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Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Regular Meeting - February 18, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, February 18, 2026
BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, February 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 6:28:15

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:13

Good evening, everyone.

0:15

I'd like to call this one second.

0:27

Okay, I'll give it a shot.

0:28

Is that better?

0:29

Okay, I'd like to call this fifth meeting of the 27th council will come to order.

0:34

All councillors are present this evening.

0:36

Councilor Lewis should be here shortly.

0:39

Um next we have a moment of silence, um, followed by the pledge.

0:44

If you can join us in English and in Spanish.

1:29

Thank you.

1:30

Um Vice President Champine.

1:32

Thank you, Madam President.

1:34

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

1:38

You can obtain parking passes from council staff at the table near the chamber entrances.

1:43

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 pro platforms.

1:52

Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16 and the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoob Webinar.

1:58

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

2:02

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

2:08

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

2:16

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

2:22

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

2:29

to 5 p.m.

2:30

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

2:33

this evening if needed.

2:35

In regard to the quorum in the chambers, we want tonight's meeting tonight's proceedings to be as civil, civil, and respectful as possible.

2:43

Please do not make any personal attacks, and please do not applause or snap or any other outbursts during the meeting.

2:49

The president will provide one warning to anyone causing a disruption upon the second or continuous disruption.

2:55

That individual will be asked to leave the chambers and if necessary, security will be asked to escort that person out of the chambers.

3:02

Such removal from the city council chambers will be effective for the remainder of the meeting.

3:07

If continued disruptions occur, the president may recess the meeting until order is restored, and if necessary, may clear the chambers of persons participating in that disturbance.

3:17

The meeting will go a lot smoother if we are respectful of one another.

3:22

Madam President.

3:24

Thank you.

3:24

Um Mr.

3:25

Vice President.

3:26

Due to the number of individuals who have signed up to provide public comment this evening, the allotted speaking time per individual will be reduced to one minute.

3:34

This adjustment is necessary to ensure that all registered speakers are provided an opportunity to address this body within the scheduled meeting time.

3:42

A timer will be utilized to make maintain fairness and consistency.

3:46

Speakers will be asked to conclude the remarks promptly once the one-minute limit has been reached.

4:00

It is at the discretion of the council president to determine the time limit for public comment with the maximum of two minutes.

4:06

Dependent on the number of public comment sign-ups.

4:09

If more than 50 individuals sign up to speak, the time limit per speaker will likely be less than two minutes.

4:27

Yes.

4:39

So there's a motion in the second to um to allow for the two-minute maximum time.

4:46

So there's a motion and a second.

4:48

You've got that, Michelle.

4:49

So all if any discussion on the motion.

4:52

Seeing none, all those in favor.

4:54

Um say yes and raise your hand.

4:57

Yes.

4:59

Opposed, no.

5:00

No.

5:01

So that's 4-4.

5:03

So then that motion fails.

5:05

Thank you.

5:06

Um so we are back on item number four, and this is um Vice President Champagne.

5:15

Thank you, Madam President.

5:16

Uh yes, administration question and answer period.

5:19

Uh counselors wishing to ask any questions have the opportunity to do so.

5:23

Uh limit the to ensure that all counselors have the opportunity to participate.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing████████████████████████████28%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Economic Development████4%
Racial Equity███3%
Historic Preservation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Regular Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Albuquerque City Council held its fifth meeting of the 27th Council on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. All nine councilors were present. The meeting lasted until 11:57 PM and included a consent agenda, an appeal, public comments, several appointments, and a lengthy debate on amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) for the 2025 biennial update (O-26-2). Key actions included confirmation of mayoral appointments, referral of a sign variance appeal for a full hearing, and passage of a substantially amended IDO update.

