A nationally recognized initiative that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness has made a comeback in Albuquerque. The idea is based on former Mayor Richard Berry’s “There’s a Better Way” program, which first launched in 2014. Officials said it fills an urgent need in the face of record levels of homelessness across the […]
Albuquerque
Posted inAlbuquerque, Housing & Homelessness, Politics & Elections
Off to the primary races
Primary election day in Albuquerque wasn’t unusual: Voters arrived and received their ballots, poll workers had things moving quickly, signs sought to take one more shot at swaying citizens’ attention and candidates traversed the city to thank voters for their time. Wait times for voters were observably short at polling places City Desk ABQ visited, […]
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Should the city lower the threshold to win an election?
On a night when the City Council chambers were packed with advocates speaking out against efforts to amend the city’s immigrant friendly policy, more than a dozen speakers also took to the lectern to criticize proposed changes to the city charter. They referred to the proposal that would allow candidates to be elected with at […]
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Advocates celebrate council rejection of immigrant friendly policy reversal
Audience members attending Albuquerque’s City Council meeting Monday erupted in cheers and chants of “sí, se puede” as they marched out of council chambers after a bill that would have amended the city’s immigrant friendly ordinance failed on a 4-5 vote. “We’re so happy. We’re so excited,” said Fabiola Landeros, civil rights and citizenship organizer […]
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Photos: Advocates rally against changes to immigrant friendly policy
Chants of “immigrant workers, Burque strong,” could be heard on the corner of 5th Street and Marquette Avenue Monday afternoon, as a group opposing a proposed amendment to the city’s immigrant friendly policy gathered ahead of the City Council meeting. City Councilors are scheduled to vote on the proposal at their meeting tonight. If passed […]
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Former San Mateo Inn to be shelter for young adults
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 […]
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 […]