The question of how many beds are available for people experiencing homelessness has emerged as a sticking point as cities across the country grapple with how to tackle the issue. With this in mind, City Desk ABQ called around to 14 shelters identified by the City of Albuquerque and the New Mexico Coalition to End […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Wage negotiations remain at a standstill between union and UNM Hospital
Last week, the University of New Mexico Health and a union representing almost 400 employees reached an impasse regarding their raises.
Posted inLocal Government
How much will Bernalillo County pay its new manager?
Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday will consider a contract to pay incoming County Manager Cindy Chavez $230,000 a year. Chavez, currently a member of the Santa Clara County (California) Board of Supervisors, was selected in June to replace Julie Morgas Baca, who retired at the end of that month. Shirley Ragin, deputy county manager for finance, […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Keller aims to expand homeless, recovery services
Mayor Tim Keller used the occasion of his State of the City address Aug. 17 to highlight a series of initiatives (some new, some in progress) that are designed to improve the lot of those experiencing homelessness — including adding or bolstering four city-run facilities to serve different populations. The Metro Homelessness Initiative (MHI) is […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bernalillo County sees first West Nile virus death this year
Officials announced Friday the first death from West Nile virus in Bernalillo County. Albuquerque’s Environmental Health Department and the Bernalillo County Planning Development Services Department announced in a news release that the woman who died was 65 years old, which is within the age range of people most at risk. The release stated the city […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
A dearth of public bathrooms is more than just an inconvenience
At Mayor Tim Keller’s State of the City address, he said there are an estimated 5,000 people living on the streets in Albuquerque. For those thousands — along with other city residents — locating a public restroom can be a challenge. While there’s no shortage of proposed solutions, city officials and advocates alike say none […]
Posted inLocal Government
County launches dashboard to track water levels
Wondering about water levels below the ground’s surface around Bernalillo County and how they’ve changed over time? County officials on Monday launched an interactive tool that allows the public to view up-to-date water level measurements at wells across the county. Kristen Ferguson, a county spokesperson, said water professionals, well drillers, developers and homeowners will find […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Housing shortage could put brakes on new short-term rentals
The surge of short-term rentals and the rise of companies such as Airbnb has made it more difficult to find a home to rent or a house to buy in Albuquerque. The issue has spurred city councilors to propose a bill to limit the number of short-term rentals in certain areas, but others say it’s […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Ranked choice voting explained
Ranked choice voting has been adopted in cities such as Santa Fe and Las Cruces but the idea of implementing the voting system has been voted down by Albuquerque city councilors for years. The City Council most recently voted against ranked choice voting — a system that allows voters to rank candidates by preference on […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Features, New Mexico Statewide News
Haaland to speak on last night of DNC
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is slated to speak Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago about climate change. Climate change and the environment are expected to be the theme of the convention’s last night before Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage. Haaland, who is from Laguna Pueblo, rose through the ranks […]