Summer has arrived and the heat has returned to New Mexico. In Albuquerque, the temperature reached over 100 degrees Thursday. Temperatures across the state are expected to reach triple digits this summer as well. Because of that, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced a heat advisory suggesting people take extra precautions when they […]
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Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Overnight shelters, wall heights, boats in the front yard: See what zoning changes could be coming
City councilors plan to discuss several zoning amendments at their Monday meeting that could impact neighborhoods or businesses across Albuquerque. The 11 proposals to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) touch on overnight shelters, duplexes, fence height and landscaping requirements. Amendments already expected to be debated propose the following: Read more about this issue here. HOW […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
A visitors center with no visitors: When will the taxpayer-funded project open?
Drivers headed east on I-40 into New Mexico this summer should be forgiven for thinking they can stay for the night at 12300 Central Ave. SW. After all, a large neon “Mountain Lodge” sign at the address greets those motoring down old Route 66 near Nine Mile Hill. The roadtrippers would also see that a […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Inspector general finds mayor’s staff received preferential treatment, gave over $52,000 in taxpayer dollars in sick leave payouts
After a monthslong investigation into allegations that the mayor’s staff and top administrators received preferential treatment and sick leave bonuses upon resignation, the city’s inspector general released its findings this week. The report details the investigation into 11 employees, who received a total of more than $52,000 in taxpayer money that the inspector general told […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Take a look at Martineztown’s new multigenerational center
There’s a new spot near the Big I where residents can share a meal, use a computer or play pickleball. A new multigenerational center was unveiled Tuesday near the Santa Barbara Martineztown Park. “Generations of New Mexicans all need a safe space, we know it’s important for seniors and our youth to have access to […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Raising the Pride flag high over Civic Plaza
In honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, Mayor Tim Keller joined city staff and advocates in raising a new flag over Civic Plaza on Friday. The flag includes a yellow triangle with a purple circle to acknowledge the intersex community as well as white, pink, blue, black and brown stripes. The black and brown colors represent […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
This bites: New ankle-biting mosquito may suck ABQ’s summer fun
This summer may bite. For years the Environmental Health Department (EHD) has relied on part-time, seasonal “mosquito technicians.” This year, after seeing a rise in the city’s least favorite residents, it is looking to hire someone full-time. While the species was first documented in the city in 2018, the Aedes aegypti population — also known […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Housing & Homelessness, Local Government
It’s official: Berry-era homeless jobs program to return
A nationally recognized initiative that provides day labor jobs for those experiencing homelessness has made a comeback in Albuquerque. The idea is based on former Mayor Richard Berry’s “There’s a Better Way” program, which first launched in 2014. Officials said it fills an urgent need in the face of record levels of homelessness across the […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Should the city lower the threshold to win an election?
On a night when the City Council chambers were packed with advocates speaking out against efforts to amend the city’s immigrant friendly policy, more than a dozen speakers also took to the lectern to criticize proposed changes to the city charter. They referred to the proposal that would allow candidates to be elected with at […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Advocates celebrate council rejection of immigrant friendly policy reversal
Audience members attending Albuquerque’s City Council meeting Monday erupted in cheers and chants of “sí, se puede” as they marched out of council chambers after a bill that would have amended the city’s immigrant friendly ordinance failed on a 4-5 vote. “We’re so happy. We’re so excited,” said Fabiola Landeros, civil rights and citizenship organizer […]