OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - September 15, 2025

City Council — Monday, September 15, 2025
BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, September 15, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:12:59
Transcript — Verbatim
0:33

Good evening, everyone.

0:34

It's the 38th meeting of the 26th Council, and we will come to order.

0:38

Councilor Sanchez is excused this evening, and Councillor Rogers will be on Zoom.

0:42

All other counselors are present.

0:44

Counselor Lewis.

0:46

Madam President, before the moment of silence, I would just ask that we move member Charlie Kirk and his family during the moment of silence.

0:55

We are going to move on to uh Scout Troop 166 tonight, is going to be coming down.

1:02

If you want to go ahead and start making your way down, and then we will start with a moment of silence, and then you may lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance in English.

1:12

And for those of the who them who and anybody who knows it, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish.

1:18

Give us just a minute for that moment of silence.

1:40

One nation, Andre God, and individual liberty judge for all.

1:59

That was some really good surround sound tonight.

2:02

Scouts, we really appreciate you being here and taking time out of your night to be a participant in the city council meeting.

2:11

Thank you for leading us in the pledge.

2:14

Civic Plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public.

2:18

You can obtain a parking pass from council staff at the table near the chamber's entrance.

2:22

Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms.

2:28

Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16, the Gov TV website, YouTube, and Zoom webinar.

2:34

The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers.

2:38

Also, this meeting is closed captioned, and you may enable the closed captioning services on your television or device at this time.

2:44

The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time on the city council's website.

2:50

Council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding those videos online.

2:56

Please call 505-768-3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

3:02

to 5 p.m.

3:04

The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m.

3:07

this evening if needed.

3:08

With regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceeding to be as civil and respectful as possible.

3:13

Please do not make any personal attacks and please no applause, snapping, or other outbursts during the meeting.

3:58

Yes.

3:59

Councillor Shampai.

4:00

Yes.

4:01

Councillor People Corn?

4:02

Yes.

4:02

Councillor Grapp.

4:04

Yes.

4:04

Councillor Lewis?

4:05

Yes.

4:06

Vice President Penny?

4:07

Yes.

4:08

Councilor Rogers.

4:10

Yes.

4:11

President Rassun?

4:12

Yes.

4:13

Passes on an eight zero above.

4:14

We'll start with Councillor Baca and your proclamation.

4:17

Thank you, Madam President.

4:18

Proclamation recognizing the 40th anniversary of Hope Works, providing services to homeless and near homeless population in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

4:26

Accepting this evening is Heidi Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Hope Works.

4:45

Thank you, Councillor Baca, and thank you, all counselors.

4:48

We are so grateful here to accept this proclamation from City Councilor.

4:54

I have my team here.

4:56

We have James Freeman, uh executive executive committee from our board of directors.

5:00

We have James Freeman, uh executive executive commanding from our board of directors, Vince Speen, he is our clinician.

5:05

Um Chris, who is our um case manager for our behavioral health team, and our clinical director, Noelle.

5:15

So we just want to say thank you, and we thank you, Council and the City of Albuquerque for funding us for the last 40 years.

5:25

So we um we have been providing uh services from um day shelter outreach to permanent supportive housing to our in-house population and near and house population in our community, and we also provide behavioral health services.

5:43

So the only service that we don't provide at Hope Wards is overnight shelter, but we provide, like I said, all of those services in our home in our community.

5:53

Thank you very much.

5:55

Thank you, Michels, for being here.

5:56

Counselor Bacca, if you want to read the proclamation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Homelessness████████████████████20%
Affordable Housing████████████████████20%
Economic Development████████████12%
Procedural█████████9%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Public Safety████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Public Records Management█████5%
Technology and Innovation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - September 15, 2025

The Albuquerque City Council held its 38th meeting of the 26th Council on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting lasted until 9:13 PM. Councilor Louie Sanchez was excused. Key actions included approval of a major economic development project (Pacific Fusion), a dispute about the Accountability in Government Oversight (AGO) committee's report release timeline, and passage of the PATCH housing repair program and a sobriety housing voucher pilot.

Consent Calendar

  • EC-25-470 through EC-25-483 and EC-25-488: Confirmed mayoral appointments to various boards (Municipal Golf Advisory, Lodgers’ Tax Advisory, Early Head Start, Airport Advisory, Library Advisory, and Public Safety Tax Advisory). All passed 8-0.
  • EC-25-483 (Age-Friendly Quarterly Update) and EC-25-484 (Fast Housing Program): Receipt noted, 8-0.
  • OC-25-45: Appointment of Mary Lynn Roper to Public Safety Tax Advisory Board, confirmed 8-0.
  • EC-25-487: Mayor's appointment of Martin E. Mathisen to the Accountability in Government Oversight Committee. Approved 8-0 after a discussion about the committee's delay in releasing reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Pacific Fusion project: Five speakers (Tom Jenkins, Eric Contreras, Chad Matheson, Joy Forehand, and a representative) expressed strong support, citing billion-dollar investment, high-wage jobs, and clean energy innovation.
  • Gateway West shelter: Adale Rose Bennett Herrick and James Shanley criticized policies, calling the shelter a "Norwegian prison." Joseph Griego (Chicanos Por La Causa) defended the program, noting improvements and local hiring.
  • Main library HVAC: Nicole Finch and Janet Sayers requested $2.75 million for a new HVAC system, with commitments of ~$400,000 from various officials.
  • General public comments: Included concerns about police use of horses and sirens, tenant protections (SB 267), and support for pallet shelters. Melinda Montoya announced a ghost bike dedication for her daughter.
  • PATCH program: Roger Valdez supported the program but suggested including rental housing and higher AMI limits. Julie Radoslavich (Pat Hurley Neighborhood Association) supported with suggestions to include grandchildren and contractor safeguards.
  • Sobriety housing voucher pilot: Speakers supported the concept but urged using federal funds, avoiding punitive relapse policies, and shortening timelines.

