Albuquerque, NM

AI Summary: Bernalillo County commissioners approved a master plan for Sedillo Ridge Open Space, opening it to public access while focusing on fire mitigation. Initial improvements include a parking lot and access trails.

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Albuquerque has investigated 59 homicides this year through Nov. 11 — a 32% plunge from the same period last year and the city’s third straight year of declining homicides.

AI Summary: "New Mexico’s Transportation Department plans to propose a 25-35% increase in vehicle registration fees and a new surcharge for electric vehicles to raise funds for road repairs. This proposal aims to address rising construction costs and declining revenues. Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna highlighted the need for these changes to maintain infrastructure, as fuel efficiency standards are reducing gas tax revenues significantly."

These locations will open from October 18 to November 1.

Buccaneer, a 22-year-old reticulated giraffe who charmed millions of visitors at the ABQ BioPark over nearly two decades, was euthanized Thursday due to declining mobility from arthritis, zoo officials announced.

What a dork.

Saying “factors beyond our control… made continuing challenging”, organizers of the nation’s largest Native American Pow Wow announced on Saturday that the 2026 event in Albuquerque would be its last.

Kagi AI Summary: As Albuquerque students return to school on August 7, 72% of classrooms will lack modern air conditioning, relying on outdated evaporative coolers that struggle in extreme heat. Only 28% of classrooms have refrigerated air conditioning. The district faces a $165-$175 million challenge to upgrade all facilities, with a $40.2 million bond proposal for 20 schools pending voter approval in November. Rising temperatures, from 7 days above 97°F in 1990 to projected 45 days by 2050, exacerbate the issue. Evaporative coolers, which can only reduce temperatures by 20 degrees, leave classrooms uncomfortably hot. Educators and parents express concerns about learning conditions, with some teachers purchasing personal air conditioners. Despite recent improvements, cooling unit failures persist, and the district is working to address them. The bond, if approved, would fund conversions at schools like New Futures High and Mary Ann Binford Elementary. The district acknowledges the necessity of refrigerated air conditioning to provide comfortable learning environments amid rising temperatures.

City Councilor Louie Sanchez says he will require Albuquerque police to cooperate with federal immigration officers if he is elected mayor, despite casting the deciding vote last year on legislation prohibiting police from doing just that.

Kagi AI Summary: Mayor Tim Keller is proposing changes to Albuquerque’s regulations for Safe Outdoor Spaces to make them more accessible for churches and nonprofits, aiming to address the city’s record homelessness crisis. Current rules, including mandatory 24/7 security, permanent showers, and dedicated service provider spaces, create significant financial barriers, with annual costs exceeding $100,000. Keller’s plan includes flexible security arrangements, mobile shower solutions, and eliminating the need for dedicated service provider spaces, reducing costs and red tape. The changes would also introduce $100 application fees and $50 renewal fees, with permits lasting 12 months and participation in a Good Neighbor Program. With over 2,700 people experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque, Keller emphasizes the need to scale up Safe Outdoor Spaces, potentially creating up to 100 sites to accommodate those who may not be ready for traditional shelters.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico State Police have released new details about the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old at the University of New Mexico that happened on July 25.

Kagi AI Summary: A Comcast outage in southeast Albuquerque affected nearly 15,000 people, starting Monday night and continuing into Tuesday afternoon. The outage was caused by damage to a fiber line by a third-party utility, according to Comcast spokesperson Kyle Biederwolf. The damaged site was deemed safe for repair at 12:45 a.m., with initial expectations of service restoration by overnight, then by 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, but the restore time was pushed to early evening. The specific utility responsible for the damage is unclear, though Albuquerque has faced issues with companies installing fiber internet infrastructure, including Vexus Fiber and Ezee Fiber, which recently had stop-work orders lifted. Xfinity customers can check outage status via the Xfinity App or website and sign up for text notifications.

Kagi AI Summary: Albuquerque is investing nearly $167 million in capital projects across the city, with District 1 receiving over $12 million for upgrades like BioPark enhancements, park improvements, and transit hubs. Funding comes primarily from General Obligation (G.O.) bonds, backed by property taxes, with voter approval required every two years. The Capital Implementation Program manages these projects, prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, parks, and libraries. In District 1, notable projects include BioPark upgrades, new playgrounds, and renovations at Gateway Center West. The 2025 G.O. Bond proposal, totaling $200 million in requests, will be voted on in November, with funds allocated to streets, public safety, and recreational facilities.

“*Eligible New Mexico voters will now be automatically registered to vote when they complete a driver’s transaction with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This new measure, part of House Bill 4 (HB4), passed during the 2023 legislative session, aims to expand voting rights protections across the state.*”

Kagi AI Summery: Albuquerque is proposing a new opt-in zoning plan to address its housing shortage, which requires over 56,000 new homes by 2045. Sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and Mayor Tim Keller, the plan allows property owners to voluntarily rezone for denser or mixed-use housing, enabling the construction of duplexes, townhomes, and small apartments in single-family neighborhoods without altering their character. The city aims to increase housing options amid rising rents and low vacancy rates, with significant price hikes noted in recent years.

