The Albuquerque City Council has approved a series of amendment proposals to be presented to voters in the 2024 general election. The proposed Charter amendments aim to streamline city government hiring processes, add accountability to executive appointment procedures, and simplify city elections.

“I am happy to present these proposals to Albuquerque voters,” said City Council President Dan Lewis. “They should decide how they want the government to run. I trust the voters.”

Proposal P-24-1, passed with a 6-3 vote, would amend the City Charter’s procedure for elections. Under this proposal, a candidate for mayor or council would need to win a plurality of votes cast for the respective office. This change aims to eliminate costly runoff elections and ensure that each vote counts.

Proposal P-24-3, also passed with a 6-3 vote, would amend procedures for appointing administrative officers and for the appointment and removal of the Chiefs of Police and Fire. The Mayor would appoint or reappoint these officers at the beginning of each new term but may terminate their agreements at any time. Similarly, the Council could terminate these agreements at any time with a two-thirds plus one vote.

Proposal P-24-4, which received a 7-2 vote, seeks to resolve separation of powers issues within the city's governance structure. A three-person Conference Committee established under the Charter will determine roles between the City Council and Mayor and address issues raised by either party. The amendment ensures that this Committee has sufficient appointees to effectively resolve disputes between the Mayor and Council.

These measures have been adopted by companion resolutions passed by the Council. Once enacted through the City's process, they will be placed on the ballot for voter consideration in 2024. If approved, these measures are expected to bring more efficient and transparent procedures to Albuquerque's executive and legislative functions.

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