Consent Calendar

  • The Council unanimously confirmed 18 mayoral appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Municipal Golf Advisory Board, Human Rights Board, Open Space Advisory Board, and others (votes 9-0).
  • Approved the First Supplemental Agreement for Outside Counsel Legal Services (EC-26-39) 9-0.
  • Approved the reappointment of Mr. Aaron Calderon to the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (OC-26-3) 9-0.
  • Withdrew O-25-99 (Juniper Flats bond issuance) at sponsor's request 9-0.
  • Postponed O-26-1 (Council Services reports) and R-25-205 (quarterly public safety reports) to March 2, 2026, 9-0.
  • Passed O-26-6 (Open Space Advisory Board amendments) 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • General Public Comment (one minute per speaker): Over 50 speakers addressed the council. Topics included:
    • Strong support for the IDO amendments as recommended by the Environmental Planning Commission (EPC), with speakers citing the need for affordable housing, walkable neighborhoods, and reduced parking minimums. Many identified as members of Strong Towns Albuquerque, young professionals, homeowners, and faith leaders.
    • Strong opposition to the EPC version, arguing it would upzone R1 neighborhoods, increase property taxes, harm historic communities, and fail to produce affordable housing. Several speakers represented neighborhood associations, the Historic Neighborhoods Alliance, and concerned homeowners.
    • Comments on the West Mesa Community Planning Area Assessment (EC-549) flagged concerns that action items 13 and 14 were not part of public engagement.
    • A speaker opposed the planning report, alleging inclusion of materials not discussed in public meetings.
    • Several speakers urged restoration of a two-minute public comment limit; a motion to allow two minutes failed 4-4, so the one-minute limit stood.
  • Public Comment on O-26-11 (African American Advisory Board): One speaker expressed strong support, calling it essential for representation.
  • Public Comment on Appeals (AC-25-05): No public comment on this item.

Discussion Items

  • Administration Question & Answer Period:

    • Councilor Grout asked about street sweeping schedules; Director Turner explained that sweepers are out daily and cover the city approximately twice a year, with increased sweeping for special events like the Route 66 centennial.
    • Councilor Rogers inquired about new parking time limits (90 seconds) near schools, specifically Monte Vista Elementary. Parking enforcement confirmed a 30-day grace period before citations begin and promised to follow up on consultation with APS.
    • Councilor Baca asked for an update on noise cameras; Director Leach committed to providing a written memo and scheduling a meeting.
    • Councilor Telles asked about enforcement of business license requirements; Planning Director Varela outlined the new business licensing process and civil enforcement procedures.
    • Councilor Grout asked about enforcement of handicap parking signage; parking enforcement will provide guidance.

  • Proclamations & Presentations:

    • Director Turner presented the traffic safety educational campaign update, including video clips for vulnerable road user education, billboard designs, and a planned launch event next month.
    • Representatives from the Vera Institute of Justice presented on their partnership with Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), highlighting ACS as a national model for alternative response and violence intervention, noting a 92.3% success rate in preventing further violent crime involvement among participants.

  • Appeal AC-25-05 (Sign Variance at 3715 Silver Ave SE):

    • The Zoning Hearing Examiner had denied a variance to allow a 66-inch projecting wall sign (30 inches allowed). The Land Use Hearing Officer (LUHO) recommended denial, finding the applicant failed to meet the five-factor variance test.
    • A motion to accept the LUHO recommendation failed 4-5 (Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers, Telles in favor; Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Peña opposed).
    • A subsequent motion to reject the LUHO recommendation and schedule a full hearing before Council on March 2, 2026, passed 5-4 (Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Peña in favor; Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers, Telles opposed).

  • O-26-2 IDO Biennial Update:

    • The Council considered over a dozen floor amendments to the 2025 IDO update, which had been recommended by the EPC and modified by the Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee (LUPZ). Key amendments considered and voted on:
      • Amendment 1 (Safe Outdoor Spaces): Would have removed the 6-month closure requirement and eased plumbing/on-site support rules. Failed 5-4.
      • Amendment 2 (Duplexes in R1): Would have made duplexes permissive in single-family zones. Failed 5-4.
      • Amendment 3 (Townhomes): Would have allowed townhomes in R1 (up to 3 units if adjacent to single-family). Failed 5-4.
      • Amendment 4 (Attached ADUs): Would have allowed attached accessory dwelling units. Failed 5-4.
      • Amendment 5 (Bodegas/Neighborhood Retail): Would have permitted small grocery/retail in residential zones; after a substitute conditional-use version failed, the original amendment was not brought to a vote.
      • Amendment 7 (Parking Reductions for transit areas): (mislabeled in transcript as #6) Failed 5-4.
      • Amendment 8 (Corridor Upzoning): Withdrawn by sponsor after noting that state legislation to protect the 3% property tax cap failed.
      • Amendment 9 (Cumulative Impacts in conditional use criteria): Initially passed 7-2, but on reconsideration failed 4-4 (one excused).
      • Amendment 11 (PNM clarification on underground lines): Passed 7-2.
      • Amendment 12 (Tribal notification increased to 30 days): Passed 6-3.
      • Amendment 13 (Remove adult/cannabis/pawn shop restrictions from Main Street): Failed 6-3.
      • Amendment 14 (Remove open space division as commenting agency): Passed 7-2.
      • Amendment 15 (Festoon lighting clarification): Passed 7-2.
      • Amendment 16 (Simplify fence/wall regulations): Passed 5-4.
    • After all amendments, the bill as amended passed 6-3 (Champine, Fiebelkorn, Grout, Peña, Rogers, Telles in favor; Baca, Bassan, Lewis opposed). The approved changes included modest alterations to fence regulations, lighting, tribal notification, and technical corrections, but did not include the major pro-housing zoning changes (duplexes, ADUs, bodegas, corridor upzoning) advocated by the EPC.

