Councilors want city to get serious about AI

The proliferation of artificial intelligence has encouraged two Albuquerque city councilors to propose creating a group of experts from city departments to develop an AI policy.  The resolution, sponsored by Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Dan Champine, is expected to be discussed at the City Council’s Oct. 7 meeting.  Champine said the goal is to ensure […]

ABQ city councilors set to debate campaign finance changes

The next mayoral and City Council election is not until next year, but Albuquerque city councilors are already debating how much public money some council candidates should receive for campaigning.  During the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Councilor Joaquín Baca introduced a proposal to “clean up” campaign finance sections of the city’s charter.  Council candidates currently […]

Councilor aims to curb inappropriate social media posts from official accounts

An Albuquerque city councilor is looking to enforce new social media rules for city employees after posts from the Albuquerque Police Department’s (APD) official social media account caught the council’s attention for the second time in as many years.  At a meeting Sept. 5, councilors confronted Mayor Tim Keller’s administration about posts one councilor called […]

Businesses impacted by vandalism line up for city grant money

Almost two dozen businesses around Albuquerque have applied for a grant program the city launched two weeks ago aimed at helping small businesses that have been vandalized. The Albuquerque Police Department and the city Economic Development Department’s Small Business Office on Sept. 3 initiated a $200,000 “Window to Opportunity” grant to help offset the costs […]

Alleyway renaissance emerges in International District

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]