Public Safety News
Critics say mayor's downtown plans fail to address crime
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has proposed a new plan aimed at revitalizing Downtown Albuquerque. The proposal includes the creation of a "tax increment financing" district (TIDD) and a "Business Improvement District" (BID). These measures are intended to focus tax revenues on the downtown area and involve private sector participation in managing certain services.
NMBC announces 2024 Heroes Banquet to honor fallen first responders
The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) has announced the 2024 Heroes Banquet in collaboration with Rebound New Mexico (RNM). The event will honor the families of fallen first responders who died in the line of duty this year.
Latest News
Concerns rise over Judge Cindy Leos' retention in New Mexico judicial elections
By New Mexico Sun | Sep 6, 2024
Judge Cindy Leos is seeking retention for Division IX of the New Mexico 2nd Judicial District Court, which includes Albuquerque. To retain her position, she must secure at least 57% of the vote.
Grisham on special session: 'Together, we can make our state safer for all'
By Donna Rolando | Jul 23, 2024
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's decision to forge ahead with a special session of the New Mexico State Legislature on Thursday, July 18, despite backlash brought no advancement on her crime and public safety concerns.
Safe Outdoor Spaces project in limbo after city council shoots down resolution
By Paige Wagenknecht | Dec 12, 2023
Albuquerque city councilors and local advocates agree that a homelessness problem exists, but thoughts differ on the potential solutions.
Unhoused encampment returns to Central Avenue business: 'Because the mayor is not enforcing public nuisance laws, they are free to break them'
By Paige Wagenknecht | Oct 30, 2023
Businesses on Central Avenue in Albuquerque – including Church’s Texas Chicken at 10230 Central Ave. SE – have experienced a constant influx of unhoused citizens.
Judge Enjoins APD From Enforcing Laws Against Homeless To Remove Them From Public Spaces
By Pete Dinelli | Oct 5, 2023
On Sept. 21, District Court Judge Josh Allison issued a Preliminary Injunction against the City of Albuquerque from “enforcing or threatening to enforce” statutes and city ordinance to displace the homeless from public spaces. The Court enjoined the city from seizing and destroying homeless belongings and mandates a warrant and post deprivation hearings regarding personal belongings seized.
Community activist fears Las Cruces breakdown due to crime, drugs, homelessness
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 14, 2023
When Sarah Smith attended a community safety meeting last summer, she heard complaints about the Desert Hope Apartments in Las Cruces that she didn’t expect.
Business group vows to sue Albuquerque over failure to prosecute vagrants, transients
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 14, 2023
The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) is vowing to sue the City of Albuquerque for failing to take legal action against the petty and sometimes violent crimes allegedly committed by transients and vagrants.
New Mexico AG to Grisham: ‘My duty to uphold and defend the constitutional rights of every citizen takes precedence’
By New Mexico Sun Report | Sep 14, 2023
In a letter to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that he can not support the governor’s order to suspend the right to carry firearms and will not defend the gun ban in court. He cites the Second Amendment, as many other individuals and groups have, and disagrees over the governor making it a public health emergency.
Political Pressure Overrides Safety: Mayor Keller’s Legacy Project Exposes Workers to Asbestos
By Pete Dinelli | Sep 13, 2023
The City of Albuquerque and Consolidated Builders face record fines for ignoring asbestos risks at Mayor Keller's pet project, the Gateway Homeless Shelter, according to a damning report by New Mexico's OHSB.
Attorney General Torrez: 'This campaign is extremely important to me and my team as we are looking for information against these bad actors that will hopefully lead to an arrest and criminal charges'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 22, 2023
On Aug. 4, 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo announced a new public awareness campaign aimed at combating behavioral health treatment scams targeting vulnerable homeless populations in New Mexico. According to a press release by the New Mexico Human Services Department, the new "Don't Be Taken For a Ride" initiative promotes utilizing the 988 crisis lifeline to report suspicious activities.
Keller's Rail Trail: Paradise Road or Homeless, Drug Skid Row?
By Pete Dinelli | Aug 17, 2023
On July 22, Mayor Tim Keller was joined by world-renowned architect Antoine Predock to announce plans for the Albuquerque Rail Trail project.
Sonntag: 'Albuquerque is experiencing a crisis with homelessness'
By New Mexico Sun Report | Aug 17, 2023
The New Mexico Business Coalition recently hosted a ABQ Crime Crisis BASH, an event with people discussing the crime rate in Albuquerque.
Attorney General Torrez: 'This campaign is extremely important to me and my team as we are looking for information against these bad actors that will hopefully lead to an arrest and criminal charges'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 16, 2023
On Aug. 4, 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo announced a new public awareness campaign named "Don't Be Taken For a Ride." According to a press release by the New Mexico Human Services Department, this initiative involves utilizing the 988 crisis lifeline to report suspicious activities linked to the behavioral health treatment scam affecting the most vulnerable, unsheltered populations in New Mexico
Reversing the Homelessness Crisis: Is New Mexico Ready for a Behavioral Health Treatment Court?
By Pete Dinelli | Jun 15, 2023
On May 22, the NM Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) released a report on the state’s homeless and the affordable housing shortage which included the preliminary estimates of the 2023 Point In Time (PIT) annual homeless count.
Tim Keller's shanty town of casitas, duplexes and homeless encampments
By Pete Dinelli | May 9, 2023
A shanty town is loosely defined as an area of improvised buildings known as shanties or shacks of poor construction that lack adequate infrastructure including proper sanitation, safe water supply, electricity and street drainage and parking.
Rampant crime threatens new business: 'I feel like, as small business owners, we're just sitting ducks'
By New Mexico Sun Report | May 9, 2023
Rampant vandalism and crime are causing a business owner to consider closing her doors only weeks after opening.
Northwest Albuquerque resident on deadly shooting: 'The longer we have lived here the more crime we have seen over the years'
By New Mexico Sun Report | May 7, 2023
A deadly shooting in the Motel 6 parking lot has renewed concerns about crime from neighbors who live near the Coors and Iliff intersection just south of I-40 on the west side of Albuquerque.
Santa Fe officials consider city-endorsed homeless camps: 'This is an issue in our community'
By New Mexico Sun Report | Apr 4, 2023
An issue that was hotly debated in Albuquerque is now a topic of discussion in Santa Fe as officials mull city-endorsed homeless camps in the city.
