just like the whole Trumbull and Elder neighborhoods, I’m anxiously awaiting the grand opening of the Phil Chacon Park May 3. I’m looking forward to the shaded walkways, the benches […]

Albuquerque City Councilors in the Council chambers on Monday February 3, 2025. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk Abq

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 […]

An Albuquerque Police Department (APD) cruiser with a license plate reader attached to the roof. Photographed in downtown Albuquerque. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/The City Desk.

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 — […]

Keller slams Trump immigration order

The Donald Trump administration stepped up its attempt to make state and local governments help with enforcing immigration laws with another executive order this week. The executive order prompted a sharp rebuke from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. Keller said the order was an attempt to “extort immigrant-friendly cities like ours.” The executive order is aimed […]

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 […]

The Farolito Senior Community building under construction at 10501 Central Avenue NE Photo by Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk Abq

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. […]

The Albuquerque Public Schools Administration building located at 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE. Photo by Roberto E. Rosales/City Desk ABQ

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, […]

Keller, White lead in earliest days of qualifying for public financing

By Matthew Reichbach Those seeking the position of Mayor of Albuquerque could begin gathering signatures and collecting qualifying contributions for public financing last Saturday. In the first week, three candidates have received over 250 qualifying contributions of the 3,780 needed. The qualifying contributions are $5. Candidates looking for the $755,946 in public dollars still have […]

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, […]