  • O-26-10 (Appeal Cost Criteria): Postponed to March 2, 2026, 9-0, after debate over shifting responsibilities from the LUHO to planning staff.

  • O-26-1 (Council Services Reports) and R-25-205 (Quarterly Public Safety Reports): Both postponed to March 2, 2026, 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Confirmed 18 board/commission appointments and one outside legal contract, all unanimously.
  • Referred sign variance appeal (AC-25-05) to a full council hearing on March 2, 2026, by a 5-4 vote.
  • Approved the West Mesa Community Planning Area Assessment Report (EC-549) on an 8-1 vote (Bassan dissenting).
  • Confirmed Carla Martinez as Chief Financial Officer and Matthew Whelan as Chief Operations Officer, both unanimously.
  • Amended and postponed O-26-11 (African American Advisory Board) to March 2, 2026, unanimously.
  • Postponed O-26-10 (Appeal Cost Criteria) to March 2, 2026, unanimously.
  • Passed O-26-2 (IDO Biennial Update) as amended by a 6-3 vote. The final version did not include the EPC-recommended expansions of duplex, townhome, ADU, or bodega allowances, but did include tribal notification extensions, lighting clarifications, and fence process simplifications.
  • Extended the meeting to midnight via a 7-2 vote to complete the agenda.
  • Council President Peña closed with reflections on neighborhood associations and the need for inclusive dialogue on growth.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call this one second. Okay, I'll give it a shot. Is that better? Okay, I'd like to call this fifth meeting of the 27th council will come to order. All councillors are present this evening. Councilor Lewis should be here shortly. Um next we have a moment of silence, um, followed by the pledge. If you can join us in English and in Spanish. Thank you. Um Vice President Champine. Thank you, Madam President. Civic policy parking passes are provided for members of the public. You can obtain parking passes from council staff at the table near the chamber entrances. 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 pro platforms. Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16 and the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoob Webinar. The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is in closed caption, 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 Count City Council's website. Council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding the videos online. Please call 505-768-3100 for assistance during the regular 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. In regard to the quorum in the chambers, we want tonight's meeting tonight's proceedings to be as civil, civil, and respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks, and please do not applause or snap or any other outbursts during the meeting. The president will provide one warning to anyone causing a disruption upon the second or continuous disruption. That individual will be asked to leave the chambers and if necessary, security will be asked to escort that person out of the chambers. Such removal from the city council chambers will be effective for the remainder of the meeting. If continued disruptions occur, the president may recess the meeting until order is restored, and if necessary, may clear the chambers of persons participating in that disturbance. The meeting will go a lot smoother if we are respectful of one another. Madam President. Thank you. Um Mr. Vice President. Due to the number of individuals who have signed up to provide public comment this evening, the allotted speaking time per individual will be reduced to one minute. This adjustment is necessary to ensure that all registered speakers are provided an opportunity to address this body within the scheduled meeting time. A timer will be utilized to make maintain fairness and consistency. Speakers will be asked to conclude the remarks promptly once the one-minute limit has been reached. It is at the discretion of the council president to determine the time limit for public comment with the maximum of two minutes. Dependent on the number of public comment sign-ups. If more than 50 individuals sign up to speak, the time limit per speaker will likely be less than two minutes. Yes. So there's a motion in the second to um to allow for the two-minute maximum time. So there's a motion and a second. You've got that, Michelle. So all if any discussion on the motion. Seeing none, all those in favor. Um say yes and raise your hand. Yes.

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