News from January 2024
City Seeking Community Feedback on Albuquerque Rail Trail Project
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) has taken a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment by releasing the public comment draft of the comprehensive report "Advancing Inclusive Growth through the Albuquerque Rail Trail." Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the project, stating, “Input from the people who call this place home is key to ensuring that the trail not only reflects our authentic history but lifts up historic neighborhoods as our city...
MFA approves housing innovation program funding awards
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced that its board of directors has approved $1 million in funding for two projects through the MFA's Housing Innovation Program. The decision resulted in awards of $500,000 each to the New Mexico Ramp Project and the Town of Silver City’s Vista de Plata Affordable/Workforce Housing Subdivision.
Bernalillo County to host juvenile detention center rapid hire job fair
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
Bernalillo County has recently disclosed plans to host a rapid hire job fair at its juvenile detention center. The county aims to interview and hire individuals for positions such as youth program officer I and youth program officer II.
Bernalillo County's 'Grow-the-Growers' program recognized at legislative session
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
Bernalillo County has recently announced that its Grow-the-Growers program (GTG) has been awarded the "Heart of the Land Award" for exceptional leadership in farming and ranching. The award was given by Farm to Table and the New Mexico Food & Agriculture Policy Council. GTG is a comprehensive training initiative for beginner farmers, designed to encourage new entrants into professional food production.
Bernalillo County urges local support for Bridge Boulevard businesses
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
Bernalillo County has declared that despite the ongoing construction along Bridge Boulevard, businesses within the area continue to operate. The project, a component of the bridge boulevard corridor redevelopment plan stretching from the Atrisco Riverside Drain to Young Avenue, forms the second phase of a four-phase design initiative.
State unveils 2024 child support guidelines
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has unveiled amendments to the basic child support schedule for 2024, an initiative spearheaded by HSD’s child support services division. The adjustments reflect current economic data pertaining to the costs of raising children and establish a new self-support reserve for parents responsible for support payments.
APS admin named board chairman for NACSA
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has announced that Joseph Escobedo, an administrator at APS, will assume the role of board chairman for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA). In this new position, Escobedo will lead NACSA in its ongoing efforts, marking a significant shift in his role within the national charter school group.
NMSU's nurse anesthesiology program attains national accreditation recognition
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 31, 2024
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has revealed that its recently established graduate program, aimed at training nurses for roles as certified registered nurse anesthetists, has achieved full accreditation. This accomplishment establishes NMSU as the only institution in New Mexico with an accredited program offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nurse anesthesiology.
Southwest Beef Symposium co-hosted by NMSU
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has revealed that its Cooperative Extension Service and the AgriLife Extension Service of Texas A&M University will collaboratively host the annual Southwest Beef Symposium. The event is designed to address the current challenges confronting cattle producers in New Mexico and West Texas.
UNM 2024 legislative session
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently unveiled its legislative session leaders' agenda, which was discussed and presented across multiple campuses, including the main campus, UNM Health and Health Sciences (UNM HHS), and branch campuses. The primary focus of these discussions was to enhance academics and refine the healthcare system.
Awards ceremony at Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits Undergraduate Juried Art Show open house
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that its art department will recognize exceptional achievements in drawing at the Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits Undergraduate Juried Art Show open house. The event will feature the presentation of the Reggie Behl Drawing Award, which is intended to support an undergraduate student who exhibits excellence in drawing.
UNM professor co-authors and publishes book about migrants
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) has unveiled a new publication titled "Migrant World Making," co-authored by Michael Lechuga, a professor in the UNM Communication & Journalism department. The book delves into the intricate narratives and theories surrounding the settlement experiences of migrants in the U.S., exploring the complexities of community building and the associated challenges of fostering a deep sense of belonging.
First-time availability of new child income tax credit for taxpayers
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department has declared that families this year have the chance to benefit from a new child tax credit, which could amount to $600 per eligible child. The value of the credit will decrease as income rises. The department has begun accepting 2023 New Mexico personal income tax returns.
PNM named APS education foundation's outstanding corporate partner for 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has announced that PNM, a leading energy company, has been recognized as its outstanding corporate partner for 2024 due to its significant contributions to the district. The company's partnership with educational organizations, including the APS Education Foundation, and its investment in education are seen as instrumental in fostering future development.
Museum of International Folk Art to open 'Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection' exhibition
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has announced a new exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) titled "Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection." The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of works, handpicked by the museum's staff from its permanent collection, reflecting an extensive spectrum of aesthetics.
NMSU chemical engineering professor embarks on second fulbright faculty fellowship to Brazil
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that Jessica Perea Houston, a professor in chemical and materials engineering, is set to embark on her second Fulbright Faculty Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, where she will participate in collaborative biomedical research projects.
Albuquerque Museum awarded grant
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
The city of Albuquerque has revealed that the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, on behalf of the Albuquerque Museum, has secured a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The grant is designated to support the museum in hosting its upcoming exhibition, Broken Boxes: A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialog, and in commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Broken Box podcast.
Bernalillo County appoints two members to Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
Bernalillo County has announced that the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of two individuals to serve as Housing Collaborative Commissioners for the newly established Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative (MRGHC). This initiative, formed in partnership with the city of Albuquerque, is designed to address the community's housing shortage.
Bernalillo County greenlights amendments to waterway safety ordinance
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
Bernalillo County has announced that its commissioners have approved amendments to an ordinance aimed at enhancing public safety around waterways and aiding municipal agencies in maintaining crucial waterway facilities. The amendments were passed unanimously with a 5 to 0 vote.
Bernalillo County greenlights renaming community center in honor of South Valley lawmaker
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 30, 2024
Bernalillo County has announced that its commission has approved the renaming of the Mountain View Community Center to the Henry "Kiki" Saavedra Community Center. The move honors Saavedra, who represented a South Valley district for 38 years in the New Mexico State Legislature and chaired the house appropriations and finance committee.