Former President Donald Trump’s campaign still owes Albuquerque more than $200,000 in security costs and paid time off for city employees tied to his 2019 campaign rally in Rio Rancho, according to Mayor Tim Keller’s office. Following unsuccessful efforts to collect the $211,175, the city sent a bill addressed to Donald J. Trump for President, […]
Local Government
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Man dies in garbage truck accident Downtown
A man died after climbing out of a garbage truck and then falling in front of it in downtown Albuquerque Friday morning. At about 6 a.m. on Aug. 30, a Solid Waste Management employee was emptying a garbage bin into a truck at the Alvarado Transportation Center. An unhoused man was in the trash compaction […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
What you need to know about designated drivers, closures and picnics on Labor Day
Having trouble finding a designated driver for Labor Day weekend? The “Take a Ride on Us” program is an option for residents of Bernalillo, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties. The program is offering discounts on up to 2,500 rideshare trips over the weekend. Riders can enter the code NMLD24 under the voucher section of the […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
Second phase of Albuquerque Rail Trail begins
The Rail Trail project has been years in the making and the first phase of construction broke ground in May at the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque. The city currently has $40 million in funding for the trail but Terry Brunner, director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, said another $40 million will be needed.
Posted inLocal Government
From bonds to balloons: retired county manager has a new job
Recently retired Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca has a new job. She will start Tuesday as executive director of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — about a month before the annual event kicks off. “Leading the Fiesta is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Morgas Baca said. “I am honored and delighted to begin this […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Local Government
City brings back routine food inspections
Inspectors with the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department are back at ensuring the city’s diners aren’t getting dangerous vittles. The department had scaled back its efforts and conducted only pre-opening and complaint-based inspections while a new food safety and retail ordinance was put into place and inspectors were trained on the new rules. Routine inspections were […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Features, Local Government
How one ABQ student got the city’s attention over pedestrian safety
Sometimes it may seem that public concerns brought to city officials go willfully unheard. But one University of New Mexico student’s persistence and determination on pedestrian safety got her a scheduled meeting with city development heads. Like most students with busy schedules, Jackie Davis risks jaywalking across Central Avenue near UNM. After noticing hundreds of […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bernalillo County manager contract approved
Bernalillo County officially has its next manager. Cindy Chavez will start in the job Nov. 13 after county commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve her employment contract. Chavez will make $230,000 a year to start, with possible annual merit-based pay increases. She replaces Julie Morgas Baca, who retired at the end of June. Chavez will […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bernalillo County is ‘Breaking Butts’ into compost and plastic
Bernalillo County officials are launching a new program to turn discarded cigarette butts into compost and plastic products such as hand tools and picnic benches. On Tuesday, the Keep BernCo Beautiful Advisory Board, county staff, and Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada unveiled new receptacles — branded with Keep BernCo Beautiful and a play on the “Breaking […]
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, […]