Kagi AI summary: The No Kings Day protest in Albuquerque is set to take place at Mariposa Basin Park, drawing thousands of participants to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s policies. Scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m., the event is part of a nationwide demonstration with similar protests occurring in over 20 locations across New Mexico. Rally organizer Terry Eisenbart emphasizes the need for citizens to express their discontent, highlighting concerns over the administration’s perceived authoritarian shift. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury will deliver the keynote address, alongside speakers including Grammy-winning musician Robert Mirabal and ACLU attorney Kristin Greer Love.

Kagi AI Summary: Mayor Tim Keller’s initiative for a local Renters Bill of Rights in Albuquerque faced significant opposition, resulting in the City Council’s Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee voting against advancing the proposal. The ordinance aimed to enhance tenant protections by introducing measures like fee transparency, advance notice for rent increases, and a citywide rental registry. Supporters believed it was vital for providing fair treatment and safety for renters, especially given that 44% of Albuquerque households are renters, many of whom are financially burdened. However, the committee’s debate revealed strong resistance from landlords, who expressed concerns that the proposed regulations could lead to increased costs and reduced rental availability.

Kagi AI Summery: Albuquerque is hosting a virtual public meeting on June 5 at noon to address concerns related to fiber optic cable installation. The meeting seeks public input on proposed new regulations for companies involved in these projects. Since January, Ezee Fiber has received 135 reports regarding their construction activities. Issues include unauthorized work hours, lack of resident notifications, and property damage from construction activities. Key topics for discussion will include unrepaired damages, utility disruptions, and the need for clear communication with residents. Participants can join the meeting via Zoom or phone, and written comments are encouraged. For immediate fiber-related concerns, residents can contact local fiber companies directly.

Kagi AI Summary: New Mexico’s largest electric utility, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), is set to be acquired by Blackstone Infrastructure for approximately $11.5 billion. The acquisition includes TXNM Energy, PNM’s parent company, and will involve assuming its net debt, excluding securitized debt related to past investments in the San Juan Generating Station. Approval from state regulators in New Mexico and Texas is required for the sale to proceed, with PNM planning to submit a merger application this fall. This is not TXNM Energy’s first attempt to merge, as a previous plan with AVANGRID was rejected by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC). The PRC process will allow stakeholders, including local governments and advocacy groups, to participate. Blackstone manages $60 billion in assets, including Invenergy Renewables, which is involved in the North Path Transmission Project in New Mexico. The acquisition aims to maintain PNM’s headquarters in New Mexico and retain local management and employees. PNM expects that the financial backing from Blackstone will support its transition to carbon-free energy sources and meet growing electricity demands. The merger is anticipated to be finalized in the latter half of 2026. Both PNM and Blackstone express commitment to serving customers and supporting economic growth in New Mexico.

Kagi AI Summery: The City of Albuquerque has ordered Ezee Fiber to halt all construction activities due to numerous resident complaints about unsafe and incomplete fiber optic installations. This action follows similar measures taken against another internet provider, highlighting the city’s commitment to enforcing standards. Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the need for companies to communicate with residents and rectify any damage caused during installation. Ezee Fiber has been cited for various violations, including unrepaired damage, open holes, and work conducted outside permitted hours.

cross-posted from: https://thelemmy.club/post/25209604

New Mexico’s Business Podcast: 3Q, with the John Brown Breakfast Club

It’s true! Confirmed it with a friend!

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Kagi AI Summary: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled her proposed executive budget for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing investments in early childhood education, clean energy, infrastructure, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access. The budget reflects a commitment to building a stronger foundation for New Mexicans and aims to foster collaboration with state lawmakers. The Legislative Finance Committee recently indicated that the legislature will have $892 million in new funds available for appropriations, contributing to a total General Fund of $10.944 billion for fiscal year 26, starting July 1, 2025.

Kagi AI Summary: Strong Towns ABQ, an anti-sprawl advocacy group, reflects on its inaugural year marked by both achievements and disappointments, primarily citing the Albuquerque City Council’s failure to effectively tackle the affordable housing crisis. Brandi Thompson, the group’s committee coordination chair, expresses frustration with councilors’ resistance to zoning changes, which the group believes are essential for addressing housing shortages. The organization has gained traction since its launch in November 2023, increasing its presence at City Council meetings and hosting public events focused on community-building initiatives.

Trump stiffed the southwestern city to the tune of half a million, complicating his return to New Mexico

New Mexico’s Open Meetings Act requires public bodies to conduct their business out in the open. But after watching this week’s City Council meeting, reporter Elizabeth McCall discovered councilors may have violated that law when discussing a potential lawsuit. Find out more about what a local transparency expert has to say about all of it and what the council was actually discussing behind closed doors in today’s featured story.