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 […]
Congress & Federal Gov.
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
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 inCongress & Federal Gov.
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 inCongress & Federal Gov.
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 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
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. […]
Posted inLocal Government
How do raises for Bernalillo County employees compare to surrounding areas?
Bernalillo County employees are getting pay raises that a spokesperson says will make their wages competitive with what people are making in similar areas. The 10% increase comes after the human resources department conducted market research to determine how well the county is paying its workers compared to 16 nearby cities and counties, as well […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
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 inCongress & Federal Gov., Opinion & Analysis
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 […]