Public Meetings - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The City Council held a special meeting on February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. All nine councilors were present. The meeting opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish, followed by a single agenda item: a motion to enter executive session. Executive Session - Council President Klarissa J. Peña moved to enter executive session pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1(H)(7) for discussion subject to attorney-client privilege pertaining to litigation in Mayor Tim Keller v. Albuquerque City Council. - The motion was seconded and carried unanimously by a 9-0 vote. - After returning, President Peña affirmed that matters discussed in executive session were limited to those specified in the motion. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the motion to enter executive session (9-0). - No other business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 5:36 PM.

The City Council convened at 5:00 PM in Vincent E. Griego Chambers with all nine councilors present. The meeting included proclamations, administration Q&A, consent agenda, public comments, approval of the first quarter revenue and expense report, final action on amendments to the short-term rental ordinance and repeal of the administration question and answer period, and two executive sessions. The meeting adjourned at 9:52 PM. Consent Calendar - All consent agenda items passed unanimously (9-0), including: lease with ProView Networks (EC-25-551), supplemental legal services (EC-26-16), advisory task force report (OC-26-1), transit route changes (O-25-103), animal rules (O-25-104), grant funds (R-25-214), CIP priorities (R-25-217), and a sobriety housing voucher pilot program recommendation (R-25-218). M-25-6 (support for housing affordability amendment) was withdrawn by sponsor. EC-26-15 was withdrawn by administration. O-26-1 was postponed to February 18, 2026. Proclamations & Presentations - Albuquerque West Side Day Proclamation: Declared February 5, 2026 as the 17th annual Albuquerque West Side Day. Accepted by Twilight McComb (West Central Community Development Group) and Melissa Sanchez (Albuquerque West Side Business Association). Over 700 students expected to participate in the February 20, 2026 event at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. The event is wholly volunteer-organized; over 10,000 students have participated over the years. - Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) Update: City economist Christine Berner reported November GRT grew 1.3% over November 2025, with cumulative growth at 4.9% for the fiscal year. Excluding hold harmless, business sector growth was 3.1%. Cannabis sales increased 9.6% in November, though cumulative growth remains negative at -3.2%. Accommodation/food and construction declined in November. Councilors discussed potential state legislation removing GRT on housing and medical deductions, estimating a combined statewide impact of $54 million with Albuquerque absorbing 50%. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple speakers addressed the council, including concerns about unsafe walking routes to school (trash, needles, encampments), support for short-term rental limits (O-26-5), opposition to criminalizing homelessness, and calls for tenant protections. A motion to extend public comment from 1 to 2 minutes per speaker failed, with the council president citing discretion based on the number of speakers. Some speakers criticized the council's prior rejection of tenant protection ordinance O-25-102. Others expressed appreciation for the point-in-time homelessness count participation by councilors. Discussion Items - Final Action O-26-5 (Short-Term Rental Separation Requirement): Sponsored by Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers, and Telles. Four floor amendments were considered: - Amendment No. 1: Reduced buffer distance from 330 feet to 100 feet. Passed 9-0. - Amendment No. 2: Applied the requirement only to Council Districts 2, 6, and 7 instead of citywide. Failed for lack of a second. - Amendment No. 3 (re-designated as No. 2): Delayed effective date to July 1, 2026 to allow unregistered operators to obtain permits. Passed 9-0. - Amendment No. 4 (technical): Conformed amendment numbers. Passed 9-0. - After amendments, the bill as amended failed 4-5. Voting for: Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers, Telles. Voting against: Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Peña. - Final Action O-26-7 (Repeal of Administration Question and Answer Period): Sponsored by Peña. The ordinance repeals the section requiring formal tracking and responses to unanswered questions. Passed 5-4. Voting for: Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Peña. Voting against: Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers, Telles. Councilors expressed concerns about transparency; the city CEO offered to work with councilors to maintain public response records informally. - Approval EC-26-18 (First Quarter FY2026 Revenue & Expense Report): Received by noted (9-0). Councilors questioned the projected overspend of $18.8 million, particularly in APD, legal, municipal development, and fire. Administration cited increased operating costs, contractual services (ShotSpotter, drone program, traffic signal contracts), and staffing turnover. Performance measures and risk mitigation strategies were discussed. Second quarter projections are expected by end of February. Key Outcomes - Short-term rental separation ordinance (O-26-5) FAILED (4-5) after amendments. - Repeal of administration question and answer period (O-26-7) PASSED (5-4). - First quarter revenue and expense report (EC-26-18) was received and noted (9-0). - The council approved revised 2026 committee appointments (9-0). - O-11 (establishing an African American Advisory Board) was introduced and placed on the February 18, 2026 agenda (unanimous). - Two executive sessions were held: (a) attorney-client privilege regarding Mayor Tim Keller v. Albuquerque City Council litigation (10-15-1(H)(7)), and (b) limited personnel matter regarding the Inspector General investigation of City Attorney Lauren Keefe (10-15-1(H)(2)). Both motions passed unanimously (9-0). The president affirmed that discussions were limited to the stated purposes.

The Albuquerque City Council met on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The 9-member council addressed a full agenda including executive session litigation, proclamations, committee appointments, approvals of contracts and appointments, a contentious reconfirmation hearing for the fire chief, and a deeply divided debate over a proposed rental practices ordinance. The meeting extended past 10:33 PM and included a dinner break. Proclamations & Presentations - Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Police Service Aide (PSA) Program: Interim Chief Barker presented. As of the meeting, APD employs 92 PSAs (up from 30 in 2017). PSAs respond to traffic crashes/hazards, non-violent property crimes with no suspect info, and assist with perimeters. They are unarmed and trained to disengage. In 2025, 24 PSAs became police officers; 10 in 2024; 8 in 2023. Vice-President Champine requested the presentation after constituent concerns about seeing PSAs instead of officers. Councilor expressed appreciation for the program but concern about placing unarmed personnel in danger; Chief Barker confirmed de-escalation training and the ability to walk away. - Teharas Arroyo BioZone Open Space Presentation: Director Dave Simon and Open Space Superintendent Colleen McRoberts presented. The city now owns about 800 acres in the area. They highlighted completion of the Route 66 Trailhead, interpretive signs, and a new ADA-accessible sensory trail funded by a $500,000 Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District Trails+ grant with $400,000 in city match. The trail features braille, Spanish/English signs, audio recordings, and sign language, targeting children with disabilities. Over 4,000 volunteer hours have been contributed since 2021. Councilor Grout praised the project as "five minutes from Central and Tramway." Executive Session - The council unanimously (9–0) voted to enter executive session under NMSA 1978 § 10-15-1(H)(7) for attorney-client privileged discussion of Mayor Tim Keller v. Albuquerque City Council litigation. President Peña affirmed the discussion was limited to that topic. Consent Calendar All consent items were approved unanimously (9–0) without discussion: - EC-26-2: Supplemental agreement for outside