Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed appreciation for the progress made during the recent 30-day legislative session but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. Mayor Keller stated, “As the largest city in the state, we serve and care for people from all around New Mexico, which is why we need the state to step up and take care of the critical parts of the criminal justice and behavioral health systems for which they are responsible. We’ll take the wins we got and invest in a better quality of life for our families, but we will not stop pushing for the help that we need to address homelessness and crime.”
The legislative session saw the passage and signing into law of several public safety policy priorities, including the removal of the bond option for repeat felony offenders, a seven-day waiting period for gun purchases, incentives to improve officer retention, stronger penalties for 2nd degree murder and attempted murder, and a ban on guns from polling places.
Additionally, the City of Albuquerque successfully secured capital outlay for various projects during the session. Priority projects funded by the legislature encompassed public safety, housing and homelessness, and placemaking initiatives. Among the funded projects are the construction of the Southwest Public Safety Center, an APD helicopter, fire station renovation and construction, road projects, and the expansion of Paseo del Norte and Unser. Housing and homelessness projects such as Housing Navigation Construction and Affordable Housing Construction were also funded.
Furthermore, placemaking projects received significant funding, including improvements at Balloon Fiesta Park, Rail Yards renovations for the film academy, construction of the Albuquerque Museum Education Center, Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center, North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, and Rio Grande State Park improvements. Various park improvements, library renovations, and infrastructure developments throughout Albuquerque were also included in the capital outlay.
The City's focus on public safety, housing, homelessness, and placemaking initiatives underscores its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and investing in community resources.
