Councilor Dan Lewis ‘likely violated’ ethics law during air quality board controversy

The executive director of the State Ethics Commission found that City Councilor Dan Lewis “likely violated” the Governmental Conduct Act when he applied to work for an association of paving companies whose members were impacted by air quality legislation he sponsored and voted on in his role as an elected official.  Under a pre-litigation settlement […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

Vote on BernCo Behavioral Health Authority delayed after outpouring of public comment

A month ago, Bernalillo County officials hoped for feedback from city and county residents on the proposed creation of a Behavioral Health Authority and how it should operate in their communities.  At its meeting Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners said the volume of public comments it received exceeded expectations, and due to the wide […]

What we get wrong about homelessness

If you’re like many in Albuquerque who feel helpless and frustrated when passing by someone experiencing homelessness, author Kevin F. Adler wants you to know you’re not alone. The California-based advocate and author of When We Walk By said he’s found antidotes to the despair and solutions in Golden State cities that would be useful […]

Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized

Commissioners: Input wanted on ordinance to prioritize Bernalillo County behavioral health funds

This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the authors. Commissioner Adriann Barboa represents District 3 which includes the SE heights, UNM, and the International District. Commissioner Eric Olivas represents District 5 including much of the NE Heights, Uptown, the Foothills and the East Mountains. Editor’s Note: The Behavioral Health Authority Ordinance will be considered for final action at tonight’s […]

Downtown businesses want to be looped in; city says it will oblige

A new system devised by the city to more effectively communicate with Downtown businesses and property owners on issues that affect them will soon be tested, officials said Thursday.  In March, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) said it collected the email addresses of more than 500 owners or their representatives in a door-to-door canvass through […]

Posted inBernalillo County, Housing & Homelessness, Local Gov., Opinion, Uncategorized

Commissioners: Input wanted on ordinance to prioritize county behavioral health funds

This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the authors. Commissioner Adriann Barboa represents District 3 which includes the SE heights, UNM, and the International District. Commissioner Eric Olivas represents District 5 including much of the NE Heights, Uptown, the Foothills and the East Mountains. You can submit your own opinion: editor@citydesk.org We have a homelessness […]

Demolition begins at Downtown’s unsightly pedestrian tunnel

Two projects that have been discussed for many years across multiple city administrations took a physical step toward reality Wednesday when demolition began at the pedestrian tunnel linking East Downtown under the railroad tracks to the Central Avenue corridor at First Street. The project also marks the first phase of construction for the highly-anticipated Rail […]

Posted inLocal Gov.

Neighborhood improvement grant applications open

Neighborhood associations within Bernalillo County, including those in Albuquerque, are eligible to receive up to $5,000 each under a neighborhood grant program. The program was created in 2010 to assist associations with outreach and encourage participation from their members. The county says strong neighborhoods are crucial to its uniqueness and quality of life, according to […]