counsel (Mynatt Springer P.C.) - EC-26-3: Supplemental agreement for outside counsel (Robles Rael & Anaya P.C.) - EC-26-4: Re-appointment of Bruce Perlman to the Labor-Management Board - EC-26-5: Appointment of Vicky G. Estrada-Bustillo to the Water Protection Advisory Board - EC-26-6: Re-appointment of Christine M. Kiser to the Open Space Advisory Board - EC-26-7: Appointment of Joyce Marie Gilbert to the Senior Affairs Advisory Council - EC-26-8: Appointment of Nancy A. Roll to the Biological Park Board - EC-26-12: Appointment of Michael A. Puelle to the Albuquerque Development Commission - O-25-99: Postponed to February 18, 2026 (bond issuance for Juniper Flats project) - R-25-205: Postponed to February 18, 2026 (quarterly operations reports for AFR, APD, Community Safety) Public Comments & Testimony General Public Comments (one-minute limit per speaker): - Lettis Otto: Urged that police officers must sign their oath of office, citing the state constitution. Claimed APD policy requires an oath but subscription (signing) may be missing. Noted Councilor Telles signed her oath. - Francesco Artist: Praised the council's "female supermajority" and called for a moment of silence for homicide victim Albert Peña. - Anami Das: Noted APD has not released use-of-force reports since October 2025 and urged timely public data. - Alexander Kaltenbach (UNM macroeconomics TA): Urged passage of O-25-102 (Rental Practices Ordinance), arguing it lowers transaction costs, corrects information asymmetry, and benefits renters and the local economy. - Tad Numitzki: Critical of homelessness and neighborhood conditions. - Thomas Abeta: Called for enforcement of laws and questioned transparency. - Lisa Christofferson: Criticized one-minute public comment limits and alleged lack of transparency in campaign finance filings for Council President Peña. - Ian Gates: [Speaker not transcribed.] - Teresa Garcia: Requested restoring two-minute public comment, no cap on speakers, allowance for applause/snapping, and childcare at meetings. - James Freeman: Urged support for the annual Point-in-Time homeless count (Jan 27-30) critical for federal funding. - Alexis Torres: Questioned why the rental practices ordinance was not passed, stating she concluded "that you benefit somehow from the predatory practices." - Leila Salim: Urged support for the rental ordinance, noting she worked on the state-level bill (SB 267). - Andrea Calderon: Raised concerns about safe spaces for food distribution, data sharing with third-party vendor (Zero Fatality/Novoa Global), and urged support for rental ordinance. - Miguel Titman: Urged council to reaffirm unions as foundation of workforce; addressed the reconfirmation process for fire chief. - Simon Polakowski: Expressed concern about one-minute limits; criticized reduction from two minutes. - Nira Sagzena (via Zoom): Criticized reduction from two minutes to one minute; called it a "travesty." - Nicole Finch: Described workplace retaliation at a major hospital; urged council to address healthcare workforce retention. - Janet Sayers: Thanked Councilor Telles for library funding; supported capital outlay requests for libraries; supported rental ordinance. - Sarah Azebo: Supported two-minute comments; urged protections for families from ICE; criticized city's position on sleeping outdoors. - Annie Montez: Supported work at Teharas Arroyo BioZone; urged continued support for open space projects. - Joe Calkins: Described 11.5 months of homeless camping near his home; called for safe places for unsheltered people. - Nikhil Pylour (via Zoom): Supported O-25-102, citing a Searchlight New Mexico article on lack of enforcement of state renter protections. - Shannon Cordova: Described husband's traumatic brain injury and alleged mishandling by the New Mexico Disciplinary Board. - Crystal Garcia: Opposed O-26-4 (Martineztown CPO amendment) as land theft; later moved to item-specific comment. Public Comment on Specific Items: - EC-26-13 (Social Services Agreement with Catholic Charities): Lisa Christofferson spoke. No transcript of her comments. - EC-26-1 / R-26-1 (Heading Home Funding): James Freeman and Connie Chavez spoke in support; Freeman called the funding "prevention." - EC-26-10 (Fire Chief Reconfirmation): Eight speakers testified: - William McMullen (Battalion Chief, IAFF Local 244): Expressed respect and loyalty to Chief Jaramillo on behalf of union members. - Chris Cruz (newly elected IAFF Local 244 Vice President): Requested council allow labor and management to work out disputes internally; said members feel "battered from all sides." - Teresa Garcia (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission): Strongly supported Chief Jaramillo, citing her engagement, accountability, and respect. - Levi Green (neighborhood association president): Supported Chief Jaramillo's leadership in public safety and collaboration. - Miguel Titman (IAFF Local 244 President): Noted union conducted a survey: 67% opposed reconfirmation (220 responses out of 647 members). Argued the core issue is collective bargaining over working conditions. - Keith Pancho Quinones (retired firefighter): Supported Chief Jaramillo, referencing institutional memory of department culture. - Brian Breeswine (Battalion Chief, 14 years, former union vice president): Supported Chief Jaramillo, citing accessibility and openness. - O-25-102 (Rental Practices Ordinance): Fifteen speakers testified: - Brandon Connell (landlord): Said the bill was "nothing onerous" and would strengthen communities. - Alexander Kaltenbach: Expressed frustration at proposed amendment removing fines; called enforcement essential. - Carla Humphries (teacher, renter): Described hundreds of dollars in undisclosed monthly fees; urged passage. - Adriana Wyaki (OLE Housing Justice Organizer): Urged passage without amendments weakening enforcement. - Mohammed Aljabouri: Described family's experience with application fees and no unit; urged passage. - Thomas Abeta: Described retaliation by landlords; urged passage. - Alan Lisseck (realtor/property manager): Argued the bill conflicts with state law; suggested creating a landlord-tenant hotline instead. - Josh Price (realtor/property manager): Opposed, arguing penalty before proof and that SB 267 should be given time. - Jacob Hamm (renter): Urged passage, citing 38-44% of Albuquerque residents rent; called for protection from predatory practices. - Andrea Calderon: Urged passage. No further detail transcribed. - James Freeman: Suggested amendments to require certified notice of violation to renters. - Teresa Storch (via Zoom): Supported; called it "common sense." - Elena Wegman (former Legal Aid attorney): Urged passage for enforcement; said tenants cannot afford private action. - Monet Silva (New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness): Urged passage, stating fees push households toward homelessness. - Winter Torres (New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion): Supported; quoted "Love is not silence in the face of injustice." - Christopher Shane Tanner (GAR Government Affairs): Opposed, citing enforcement overlap and premature local action. - Chris Venegas (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors President): Opposed, saying SB 267 should be given time. - Barcelon Costiner: Argued double enforcement is a "myth"; said without fees \"there is no incentive." Discussion Items - Committee Appointments (January 2026): Approved 6-3 (Bassa, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Peña, Rogers in favor; Baca, Fiebelkorn, Telles opposed). - Land Use, Planning & Zoning Committee Report (Jan 14): Councilor Fiebelkorn reported items EC-549 noted, O-26-5 (short-term rental separation requirement) passed as substituted. Council voted to revive O-26-5 for February 2 agenda (voice vote). - Finance & Government Operations Committee Report (Jan 12): Approved unanimously. Approvals (Contracts, Agreements, Appointments): - OC-26-2 (Open Space Advisory Board): Initially tabled, then removed from table (7-2), then Mr. Clay Campbell confirmed (8-1). - EC-26-9 (Re-appointment of CAO Dr. Samantha Sengel): Confirmed unanimously (9-0). Public speaker Francesco Artist opposed, alleging destruction of evidence. - EC-26-10 (Re-appointment of Fire Chief Emily V. Jaramillo): Extended debate. Council heard extensive public testimony and questioning. Chief Jaramillo confirmed unanimously (9-0). Councilors expressed desire for collaboration with the union; Councilor Lewis voted in favor expressing confidence in future cooperation; Councilor Telles directed pressure to the Mayor's budget. - EC-26-13 (Social Services