In the wake of a “large disturbance” at the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center — a juvenile detention center — on Christmas, the county has developed a plan to boost staffing, training, morale and emergency planning. The plan also includes hiring a director by April 1, since the previous director, Michael Ferstl, retired last week. […]
Local Government
Posted inLocal Government
County closer to spending millions in opioid funds
The latest round of opioid settlement funds — $18 million — has made its way to Bernalillo County. Payments total $22.6 million so far. The funds come from historic settlements between states and companies like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and others due to their alleged involvement in the opioid epidemic. According to the New […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Like Clean Air?
Haze is that dirty looking veil in the air that hangs over the metropolitan area. Sulfur dioxide particles are partially to blame for that haziness, according to a 2022 annual regional report on sulfur dioxide emissions in the area. As part of the compliance, each state must release, and get public comment, on a draft […]
Posted inLocal Government
Longtime Bernalillo County Manager Announces Retirement
The long-time county manager Julie Morgas Baca will leave her position on June 28, the end of Bernalillo County’s fiscal year. Morgas Baca was appointed as county manager in 2015. Prior to that, she was president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation from 2013 to 2015 and the deputy county manager for […]
Posted inLocal Government
North Fourth Street goes on a diet
North Fourth Street between Ortega and Alameda will soon be on a road diet. Bernalillo County will host a public meeting on Tuesday to gather input on a road diet reconstruction project along historic Fourth Street in the North Valley. The proposed construction will reduce the traveling lanes to one lane in each direction with […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
How many stay in Albuquerque shelters every night?
Albuquerque’s efforts to end homelessness isn’t a one person or one department affair. The project involves those in city departments, outside agencies, nonprofits, emergency shelters, day shelters, street outreach, housing, volunteerism and public policy work. It’s a tree with multiple roots and branches that can be confusing for a public eager for straightforward information. The […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
ABQ’s street lights are not purple on purpose
Residents of Albuquerque have noticed certain street lights appear purple when the sun goes down. While this has raised concerns, the city says they are being replaced. “It is a manufacturer defect in the lights and the manufacturer is aware of the issue,” said Dan Mayfield, a spokesperson for Albuquerque’s Municipal Development Department. More than […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Broad and burdensome: City paid over $1.4 M in Public Records Act lawsuits over last year and a half
Just before the pandemic, Christopher Michael Sanchez was killed on Feb. 21 at a local bar and police ruled his death was a justifiable homicide. Eight months later, his father requested — through the Inspection of Public Records Act — all videos and records relating to his son’s death. By 2023, however, the city still […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
North Valley senior housing to see $600K upgrade
The City of Albuquerque is serving up a $600,000 assist to the North Valley senior housing community known as 1212 Candelaria, located near Candelaria Road and 12th street. Officials said the affordable housing project is scheduled for an installation of new water main lines that will service all 50 households occupied by low-income elderly and […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
AI, road modifications planned to reduce crashes involving pedestrians on East Central
The city is taking steps to reduce fatal crashes involving pedestrians along a heavily-trafficked stretch of East Central by modifying the road and installing safety features to warn drivers when people are about to cross the street. Seven pedestrians were killed crossing Central Avenue between Louisiana Blvd and Eubank Blvd so far this year, Mayor […]