ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller signed the Sustainability Resolution today, which was unanimously passed by City Council. The resolution replaces multiple decades-old sustainability resolutions with modern initiatives aligned with the City’s 2021 Climate Action Plan.
“We’re tackling climate change at every level of City government, which hasn’t been done at this scale before,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These bold directives ensure that everyone can benefit from sustainability in Albuquerque, and our families can continue to live and thrive here.”
The new resolution outlines the City’s commitments in various sectors:
- Sustainable Economic Development
- Energy
- Transportation
- Built Environment
- Sustainable Materials Management
- Nature-based Sustainable Practices
- Sustainable Procurement Practices
“We have outlined even more strategies to prepare for and fight against climate change that will help to improve our health, economic stability, and quality of life in the coming years,” said City of Albuquerque Deputy Director of Policy and Sustainability Officer Ann Simon. “This resolution solidifies the City’s promise for a more sustainable future.”
Highlights of the resolution include incentives for green jobs, direction to shop local for municipal purchases when possible, commitment to install 36 more electric vehicle charging stations, food waste programming, and more.
“Climate change is real and its impact is already being felt here in Albuquerque. Sadly, those impacts are felt first and most in frontline communities,” says Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “That's why I'm so proud that our city's new sustainability resolution focuses on vital climate resiliency efforts for community members who need help the most. The time to act is now, and Albuquerque is rising to meet the needs of its residents.”
“This Resolution provides a roadmap for the City's efforts to make our operations more efficient and sustainable,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Renee Grout. “These changes are measurable, include a cost-benefit analysis, and flexible to emphasize saving taxpayers money.”
Read the full resolution online.
This resolution builds on substantial work by the Keller administration on sustainability including:
- Ranked 12th largest municipal green power user on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Top 30 Local Government List,
- Ranked top 4 large city in the U.S. for most installed solar per capita by Environment America’s Shining Cities report,
- Achieved LEED for Cities Silver certification,
- Launched a city-wide food scrap diversion pilot project,
- Developed the 2021 Albuquerque Climate Action Plan,
- Secured a $2.7 million federal grant to bring electric buses to Albuquerque,
- Signed the Paris Agreement committing to climate action,
- Installed solar projects at 38 city-owned buildings,
- Expanded publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations by adding 18 new stations,
- Launched the Mayor’s Energy Challenge,
- Won Bloomberg American Cities climate challenge funding for sustainability efforts,
- Transitioned to sustainable LED street lights citywide,
- Provided over 200 homes with free energy audits and upgrades in partnership with PNM and Prosperity Works,
- Invested $600,000 in VW settlement funding to expand electric vehicle infrastructure,
- Introduced five new electric buses into transit fleet with funding secured for an additional 20 buses,
- Established a permanent Zero Fares program for all ABQ RIDE services,
- Launched Affordable Mobility Project piloting carshare program with two electric vehicles prioritized for low-income drivers,
- Partnered with PNM on Solar Direct project aiming for 80% renewable energy usage by 2024.
About the Albuquerque Sustainability Office:
The Sustainability Office advances Albuquerque as a leader in equitable environmental solutions by supporting City government and community efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while growing economy and protecting resident health through renewable energy projects, energy efficiency measures, low-carbon transportation initiatives, climate adaptation strategies, and waste reduction programs.