Agreement with Catholic Charities): Approved unanimously (9-0). - EC-26-14 (La Semilla Project Internship Program): Approved unanimously (9-0). - EC-26-1 (Rapid Rehousing Funding): Approved unanimously (9-0). Final Actions: - R-26-1 (Heading Home Increase): Passed unanimously (9-0). Authorizes $662,526.92 to maintain housing for 92 households through FY2026. - O-25-102 (Rental Practices Ordinance): Failed on final passage (4-5). Five floor amendments were adopted: (1) Education materials; (2) Barred city enforcement if private/state action already initiated; (3) Technical renumbering; (4) Effective date delayed to July 1, 2026; (5) City directed to communicate with state legislature and AG about enforcement. An amendment to remove the $250 penalty was withdrawn. A motion to postpone to April 20, 2026 failed (4-5). The bill failed on final passage (4-5). - O-26-4 (Martineztown/Santa Barbara CPO-7 Removal): Passed 7-1 (Peña opposed; Baca recused). Removes two parcels (229 Broadway Blvd NE and 101 Lomas Blvd NE) from the character protection overlay zone. Key Outcomes - Fire Chief Reconfirmed: Chief Emily V. Jaramillo was reconfirmed unanimously after extensive public testimony and council discussion. Councilors emphasized the need for collaboration with the union. - Rental Practices Ordinance Fails: O-25-102 failed 4-5 after five amendments were adopted. A motion to postpone was also rejected. The sponsor, Councilor Rogers, said she will continue advocacy with the state AG. - Heading Home Funded: $662,526.92 approved to maintain housing for 92 households. - Martineztown CPO-7 Removal Approved: The parcels at 229 Broadway and 101 Lomas were removed from the character protection overlay, moving toward redevelopment. Councilor Baca recused himself. Councilor Peña dissented. - CAO Reconfirmed: Dr. Samantha Sengel confirmed unanimously. - Short-Term Rental Restrictions Revived: O-26-5 (separation requirement for short-term rental permits) was revived for the February 2 agenda. - Committee Appointments Approved: 6-3. - Council will communicate with the state regarding enforcement of SB 267. - Meeting Extended to 11:30 PM to accommodate the quasi-judicial hearing on O-26-4.

The Albuquerque City Council convened for the first meeting of the 27th Council on January 5, 2026, marked by the election of new leadership including President Clarissa Penya and Vice President Crystal Champagne. The meeting featured a tributes to the late community leader Geraldine "Jerry" Griego, updates on traffic safety, cannabis tax, and local economic development grants, and significant debates regarding renter protections, employee compensation, and budgetary priorities. The Council ultimately voted to sustain a veto on the budget oversight ordinance and deferred a funding adjustment for the "Heading Home" rental assistance program pending further audit clarification. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the December 15, 2025 journal and the letter of introduction for the Open Space Advisory Board appointment (OC2). - Unanimous approval of R1 increasing "Heading Home" funding (later deferred) and R205 requiring quarterly operations reports from public safety departments (deferred to January 21). - Withdrawal of OC59 regarding the investigation into the City Attorney's conduct, as an investigation was already underway. - Unanimous approval of the consent agenda for board and commission appointments. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Griego Tribute: Family members, including her son Frank Griego, expressed profound gratitude for the proclamation, highlighting her 35 years of dedication to the McKinley neighborhood, specifically regarding park improvements, traffic safety, and neighborhood beautification. - Traffic Safety: Council staff and public commenters discussed the need for continued education on the new traffic laws protecting vulnerable road users, with Director Jennifer Turner confirming the campaign includes billboards, radio spots, and social media. - Homelessness and Sweeps (General Public Comment): Multiple residents and advocates, including Dr. Lisa Christofferson, Carlos Michelin, Brittany Means, and Crystal Garcia, expressed strong opposition to recent sweeps of unhoused populations, describing them as ineffective and inhumane. They urged the Council to adopt a moratorium on sweeps, increase funding for affordable housing and vouchers, and support "Quirky Books" against fines. Conversely, Steve Holman and Patricia Wilson opposed housing code amendments (IDO), citing concerns about process transparency and potential property tax impacts. - Renter Protections (ID 0102): Public speakers like Dr. Lisa Christofferson and Ryan Swinney expressed strong support for the Rental Practices Ordinance to cap application fees and eliminate penalty fees, citing the financial hardship caused by arbitrary costs. The Apartment Association of New Mexico testified in opposition, arguing the bill duplicates state law and creates legal conflicts. - Budget and Employee Compensation: During the discussion on the one-time employee payment (R219), union representative Augustine Romero emphasized the need for recurring salary increases to ensure retention and morale, while Councilor Februar noted the critical need to fund employees but acknowledged the fiscal constraints. Discussion Items - Leadership Elections: The Council elected Clarissa Penya as President, Crystal Champagne as Vice President, and Carol Grout as Chair of the Committee of the Whole through roll call votes. - Traffic Safety Campaign: Director Jennifer Turner presented an update on the educational campaign for the traffic code updates passed in November, detailing progress on vulnerable road user training for city operators and the development of a public branding campaign. - Cannabis and Gross Receipts Tax: City Economist Christine Berners reported that Gross Receipts Tax grew 5.2% in October, though underlying growth is closer to the budgeted 3.8% when excluding a one-time $3.5 million state error correction. Cannabis tax collections showed a 5% growth. - Economic Development (Ordinance 0106): The Council approved LEDA grant funding for "New Mexico Nexus," a business accelerator in the Mesa del Sol district. The project is expected to create over 1,200 high-paying jobs. A floor amendment was added to explicitly emphasize local hiring preferences. - Rental Practices Ordinance (Ordinance 0102): A lengthy debate ensued regarding codifying state Senator Bill 267. While Councilor Rogers sponsored the bill to enforce tenant protections against hidden fees, Councilors Champagne and Lewis raised concerns about preemption of state law and potential duplicative fines. Councilor Rogers introduced amendments to align enforcement mechanisms with landlord feedback, including a $250 fine structure and mediation options. The Assembly debated whether the City Council has the capacity to enforce these ordinances compared to relying on the State Attorney General. - Budget Cleanup and Compensation (R215 and R219): The Council discussed the FY25 mid-year budget cleanup and the allocation of the general fund balance. Councilor Rogers moved to allocate $200,000 from Fund 265 (Grants) to Council Services for senior case management, which was debated regarding separation of powers before being redirected to Senior Affairs. Councilor Febrero introduced R219 to provide a one-time 1% supplemental compensation payment to city employees. A floor amendment by Councilor Lewis was added to prioritize lower-paid employees if funds are insufficient. The Council agreed to take all amendments and pass the cleanup bill to meet audit deadlines. - Capital Projects (R216): Several amendments were passed to update the Capital Improvement Program, including a $5 million grant for Balloon Fiesta Park improvements (ADA ramps and escarpment stabilization), impact fee updates, and Eisenhower Splash Pad renovations. - Discretionary Funds (RA9): A motion to increase Councilor discretionary funds from $20,000 to $50,000 per year was debated. Councilor Grout offered an amendment to increase the amount to $25,000 (a 25% increase). This amendment failed, as did the original motion to increase to $50,000, due to fiscal concerns regarding the current general fund balance. - Budget Oversight (EC 11): The Council considered overriding the Mayor's veto on the budget proposal process ordinance. Following arguments from Councilors Champagne, Rogers, and Baca regarding the need for transparency and collaboration, the Council voted to sustain the Mayor's veto (1-8), meaning the original ordinance does not pass. - Housing Transparency (M7): The Council unanimously passed a memorial supporting proposed state legislation to require transparency in local planning review processes for new housing. Key Outcomes - Leadership: Clarissa Penya (President), Crystal Champagne (Vice President), Carol Grout (Committee of the Whole Chair) were officially elected. - Traffic Safety: The Council received a progress update on the public awareness campaign for the new vulnerable road user laws. - Economic Development: Ordinance 0106 was passed unanimously (8-0) to approve the LEDA grant for the "New Mexico Nexus" project, with a floor amendment emphasizing local hiring. - Renters Ordinance: Ordinance 0102 was passed as amended after significant debate; amendments were adopted to adjust enforcement procedures and fines based on input from landlords and tenants. - Budget Cleanup: Resolution R215 was passed unanimously (9-0), incorporating amendments to fund senior case management ($200,000), a one-time employee payment of 1% (R219), and other FY25 cleanup adjustments to ensure audit compliance. - Employee Compensation: Resolution R219 was passed unanimously, authorizing a one-time 1% supplemental payment to city employees, contingent on the final fiscal year 2025 audit results. - Budget Oversight Veto: The Council voted 1-8 to sustain the Mayor's veto of EC 11 (Budget Proposal Process Ordinance), effectively rejecting the bill due to separation of powers concerns and the desire to negotiate a conference committee approach in the future. - Capital Projects: Resolution R216 was passed unanimously, incorporating a $5 million state grant for Balloon Fiesta Park improvements and other CIP amendments. - Housing Transparency: Memorial M7 was passed unanimously to support state legislation on housing permitting data. - Deferrals: R1 (Heading Home funding increase) was deferred to January 21 pending fund balance clarification. R205 (quarterly operations reports) was deferred to January 21. Note: There was a discrepancy noted in the transcript regarding the fund source for the Senior Case Management amendment; while Councilor Rogers suggested Fund 265, Administration advised that the General Fund was the primary source available, a point of contention not fully resolved before the vote.

The 44th meeting of the 26th Albuquerque City Council convened on December 15, 2025, with all counselors present (Counselor Baca arriving late). The session honored retiring Counselor Sanchez as the final meeting of his four-year term and recognized the Foothills Area Command Proactive Response Team for their service. The council addressed multiple legislative items, including budget oversight, employee compensation, and zoning map amendments, while navigating procedural challenges regarding fund balances and item expiration. Consent Calendar - Unanimous Approval: The entire consent agenda was approved unanimously. This included routine appointments to boards and commissions, the approval of the December 1st journal, and the suspension of rules to place several ordinances (OC 57, OC 59, EC 548, R219, R215) on the agenda for action. - EC 544: Approval of a supplemental risk management agreement for outside legal services was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Ranked Choice Voting: Kristen Cummings, Shirley Field, Perry Radford, and Molly Swank (Common Cause NM) expressed support for ranked choice voting. They argued it saves taxpayer money (estimated at over $1.6 million for runoffs), reduces voter fatigue, and leads to majority-backed winners, citing success in Santa Fe and Las Cruces. - Rental Practices Ordinance: Nira Saxena expressed strong support for the rental practices ordinance (O-102), urging the council to adopt provisions of SB 267 to protect tenants and prevent displacement, noting that predatory renting affects unhoused citizens. - Police Accountability: Mr. JB (referred to by a supporter as "JB") and Thomas Abeta expressed strong concern regarding the lack of timely police follow-up after JB was shot at his barbershop. They emphasized the need for accountability and criticized the department's failure to secure the scene or collect evidence. Councillor Lewis and Councillor Baca echoed these concerns, calling the lack of follow-up "outrageous" and a failure of the system. - Voter Intimidation: Lisa Christofferson expressed distress over a social media post suggesting ICE presence at a polling location in District 3, stating she believes this intented to intimidate voters. - Homeless Support & Resource Allocation: Marcelin Costner expressed frustration and opposition regarding the police sweeping of food distribution programs and the prioritization of park maintenance over food and housing for the unhoused. They argued that "numbers lying" about city safety is a dangerous narrative. - Municipal Pensions: Steven Verczynski expressed concern regarding the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) reducing pension values by over 50% in the next 25 years, urging the council to restore COLAs. - Elections Oversight: Molly Swank expressed support for a resolution demanding a public investigation into the meeting between the U.S. Ambassador to Israel and convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. Discussion Items - Budget Oversight (O-067): A committee substitute to improve budget proposal processes was discussed. Amendments were adopted to clarify reporting for direct reports, require study sessions, and mandate public hearings. Counselor Lewis and the CAO raised concerns about the lines between legislative and executive functions. Counselor Rogers and Counselor Pena argued for deferral due to the bill's impending one-year expiration and the need for further discussion on program savings language. A motion to suspend the rules to extend the bill failed 7-2. - Supplemental Compensation (R-219): Councilor Feblecorn proposed a one-time supplemental payment for city employees based on FY25 fund balance, citing a promise made during budget negotiations. Counselor Grout and Counselor Sanchez expressed skepticism, arguing that a one-time payment is inferior to a recurring COLA and that prioritizing employees over unfunded park emergency needs (O-102 deferral context) was inconsistent. Counselor Lewis criticized the last-minute nature of the bill, noting it competes with the park bill and lacks clear funding sources. Counselor Rogers and Counselor Baca expressed support for prioritizing employees over park projects. The item was deferred to January 5th. - Rental Practice Ordinance (O-102): Councilor Rogers moved to defer the ordinance codifying SB 267 provisions to January 5th to allow more time for review. - Mid-Year Cleanup (R-215): Councilor Grout moved to defer this budget adjustment bill to January 5th to allow time for council staff to digest questions and for the administration to provide accurate financial data regarding the unaudited fund balance. - Foothills PRT Proclamation: A unanimous vote was held to suspend rules and recognize the Foothills Proactive Response Team. Counselors expressed support and admiration for the team's proactive policing and leadership, particularly noting that three out of the last four APD Officers of the Year came from this district. Key Outcomes - Proclamations: The Foothills Proactive Response Team was officially recognized with a proclamation (8-0 vote). Counselor Baca arrived late and was excused from this vote initially, but the vote passed 8-0 (presumably after Baca joined or as a unanimous consensus after his arrival). Note: Transcript indicates 8-0 vote after Baca was excused, implying presence/consensus was high. - Appointments: Carl R. Kaiser was unanimously (7-0) confirmed as the new member of the Open Space Advisory Board. - Contracts: EC 548 (IDEMIA AFIS platform) was approved unanimously (7-0). - Zoning Map Amendments: - O-100 (Mana Mall MRA): Adopted unanimously to rezone 41 acres from non-residential to Mixed-Use Medium (MXM) to support redevelopment and housing goals. - O-101 (UNM South Campus): Adopted with one amendment (9-0) to rezone approximately 35 acres from RMH/MXL to NRC to facilitate retail and employment uses. - Deferrals: - R-215 (Mid-Year Cleanup): Deferred to January 5th, 2026 (9-0). - R-219 (Employee Bonus): Deferred to January 5th, 2026 (9-0). - O-102 (Rental Ordinance): Deferred to January 5th, 2026 (5-4). - O-067 (Budget Process): Passed 8-1 as amended, pending further discussion on procedural rules in the next term as expiration suspension failed. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with Counselor Sanchez thanking the staff and colleagues for their four years of service.

