By Rodd Cayton The public is invited again Thursday to give input on Albuquerque’s fiscal year 2026 budget. Mayor Tim Keller last month proposed a $1.5 billion spending plan, which City Councilors are now reviewing. Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, all nine councilors will take public input regarding the budget and capital improvements […]
Local Gov.
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Library advocates want budget increase
By Rodd Cayton Public library advocates Monday went to bat again for their cause, urging the Albuquerque City Council to boost it as the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget takes shape. Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget includes about $16.54 million for libraries, which is down about $49,000 from fiscal year 2025. Janet Saiers, who sits […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Local Gov.
City Council approves behavioral health voucher database
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors Monday approved a contract to produce a database aimed at simplifying access to addiction treatment and support services. Contractor Real Time Solutions will be paid $300,000 for creating the database, designed to help administer vouchers for the Providing Addiction Treatment and Healing (PATH) program. City officials say the Albuquerque-based […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov.
Tijeras celebrates grand opening of Pocket Park
By Andrea Vasquez The Village of Tijeras officially unveiled its new Pocket Park with a grand opening celebration on May 3. The event featured remarks from Mayor Jake Bruton, music by local band Tripple-X and a heartfelt gesture as children, or “little villagers,” placed their handprints on the well house, as a tribute to the […]
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Council grills APD chief over proposed police budget
by Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors traded barbs with Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina at a budget meeting Thursday night, criticizing the number of command staff in the department, Medina’s internal affairs strategy and a recent decision to seek National Guard troops to assist officers. Medina and Councilor Louie Sanchez accused each other of […]
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Proposed cuts to ABQ libraries panned
By Rodd Cayton Several public library supporters Tuesday evening told Albuquerque City Councilors the system needs more money, not less. The entire council met as the Committee of the Whole, which considers the budget and the capital improvements program proposed by the mayor. In the $1.5 billion budget proposal revealed last month by Mayor Tim […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Sandoval County
Sandoval County’s financial health shines with clean audit and strong bond deals
By Jesse Jones Sandoval County earned a clean bill of financial health for fiscal year 2024, receiving the highest possible audit rating with no issues found. The Sandoval County Commissioners got the news as they zipped through their April 23 meeting, where auditors confirmed the county’s finances are solid. The clean audit reflects strong management […]
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Keller slams Trump administration’s cuts to minority small business aid
by Rodd Cayton Mayor Tim Keller said a Donald Trump administration action terminating federal funding for a local business assistance organization is an attack on New Mexico’s diversity. Keller has been vocal about actions from the Trump administration he said are harming the city. City officials say the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM […]
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Mayor’s proposed budget would increase zoo ticket prices by a dollar
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors last year avoided several proposed fee increases for popular amenities. Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 brings back one notable increase for a second try: He’s floating a $1 hike for admission to the BioPark. Last year, the City Council kept in place a $5-per-ticket increase […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Sandoval County
Bernalillo earns clean audit, eyes safer streets and smarter spending
By Jesse Jones The Town of Bernalillo’s books are in good shape — auditors gave the town a clean bill of financial health for its 2024 fiscal year, with no findings or red flags. The April 28 Town Council meeting also recognized the community art project behind the fire department’s new ladder truck mural, designed […]