Albuquerque City Council Meeting - March 16, 2026

The twenty-seventh council's seventh meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. All nine councilors were present. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, a consent agenda, two land use appeals, public comments, and final actions on a gross receipts tax increase and a safer community places ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 11:21 PM.

Proclamations & Presentations

• The council recognized the APS 2026 Selfless Seniors, a program honoring students who quietly contribute to the community. Twenty-six students from various high schools were honored.
• City Economist Christine Borner presented a gross receipts tax (GRT) update for December 2025: GRT grew 4.8% (state-shared increment), cannabis revenue increased 4.2% (but cumulative growth negative at -2.1% for the year).
• Director Turner presented the “Stop for Everyone” campaign for vulnerable road users, including two videos emphasizing that drivers must stop at all crosswalks (marked or unmarked). The campaign honors Kayla, a 19-year-old killed while biking.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (9-0): EC-26-20 (Dental Insurance), EC-26-61 (Risk First legal services), EC-26-66 through EC-26-72 (appointments to EMS Medical Control Board, Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board, Affordable Housing Committee), OC-26-4 (Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board appointment).
• Receipt noted unanimously: EC-26-57 (Early Head Start quarterly report), EC-26-62 through EC-26-65 (Legal Department quarterly litigation reports).
• Postponed to April 6, 2026: O-26-1 (preparation of reports/code amendment).
• EC-26-60 (Transportation Infrastructure Tax Report) was pulled from consent. Councilor Grout noted the report lacked life-to-date collection data and a large discrepancy between budgeted ($92.8M) and collected ($25.9M) revenue. Director Turner cited a lag in accounting. The report was received and noted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On O-26-16 (GRT increase): Many speakers opposed, citing the regressive impact on low-income families, seniors, and small businesses. Several city employees (Solid Waste, Biopark, Street Maintenance) spoke in favor, arguing the tax would fund needed wage increases and improve retention. Organizations like Americans for Prosperity urged defeat, while union leaders Local 624 and the M-Series union supported passage.
• On O-26-15 (Safer Community Places): Numerous community members, including representatives from El Centro, the NM Immigrant Law Center, the ACLU, and educators, spoke in support, emphasizing fear in immigrant communities, reduced access to healthcare and education, and the need for local protections. Several speakers strongly opposed Councilor Lewis’s proposed liability amendment. One speaker expressed support for ICE operations.
• General public comment also included concerns about homelessness sweeps, the March 2 meeting incident involving a speaker using the term “colored,” and support for ranked-choice voting.

Discussion Items

• AC-25-05 (Sign Variance Appeal): Appellant Maria Gonzales sought a 66-inch projecting wall sign at 3715 Silver Ave SE; the zoning hearing examiner had denied a 30-inch variance. Councilor Fiebelkorn moved an amendment adding conditions: no sign animation or moving parts, and no illumination from 10 PM to 7 AM. After debate over process and precedence, the amendment passed 8-1 (Lewis opposed). The amended findings were then adopted unanimously.
• AC-26-01 (Volcano Cliffs Site Plan Appeal): The Pueblo of Santa Clara, Pueblo of Laguna, and West Side Coalition appealed a 238-unit multifamily development on 9.5 acres near Kimmick and Rosa Parks. The Land Use Hearing Officer recommended denial of the appeal, finding standing for the Pueblos but not WSCONA, and substantial evidence supporting the EPC approval. Councilor Lewis moved to accept the recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
• EC-58 (Youth and Family Services Progress Report on R-25-186): Director Martinez explained the resolution (passed Nov 2025) aimed to expand teen programming at Heights Community Center but lacked funding and was planned for FY27. Councilors Rogers and Grout expressed disappointment that no implementation had occurred and the report lacked a detailed implementation spreadsheet. A motion for receipt noted failed 2-7, sending the report back.
• O-26-16 (Municipal Gross Receipts Tax): Sponsored by Councilors Bassan and Baca, the ordinance proposed a 0.4875% increase (half-penny per dollar) to fund employee compensation, capital projects, and fee reductions. Three floor amendments were debated:
  • Amendment 1 (Fiebelkorn): All operating funds exclusively for employee compensation. Passed unanimously.
  • Amendment 2 (Fiebelkorn): 70% of revenue for operations (employee compensation per previous amendment), 30% for capital. Passed 6-3 (Baca, Bassan, Peña opposed).
  • Amendment 3 (Fiebelkorn): Reduce the tax rate to 0.1275%. Passed 5-4 (Baca, Bassan, Champine, Grout, Peña opposed).
  • Amendment 4 (Grout): Require voter approval. Failed 2-7. After amendments, the final vote on the tax (as amended) failed 1-8 (only Fiebelkorn in favor). Several councilors cited the need for budget reform and the regressive nature of the tax. Councilor Bassan withdrew support after the rate reduction.
• O-26-15 (Safer Community Places Ordinance): Sponsored by Peña, Telles, Baca, and Rogers, the ordinance prohibits the use of city property for immigration enforcement and designates schools, hospitals, courthouses, and other spaces as “safer community places.” Councilor Lewis moved an amendment to impose personal liability on councilors and the mayor for any injuries caused by individuals subject to a warrant if the ordinance obstructs enforcement. After debate, the amendment failed 1-8 (only Lewis in favor). The ordinance then passed 5-4 (Baca, Fiebelkorn, Peña, Rogers, Telles in favor; Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis opposed).
• P-26-1 (ACS Chief Charter Amendment) and R-26-5 (Companion Resolution): These items propose to amend the city charter to make the Director of Albuquerque Community Safety a chief position and confirm the appointment, with a corresponding ballot question. Both were postponed to April 6, 2026, by unanimous consent.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: All items approved or noted as listed, with EC-60 pulled and approved separately.
• AC-25-05 Appeal: Granted with amended conditions (no animation, no illumination 10 PM-7 AM).
• AC-26-01 Appeal: Denied; EPC decision upheld.
• EC-58 Progress Report: Not accepted; returned to department for revision.
• O-26-16 Gross Receipts Tax Increase: Failed on final vote after amendments (1-8). No tax increase enacted.
• O-26-15 Safer Community Places Ordinance: Passed (5-4). Effective immediately.
• P-26-1 and R-26-5: Postponed to April 6, 2026.