The 26th Council held its 43rd meeting on December 1, 2025, focusing on fiscal oversight, transit security reforms, library operations, and park maintenance. The Council received the Office of Inspector General's annual whistleblower report and the Internal Auditor's annual report, though questions were raised regarding the timeline and staffing for OIG investigations. Significant debate occurred over amendments to the budget process ordinance (O25-067), including proposals for study sessions, direct financial system access, and grant reporting. The Council also addressed the safety of domestic violence resources, transit security classification changes, and the immediate funding needs of city parks. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding whistleblower retaliation, the adoption of ranked-choice voting, and policing conduct at public facilities. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 17th journal unanimously (9-0). - Approved the Letter of Introduction unanimously. - Deferred Item O25-99 to December 15th unanimously. - Approved the main Consent Agenda unanimously after removing items E25-538 (Domestic Violence Resource Center funding) and E25-535 (Quarterly Security Report) for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - David Cordova (via spouse, Shannon Cordova): Expressed strong opposition to and concern regarding alleged negligence and misconduct by Bernalillo County Detention Center staff and legal counsel following a 2021 riot that injured her husband, a whistleblower. She urged the Council to investigate, stating she and her husband possess video and email evidence of illegal actions and evidence tampering, and noted she would not vote to fund projects until she trusts the government's fiscal operations. - Mason Graham (Common Cause New Mexico): Expressed support for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), arguing that runoff elections foster negative campaigning and divide the community. - Cesar Marquez (Common Cause New Mexico): Provided a demonstration of how Instant Runoff Voting works to eliminate the need for costly runoffs. - Francesco Artist: Expressed concern regarding potential legal improprieties and the handling of documents by the administration, stating that silence regarding known issues makes one complicit. - Justin Rogers: Expressed full support for Ranked Choice Voting, citing the financial costs of runoffs and the fact that many council members were elected with fewer votes in runoffs than in general elections. - Lisa Christofferson: Expressed appreciation for Southwestern Albuquerque firefighters and the Albuquerque Police Department for helping a family member, and requested access to a Domestic Violence Victim's packet that she could not locate online. - Janet Sayers: Expressed appreciation for library funding efforts but questioned why library funding for advertising came from an outside donor rather than the city; she also noted the lack of Sunday hours at specific branches. - Anami Das: Expressed opposition to the administration's legal action against "Quirky Books" following a homicide, arguing that resources should focus on broader safety issues rather than suing independent businesses. - Michelle Guidellis: Expressed support for pedestrian safety measures and urged the prohibition of right turns on red near high-traffic university intersections. - Miguel Alvarez: Expressed strong opposition to the conduct of private security personnel at the Legacy Building (Family Advocacy Center), alleging they attempted to trespass and harass individuals exercising their constitutional right to film in public and failed to respond adequately to reports of inappropriate behavior. - Peter Martin: Express concern regarding the firing of two police officers involved in a fatal shooting and alleged discrepancies in federal funds for Central Avenue store owners and homeless assistance. - Teresa Garcia: As a domestic violence survivor, expressed concern that the Council's approved single-provider contract for APD training would fail to meet the needs of a complex city, advocating instead for a collaborative, multi-provider model. - James Freeman: Expressed support for Ranked Choice Voting and concern regarding police officers wearing masks during narcotics operations. - Nicole Finch (Library Advisory Board): Clarified that library hours are constrained by staffing levels, noting Albuquerque has 162 employees for 19 branches compared to 500 in Baltimore County; expressed support for potential city funding for library resources. Discussion Items - Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) Update: City Economist Christine Berner reported that GRT growth was solid at 4% for September (cumulative 5.9% vs expected 3.8%), while the cannabis sector saw a 21% negative decline. - Domestic Violence Funding (E25-538): Councilor Rogers questioned the capacity of the Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) to provide citywide training and the procurement process. Commander Bernard clarified that the single organization was the sole respondent to the procurement and that the funding supports staffing and victim advocacy, not just training. Councilor Rogers also raised concerns about the accessibility of the Domestic Violence Commission's packet on the city website, which the CAO promised to address. - Transit Security Report (E25-535): Councilor Champagne and others discussed the shift of transit security functions from Metro Security to APD Transit Safety Officers. Administration confirmed that proactive calls increased by 20% while reactive calls dropped significantly due to this shift. Clarification was provided that Metro Security is unarmed and observes/reports, while Transit Safety Officers are sworn APD officers. - Inspector General Report (OC47): Councilor Lewis questioned the six-month delay in releasing audit reports regarding four specific investigations, citing a lack of transparency. Interim IG Mr. Pacheco explained delays were due to the need for an outside auditor (REDW) to complete a review, which concluded in October, and that the office is underfunded with only three employees. - Internal Audit Report (OC48): Councilor Grout questioned the missing Gibson Gateway audit, noting the City Attorney's office has not yet provided necessary legal clarifications despite the audit being ongoing for three years. The City Auditor confirmed they have not utilized their subpoena power regarding this specific item yet. - Budget Process Ordinance (O25-067): - Amendment 1 & 2: Passed unanimously to require the use of the comprehensive plan tool in goal setting and to define "salary savings" and "vacancy savings." - Amendment 3: Passed unanimously to require departments to provide answers to general budget questions within seven business days. - Amendment 4 (Study Sessions): Passed (7-2) to authorize informational study sessions mid-fiscal year with department directors, following the removal of a specific timeline to allow for flexibility. - Amendment 5 (Fund 265 Reporting): Passed (5-4) to require quarterly financial reports on active grants in Fund 265, following a reduction from monthly to quarterly frequency. - Amendment 6 (Financial System Access): Passed (6-3) to grant Council read-only access to financial system data. - Amendment 7 (Withdrawn): Withdrawn to allow for further discussion on preventing impediments to budget deadlines. - Amendment 8 (Withdrawn): Withdrawn regarding the budgeting of unclassified salaries in the Mayor's Office due to concerns about departmental cost transparency. - Amendment 9: Passed (8-1) to clarify the Mayor's budget proposal as a "draft" subject to Council amendment. - Amendment 10: Passed (8-0) to prohibit negative programmatic appropriations in the budget. - Amendment 11 (Withdrawn): Withdrawn regarding Council attendance at all budget hearings due to Open Meeting Act (OMA) concerns and the existence of study sessions. - Amendment 12 (Withdrawn): Withdrawn regarding Conference Committee composition pending clarification on Charter requirements. - Amendment 13: Passed unanimously to require measurable indicators for city goals. - Emergency Parks Funding (R183): Passed (8-1) with amendments to allocate up to two million dollars in revert funds to the Parks and Recreation department for turf replacement. Councilor Lewis amended the distribution to be split equally among the three Parks Yard operations. - MRA Designation (R204): Repealed the St. Joseph Hospital MRA designation unanimously. - Rules of Procedure (RA8): Amended to clarify the order of business for items withdrawn from the Consent Agenda. Key Outcomes - Deferred: - O25-067 (Budget Process Ordinance) to December 15, 2025, to allow for review of the printed budget distribution logistics and potential additional amendments. - Several amendments to R183 and O25-067 were withdrawn for further work. - Approved: - O25-067: Budget process amendments passed with a total of 10 amended sections, establishing study sessions and stricter reporting requirements. - R183: Resolution for emergency parks turf replacement funding passed, allocating funds to the three Parks Yards. - R204: Repeal of St. Joseph Hospital MRA designation passed. - RA8: Rules of Procedure amendments passed. - E25-538: Approval of Domestic Violence Resource Center funding for training programs (9-0). - E25-535: Acceptance of the Quarterly Security Report (8-0). - OC47 & OC48: Receipt of Inspector General and Internal Auditor annual reports. - Vote Tallies: - Amendments to O25-067 saw mixed support, with Amendment 4 passing 7-2, Amendment 5 passing 5-4, and Amendment 9 passing 8-1. - R183 passed 8-1. - O25-067 as a whole was deferred pending further work. - Directives: - CAO instructed to locate the Domestic Violence Victim's packet and ensure translation services are available. - Internal Auditor instructed to follow up on the City Attorney's Office regarding the Gibson Gateway audit. - Administration to clarify the printing distribution of the 2026 Budget to Council members and ensure staff flexibility for future amendments. - Council staff to investigate the specific security incidents at the Legacy Building discussed in public comment.

