There’s an urban revitalization effort underway in the International District in an unlikely location — residential alleys. Those involved in the undertaking do so with little to no budget and say it’s an effective way to make the area safer, spark community engagement and assist those experiencing homelessness. After months of preparation, the South San […]
Local Government
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government, New Mexico Statewide News, Pueblos
Appeal of new University area coffee spot grinds to a halt
A new café may be on the way to the University area. The Albuquerque City Council on Monday denied the University Heights Neighborhood Association’s appeal of Albuquerque property owner Augustine Grace’s plan to convert two adjacent residential properties into a café and community gathering space. With plans to turn the two houses — 201 and […]
Posted inLocal Government
City Council paves the way for new film studio
Albuquerque is one step closer to being the home to a new film studio after city councilors approved millions for the project during their meeting Monday. Councilors unanimously passed an ordinance that would issue $7 million in city and state funds for a new film and television production campus for Mesa Film Studios LLC on […]
Posted inLocal Government
Crackdown on vacant property owners, sidewalk sleeping on pause
Owners of vacant properties in Downtown Albuquerque will not see increased registration fees and sleeping on sidewalks in the area is still allowed — for now. After dozens spoke Monday night against an ordinance that aims to tackle an increased number of vacant buildings and create new rules for sidewalks in Downtown, the City Council […]
Posted inLocal Government
Fentanyl Forum coming next month
Later this week, the public can learn about overdose prevention, how to help those struggling through substance use disorders and get hands-on training in administering naloxone and Narcan distribution. Registration is now open for the 2024 Fentanyl Forum, a full-day event focused on critical issues surrounding the opioid crisis. The free public event is Oct. […]
Posted inLocal Government
Softening the workforce shortage squeeze
Construction projects across the state are booming, but contractors say finding enough skilled laborers to fill positions is a chronic challenge. The workforce shortages often cause project delays and increased costs — issues that have motivated officials to propose a fix in Albuquerque. The Apprenticeship Empowerment ordinance would require contractors to dedicate 15% of a […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
City Council to tackle downtown vacant buildings, sleeping on sidewalks
A proposal to tackle the vacant building issue and ban people from laying or sitting on sidewalks in Downtown Albuquerque is on the agenda for the City Council’s Monday meeting. The Downtown Vacant Buildings and Properties Ordinance — sponsored by Councilor Joaquín Baca — states that vacant buildings and properties are a health and safety […]
Posted inLocal Government
Contention brewing over zoning change in University area
Albuquerque property owner Augustine Grace wants to convert two of his adjacent residential properties near the University area into a new coffee shop but after pushback from a neighborhood association, the future of the project is in the hands of City Council. At their meeting Monday, city councilors will hear from Grace about his proposal […]
Posted inLocal Government
Photos: New ‘eco-series’ homes unveiled at Mesa del Sol
Albuquerque’s SunState Solar and Westway Homes unveiled a new series of homes at Mesa del Sol on Thursday with 100% electric features and solar panels — designed to drastically reduce emissions and utility costs. Two of 12 homes have been completed as part of a first phase. The “eco-series” homes south of the Albuquerque International […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
County commissioners delay funding for pallet homes, reaffirm support
Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday reaffirmed support for an effort to combat the local homelessness problem, despite voting to move money they had designated for it elsewhere. At their regular meeting, commissioners decided to redistribute $600,000 that had been earmarked for a pallet-home campus planned by the City of Albuquerque. City leaders envision the pallet homes […]