Discussion Items

  • SHIELD Unit Presentation: Chief Deputy District Attorney Joshua Boone explained the SHIELD unit's role in providing discovery for felony cases, reducing officer paperwork, and improving prosecution efficiency. Felony referrals are expected to reach nearly 10,000 in 2025. Councilor Champine questioned how the unit assists detectives.
  • Pacific Fusion Project (O-25-96 and O-25-97): Director Max Gruner and staff presented a $1 billion investment for a fusion research facility at Mesa del Sol. The company requested $776.6 million in industrial revenue bonds and $1 million in LEDA funds (with $9 million from the state). The project is expected to create 200-250 jobs at an average salary of $150,000. Council discussed clawback provisions, venture capital funding, and the company's board meeting the next day. Passed 8-0.
  • Gateway West Funding (EC-25-481): Administration provided details on 630 nightly shelter residents and $120 million total investment in the gateway system. Councilors questioned data tracking, outcomes, and the shift from Heading Home to Chicanos Por La Causa. Councilor Rogers requested a comprehensive budget chart. Passed 7-1 (Champine opposed).
  • PATCH Program (O-25-91): The ordinance establishes a forgivable loan program for structural housing repairs for homeowners at or below 80% AMI. Two amendments passed: (1) expanded energy efficiency measures; (2) required reposting of RFP if only one bid received. Council debated forgivable loan vs. grant, funding sources, and safeguards. Passed 5-3 (against: Bassan, Champine, Lewis).
  • State Funds for Homeless Services (R-25-188): Authorizes acceptance of $22 million from the state for a young adult shelter, Gateway Center operations, and Jupiter Flats affordable housing acquisition. Passed 8-0.
  • Sobriety Housing Voucher Pilot (R-25-179): Directs HHH to develop a plan for a 25-voucher pilot for individuals experiencing homelessness in recovery. Council emphasized using a therapeutic rather than punitive approach to relapse. Passed 8-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Pacific Fusion project approved (O-25-96 and O-25-97): 8-0 votes for LEDA and IRB incentives. The company's board will decide location on September 16.
  • Gateway West contract amendment approved (EC-25-481): 7-1, adding funds for Chicanos Por La Causa.
  • PATCH Program established (O-25-91): Passed 5-3 as amended. No funding attached; council will seek state and federal sources.
  • State homeless services funds accepted (R-25-188): Unanimous.
  • Rules of Procedure amended (RA-25-6): Unanimous, adding a reconciliation process for budget presentations.
  • Sobriety housing voucher pilot directed (R-25-179): Unanimous; HHH to return with a plan within 60 days.
  • AGO committee discussion: No formal action, but administration stated the committee is in compliance with ordinance, with reports expected to be released soon after third-party review.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. It's the 38th meeting of the 26th Council, and we will come to order. Councilor Sanchez is excused this evening, and Councillor Rogers will be on Zoom. All other counselors are present. Counselor Lewis. Madam President, before the moment of silence, I would just ask that we move member Charlie Kirk and his family during the moment of silence. We are going to move on to uh Scout Troop 166 tonight, is going to be coming down. If you want to go ahead and start making your way down, and then we will start with a moment of silence, and then you may lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance in English. And for those of the who them who and anybody who knows it, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish. Give us just a minute for that moment of silence. One nation, Andre God, and individual liberty judge for all. That was some really good surround sound tonight. Scouts, we really appreciate you being here and taking time out of your night to be a participant in the city council meeting. Thank you for leading us in the pledge. Civic Plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public. You can obtain a parking pass from council staff at the table near the chamber's entrance. Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms. Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16, the Gov TV website, YouTube, and Zoom webinar. The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is closed captioned, and you may enable the closed captioning services on your television or device at this time. The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time on the city council's website. Council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding those videos online. Please call 505-768-3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m. this evening if needed. With regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceeding to be as civil and respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks and please no applause, snapping, or other outbursts during the meeting. Yes. Councillor Shampai. Yes. Councillor People Corn? Yes. Councillor Grapp. Yes. Councillor Lewis? Yes. Vice President Penny? Yes. Councilor Rogers. Yes. President Rassun? Yes. Passes on an eight zero above. We'll start with Councillor Baca and your proclamation. Thank you, Madam President. Proclamation recognizing the 40th anniversary of Hope Works, providing services to homeless and near homeless population in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Accepting this evening is Heidi Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Hope Works. Thank you, Councillor Baca, and thank you, all counselors. We are so grateful here to accept this proclamation from City Councilor.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com