The 42nd meeting of the 26th Albuquerque City Council convened on November 17, 2025, to address a variety of administrative updates, legislative proposals, public comments, and final actions. Councilors focused on fiscal oversight regarding the airport observation deck, electoral reform discussions regarding Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), and procedural clarifications on property disposition. Public comment heavily featured advocacy for RCV to prevent costly runoffs, concerns over the conditions of city parks, and updates on arts programs for the disabled community. Consent Calendar - Approval of the November 5th journal: Passed unanimously (8-0). - Consent Agenda Items: Councilors Champagne and Lewis moved to remove EC 485, EC 496, OC 47, OC 2548, and OC 48 from the agenda for individual discussion. The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously (8-0) without further delay after removals. Public Comments & Testimony - Molly Swank (Common Cause New Mexico): Expressed full support for implementing Ranked Choice Voting (Instant Runoffs) to reduce taxpayer costs and improve voter engagement, noting the city is facing a low-turnout runoff election for mayor and council districts. - Let's Otvoke: Called for the adoption of an ordinance ending police stop-and-frisk practices to protect civil liberties and build trust. - Peter Martin (District 1 resident): Expressed full support for Ranked Choice Voting, citing its ability to guarantee majority winners, promote candidate civility, and save money compared to runoff elections. - Chris Love (Albuquerque Disability Community): Advocated for the extension of the city contract for arts and disability classes at the Loma Linda Community Center, which faces budget shortfalls as the current contract ends December 31, 2025. - Brad Thompson: Raised concerns regarding a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 624 Richmond Street, stating that while the permit is for an ADU, the occupancy is rated R3 in an R1 zone, and requested review of the zoning compliance. - David Campbell: Expressed disappointment over the high cost of the mayoral re-election campaign ($500k+), suggesting alternative uses for funds (e.g., road repairs), and alleged unfair campaign tactics by opponents of Councilor Pena, including anonymous text message blasts. - Thomas Abeta: Reiterated the importance of Ranked Choice Voting, citing Santa Fe's successful election as a model for cost efficiency and increased voter engagement. - Miguel Alvarez: Cited research from the University of California and University of Iowa stating that Ranked Choice Voting increases voter turnout by 17% and improves voter satisfaction with campaign conduct. - Tad Nimiski: Expressed strong concern regarding the poor condition of city parks (dead trees, lack of facilities) and the difficulty of hiring transit drivers, suggesting recruitment from the National Guard as a solution. - Barbara Titus: Urged the council to fund warming centers and safe sleeping places for the homeless, criticizing the city for prioritizing "brown grass" over human life during winter. - Dr. Lisa Christofferson: Echoed support for Ranked Choice Voting, criticized the persistent need to beg for library HVAC funding, and argued that current encampment sweeps are ineffective and violate due process due to lack of notice. - Rachel Minar: Requested funding for the downtown main library HVAC system, suggesting contributions from Councilors Baca and Grout's set-aside funds. Discussion Items - R200 (Aviation Observation Deck): Councilor Sanchez proposed a resolution amending the Capital Improvement Program to reappropriate $7 million for an airport observation deck, splitting funds into a $1.5 million planning/design account and a $5.5 million reserve. The resolution requires 90% design completion before construction funds are released and includes a public meeting requirement. - Positions: Councilor Sanchez and Councilor Lewis expressed full support for the bill and its amendments, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and protection against potential cost overruns citing past failures. Councilor Pena, Councilor Rogers, and Councilor Bacca expressed opposition or concern about the delays. Administration presented that the project uses a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, which has proven effective in past airport renovations with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to control costs, contrary to claims of financial uncertainty. - Public Testimony: Airport Advisory Board members (Sarah Collins, Mark Limini, George Scarbick Borowski, Fred DeGuillo) strongly opposed R200, arguing that the project was already funded, designed, and that the CMAR model ensures efficiency. They warned that additional studies and delays would increase costs and postpone the project into 2027 or later. - Outcome: The resolution was amended (Amendment 1 corrected a typo to $5.5M; Amendment 2 added a public meeting requirement). The motion to pass R200 as amended resulted in a 4-5 vote (Councilor Lewis, Councilor Pena, Councilor Bacca, Councilor Feblecorn, Councilor Sanchez; Opposed: Councilor Champagne, Councilor Grout, Councilor Rogers, Councilor Backa, Councilor Phillips). The measure failed. - EC 485 (AI Policy): Councilor Gorn questioned the working group representation and the policy form (Executive Communication vs. Ordinance). Administration clarified that due to the rapid evolution of AI technology, an Administrative Instruction is more flexible than an Ordinance and recommended forming an emerging technologies board. - EC 496 (ABQ Ride Transit Policy): Councilor Champagne inquired about the reduction of the bus fleet from 163 to 109 vehicles. Director Keener confirmed this is due to the new network efficiency and spare ratio requirements. Councilor Rogers expressed concern that the network plan approval was not clearly separated from the equity plan in the initial vote. Councilor Backa clarified that Council made the decision to accept a memo rather than a full EC due to legislative ambiguity, and the administration agreed to analyze the document as an EC for transparency. - OC 47 (Inspector General Report): Councilor Lewis and Councilor Champagne moved to defer OC 47 for two weeks due to the absence of the interim auditor and the inability to produce a whistleblower report. Councilor Champagne noted that a whistleblower ordinance report has never been delivered under the current ordinance. - OC 48: Councilor Lewis moved to defer OC 48 for two weeks. The motion passed unanimously. - P8 (Performing Arts Center Repeal) & R208 (Charter Amendment Form): Councilor Bacca introduced P8 to repeal a charter requirement for a public vote on the Performing Arts Center and R208 to set the ballot question format. Both were deferred to December 1st to ensure two hearings as required for charter amendments. - R210 (MRA Property Disposition): Councilor Bacca moved to require Council approval for the disposition of city-owned property in the Central Community Planning Area, specifically citing 229 Broadway. An amendment was adopted to apply rules to the specific parcel of 229 Broadway only, not citywide, and to allow flexibility based on existing MRA or city code procedures. Administration noted this does not add bureaucracy for MRA properties generally but ensures specific oversight for this lot where a for-sale sign was prematurely placed. Key Outcomes - Deferrals: - R 183 (Parks): Deferred two weeks pending an update from administration on park conditions. - OC 47 (Inspector General): Deferred two weeks pending availability of the interim auditor and drafting of the whistleblower report. - OC 48: Deferred two weeks. - P8 (Performing Arts Center): Deferred to December 1st for charter amendment hearings. - R208 (Charter Amendment Form): Deferred to December 1st for charter amendment hearings. - Votes Passed: - EC 485 (AI Policy): Approved unanimously (8-0). - EC 496 (ABQ Ride Transit): Approved unanimously (8-0). - R 203 (Westland Master Plan): Approved unanimously (8-0) as amended. - R 207 (Runoff Election): Approved unanimously (8-0). - R 210 (Property Disposition - 229 Broadway): Approved unanimously (8-0) as amended. - EC 533 (Retail Concession Lease): Approved unanimously (8-0). - Votes Failed: - R 200 (Aviation Observation Deck): Failed on a 4-5 vote after two successful amendments were passed (one regarding cost correction, one regarding public input). - Admin Q&A: - Litigation Report: Delayed due to staffing changes; administration will verify and provide the report. - Quirky Books: Administration confirmed filing an emergency injunction in District Court following a shooting near the location; they are awaiting a hearing date. - Encampment Policy: Administration clarified that while they are pursuing an injunction for the specific private property (Quirky Books), they continue to respond to 311 calls and clear public property encampments, though Councilor Champagne noted inconsistency in the city's approach between private and public properties.

The 26th Albuquerque City Council convened for its 41st meeting to address appeals, administration questions, and significant legislative items regarding traffic safety, housing dignity, and financial instruments. The session featured a strong public presence advocating for pedestrian safety following recent fatalities, detailed discussions on the Broken Windows program and AED procurement, and the unanimous passage of amendments designed to protect vulnerable road users and preserve the dignity of senior housing residents. Consent Calendar - Item E, EC 519 (Lotus Engineering & Sustainability LLC contract) and Item E, EC 520 were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion regarding grant parameters and Justice 40 alignment. - Remaining consent agenda items, including appointments to boards/commissions, were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Opposition to Officer Immunity: Francesco Artist expressed strong opposition to leadership allegedly violating oaths of office and covering up laws broken by police, calling for accountability rather than the removal of immunity. - Food Insecurity Concerns: Anami Das and Let's Autvo (Letra Otva) testified that SNAP benefit extensions would lead to increased crime and homicide; they urged the city to utilize resources like the convention center catering to feed hungry residents immediately. - First Amendment & Civil Rights: Leo Ortiz, Miguel Alvarez, and Nicole Finch (Zoom) expressed concerns regarding police overreach, specifically the use of horses on sidewalks, prior restraint of press (spotlighting cameras), and the need for new leadership to address city issues. - Library Bond Support: Nicole Finch expressed overwhelming support for the library bond, emphasizing the critical need to replace the 50-year-old HVAC system at the main branch to prevent operational shutdowns. - Traffic Safety Advocacy: Family members of Kayla Van Landingham (Melinda Montoya, Diana Zamora, Sonai Perez) delivered emotional testimonies calling for the passage of safety ordinances. They expressed gratitude for the legislation but highlighted the tragic necessity of the changes following Kayla's death by an inattentive driver. - Support for Infrastructure: Ted Numitsky and Eva Montoya supported the traffic code updates, requesting the addition of speed bumps near dangerous intersections and QR codes for reporting damaged infrastructure. Discussion Items - Appeal AC 2502 (Wall/Variance Permit): The City Council reviewed the appeal of Cynthia Hernandez regarding the denial of a 3-foot front wall variance at 3421 Abbey Court. The Land Use Hearing Officer recommended denying the appeal due to the applicant's failure to satisfy the "20% rule" (only 2 of 3 required neighboring properties existed). Councilor Pena questioned the consistency of enforcement regarding over-height fences in District Three. - Action: Council accepted the Luho recommendation to uphold the ZHE denial (7-2 vote). - Administration Q&A: - APD Academy Lawsuit: City Attorney Lauren Keefe clarified that the APD case went to trial and was lost, not settled; the intent is to appeal. Funding for any judgment would come from the risk fund, but no individual staff reprimand regarding "conduct unbecoming" was found to be implied by the verdict. - Rail Trail Lawsuit: Keefe confirmed the executive branch has the authority to litigate regarding the Rail Trail without Council approval if using existing budget funds, though the terminology regarding "one-third of the cost" was noted as potentially misleading by Councilor Champagne. - Broken Windows Program: Director Turner reported 210 windows replaced in the first round with 100% positive feedback. The second round (allocated $215,000) is open in the SIP code areas (pockets of poverty) to reduce blight and assist small businesses. - 2024 Progress Report: CAO noted delays due to quorum issues with the Indicators Progress Commission; they aim to publish before year-end. - Firefighter Reports: Monthly service reports had paused due to retirement of a staff member; they are expected to resume in January 2026. - Ballot Error: Council President Bassan and Clerk Watson discussed the omission of P25-7 from the May ballot. The Clerk confirmed no remedial ballot option exists currently. - AED Procurement: Councilor Rogers expressed frustration over the delay in procuring and training staff on AEDs since February 2025. The CAO committed to providing exact installation dates by the following day, acknowledging the liability risks. - EC 519 & EC 520 (Tree Planting Grant): Councilors Champagne and Rogers questioned the use of city funds for regional tree planting if the grant is from the USDA Forest Service. The Sustainability Officer clarified that the trees will be planted entirely within Albuquerque to address urban heat islands, though the application included regional partners (Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance, Bernalillo) to strengthen the grant bid. The Justice 40 principles continue to guide the selection of planting locations despite federal changes. - O 98 (Traffic Code Updates): Councilor Febalcorn introduced updates to the traffic code and sidewalk ordinances. - Amendment 1: Added definitions for "personal assistive mobility devices" to ensure ADA compliance. - Amendment 2: Modified definitions for vulnerable road users regarding crossing at intersections, allowing bicycles/e-bikes to cross uncontrolled intersections where signals are present within 600 feet, to discourage mid-block crossing while avoiding criminalization. - R 196 (Education Campaign): Resolution establishing a public education campaign for the new traffic code. - Amendment 1 (Reporting): Required monthly presentations for the first 180 days, then quarterly via Executive Communication (EC) thereafter. - Amendment 2 (Inventory): Added a requirement to report on the status of crosswalk striping and electronic beacons (including LED vs. Halogen status) by May 1, 2026. Councilors discussed the liability implications of creating a public record of broken equipment, with legal staff noting that knowledge alone does not establish liability if the city lacks the resources to act. - R 201 (Juniper Flats Naming): Councilor Grout moved to preserve the name "Juniper Flats" for senior housing at 25 Hotel Circle Northeast to maintain dignity and avoid association with the "Gateway" shelter system. Administration and legal staff raised concerns regarding Separation of Powers and potential micromanagement of executive naming rights. Councilor Lewis argued against the separation of powers claim, viewing it as an overreach by the administration. Key Outcomes - Appeal AC 2502: Motion accepted to uphold the ZHE denial (7-2 vote). Counselor Lewis and Vice President Pinya voted no. - O 98 (Traffic Code): Passed unanimously as amended (including the 210, 214, and 216 amendments). Councilor Champagne voted no on the initial vulnerability crossing amendment but the final version passed. - R 196 (Education Campaign): Passed unanimously as amended. Required the inclusion of APS and driver education schools in outreach and the May 1st inventory report. - R 201 (Juniper Flats): Passed unanimously (8-0 vote); Councilor Lewis and President Bassan voted yes, though they expressed concerns about the legal mechanism. The resolution directs the administration to preserve the name. - Bond & Resolution Approvals: R 201 (Juniper Flats) and R 205 (Quarterly Ops Reports) passed unanimously. The journal for October 20th was adopted unanimously. - Consent Agenda: Items EC 519 and EC 520 were subsequently approved unanimously after public discussion.

The 40th meeting of the 26th Council convened on October 20, 2025, with all councillors present except Councillor Baca, who arrived late. The meeting featured a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, presentations on the Route 66 Centennial and Parks activation, extensive public testimony focused on Ranked Choice Voting and street safety, and several final action items including downtown redevelopment and solar permitting. Key legislative efforts for traffic code updates and park funding were deferred to November 5, 2025, awaiting further amendments or budget review. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 6th Journal (8-0 vote). - Approved the Letter of Introduction (8-0 vote). - Accepted committee reports from the Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee (8-0 vote). - Approved the Consent Agenda (8-0 vote). - Suspended rules to place OC 53 on the agenda (8-0 vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Ranked Choice Voting (RCV): Multiple speakers, including Cesar Marquez (Common Cause New Mexico), James Hernandez (Youth Advocate), Adrian Carver (Mother), Peggy Norton, and members of the Albuquerque Democratic Socialist chapter, expressed full support for RCV. They argued it would reduce election costs (citing $581,000 for a runoff in District 6), increase voter turnout, and foster a more civil political environment. - Traffic Safety (O 98/R 196): Advocates, including Melinda Montoya (mother ofKayla Van Landingham, a pedestrian death victim) and Patrick Martin (President, Bike ABQ), expressed strong support for the updated traffic code and safety education resolution. They emphasized the need for stricter enforcement, better education on Hawk lights, and infrastructure changes to prevent future fatalities. - Constitutional Protections & Immigration: Dr. Lisa Christofferson and David Souther Hadwidger expressed concern regarding the presence of "masked ice goons" (federal agents) and called for local protections for constitutional rights, particularly for the unhoused and immigrants. - Park Issues: Tad Nemiski apologized for prior conduct but criticized the exclusion of non-digital users from public comment. Marcelyn Costner and Adale Rose Bennett Herrick opposed winter watering for European grass during a drought and called for the restoration of accessible green spaces. Several residents, including those from the Revitalized San Pedro Partnership, praised specific council members for community support. - Transit: Brick Jonasi, a Transit Advisory Board member, expressed concern that the Transit Department is operating at 60-80% capacity due to an inability to pay drivers and mechanics, criticizing the administration's slow implementation of the new EBQ Forward plan. Discussion Items - Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The Council unanimously proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Teresa Garcia (Chair, DVSA Commission) and other commissioners expressed deep gratitude for city funding ($2,250,000) and support for the lethality assessment program and restraining order initiatives. New commissioners Amy McKendrick and Tiffany Hiron were introduced. - Route 66 Centennial: Dr. Shelle Sanchez (Director of Arts and Culture) provided an update on the "Route 66 Remixed" project. The project, involving 18 art stops along 18 miles of Central Avenue, launches in January 2026. Partners include UNM, Presbyterian Hospice (issuing "Born on Route 66" onesies), and Frontier Airlines. Councillor Lewis requested details on sponsorship opportunities. - Parks & Recreation: Valerie Martinez (MPRAB) presented the 2025 annual report, requesting $80,000 in stopgap funding for park activation to improve safety and health. Councillor Lewis expressed support for prioritizing park activation in the upcoming budget. The topic of "park activation" funding (R 183) was deferred. - Downtown Redevelopment (R 182): Councillor Baca presented the "Downtown 2050" plan. Community members and Loretta Naranjo Lopez (Santa Barbara Martinez Town Neighborhood Association) expressed opposition, citing a lack of engagement and concerns about boundary changes excluding their neighborhood. Councillor Baca moved an amendment for formatting technicalities only. The resolution was approved (8-0 vote). - Traffic Code (O 98): Councillor Feblecorn presented the ordinance to update traffic codes for vulnerable road users. Public commenters expressed hesitation regarding Section 8279B (prohibiting crossing at unmarked intersections). The motion was deferred to November 5th to address these concerns. An amendment regarding pedestrian roadway use (Amendment 1) passed unanimously. - Traffic Safety Education (R 196): Councillor Feblecorn presented the companion resolution for safety education. Councillor Rogers moved an amendment requiring an APD enforcement plan and training review. The resolution was deferred to November 5th to align with the ordinance deferral. - Solar Permits (R 194): Councillor Baca proposed prioritizing residential solar permits before the January 1, 2026, tax credit expiration. Councillor Grout questioned staffing and backlog capacity. Director Varela confirmed the "Solar Express Permitting System" would issue many permits instantly. The resolution passed unanimously. - Investment Portfolio Oversight: Councillor Grout asked the CAO to clarify the difference between the core and liquidity investment portfolios and the rationale for moving $100 million to liquidity. The CAO explained the decision-making process of the Investment Oversight Committee (IOC). Grout requested a detailed presentation from the third-party advisor in early 2026. - Gateway Systems: Councillor Grout questioned the operational plans submitted to the state and the renaming of Juniper Flats to "Gateway Seniors." Councillors Grout and Baca expressed concern that the "Gateway" branding might stigmatize permanent housing. The administration agreed to reconsider the naming. Key Outcomes - Approved (8-0): Resolution R 182 (Downtown 2050 Plan), Resolution R 194 (Residential Solar Permit Priority), Resolution R 182 Technical Amendment. - Deferred (9-0): Ordinance 098 (Traffic Code Updates), Resolution R 196 (Traffic Safety Education), Resolution R 183 (Emergency Park Grass Funding). All three were deferred to the November 5, 2025, meeting. - Action Directed: Administration to provide a detailed presentation on investment portfolios and advisor roles in early 2026. - Action Directed: Administration to provide operational and programmatic budget data for the Gateway system by the next report. - Next Session: The Council has scheduled a meeting for November 5, 2025, to address deferred traffic and park items.