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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026: FY2027 Budget Approved After Extensive Amendments

City Council — Monday, May 18, 2026

BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, May 18, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 5:40:38

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:37

I think the deadline for amendments is passed.

0:42

Okay.

0:43

Welcome everyone.

0:50

Welcome everyone tonight.

0:52

This is the 11th meeting of the 27th council will come to order.

0:56

All counselors are present this evening.

0:58

We'll move on to a moment of silence, followed by the followed by the pledge in English and in Spanish.

1:19

Please join me in the pledge.

1:23

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:27

And to the recovery, for which it stands.

1:30

One nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for all.

1:51

Thank you, Mr.

1:51

Cornelius.

1:52

So we're putting it up on the screen, so if anyone wants to join in and you know brush up on your Spanish or your English, you're more than welcome.

2:01

Um Vice President Champagne.

2:06

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

2:11

You can obtain your parking pass from the council staff at the table near the entrance of the chambers.

2:16

Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams throughout four different platforms: GovTV on Comcast Channel 16, and the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoom webinar.

2:29

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

2:33

Also, this meeting is closed captioned.

2:35

You may enable the closed captioning services on your device and television at this time.

2:40

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

2:47

City staff is available via telephone.

2:48

If members of the public need assistance, finding the videos online.

2:52

Please call 505 768 3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday.

2:58

Council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m.

3:01

this week this week.

3:06

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

3:11

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

3:20

Anyone causing a disruption.

3:26

No, they'll provide one warning to anyone causing a disruption.

3:30

Upon the second and continuous disruption, that individual will be asked to leave the chambers, and if necessary, security will be asked to escort the person out of the chambers.

3:37

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

3:42

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

3:51

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

3:57

At this time we will have any any questions for the administration.

4:01

Counselors.

4:06

Awesome.

4:07

We're good.

4:09

Madam President, we do have one presentation from Miss Uh Turner, the DMD director, who will provide us an update on the vulnerable road users campaign and efforts.

4:34

Council President and uh Council Champagne, we have our deputy director.

4:38

To do the presentation.

4:38

Well, thank you.

4:39

Thank you.

4:40

Madam President.

4:40

Council members.

4:43

Yes, uh, my name is Jorge Gonzalez.

4:44

I'm deputy director with municipal development.

4:46

Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to provide you with a monthly update on our traffic safety educational campaign.

4:54

Um next slide, please.

4:56

Um just a refresher on our traffic code updates, uh, flashing pedestrian beacons require drivers to stop and remain stopped until people finish crossing.

5:04

And of course, we uh ask vulnerable road users to cross safely.

5:08

Um right now, the public education efforts continue expanding traffic safety awareness citywide, which brings us to our main point, which is next slide, Gareth, please.

5:17

The uh development of the Spanish speaking companion campaign, stop para todos.

5:23

Uh this one right here says cada esquina is un cruce peatonal, este pintado o no, los conductores deven detenerse.

5:30

Uh, this is our every corner is a crosswalk message, uh translated for our Spanish speaking audience.

5:36

Uh next slide, Garrett.

5:38

Um if you were um in the spirit of the campaign, I would like to provide some of the highlights in a manner that can be uh captured by our intended audience.

5:49

Uh, Sta Para Todos fue creada como el complemento de la campana stop for everyone.

5:55

And include un sitio web in espanhol, seavecu.gov diagonal, stop, um para guión todos.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████14%

Transportation Safety████████████12%

Homelessness████████████12%

Economic Development███████████11%

Public Safety██████████10%

Miscellaneous█████████9%

Fiscal Sustainability███████7%

Water And Wastewater Management█████5%

Personnel Matters█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Albuquerque City Council held its 11th meeting of the 27th Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting lasted until 11:06 PM and focused on the approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget (R-26-17) after a series of 19 amendments, as well as several other ordinances and resolutions. All nine council members were present.

Consent Calendar

Appointments and Re-appointments: The Council confirmed appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Balloon Museum Board of Trustees, Library Advisory Board, Personnel Board, Affordable Housing Committee, and others, all by 9-0 votes.
Contract Approvals: Approved supplemental agreements for outside counsel legal services with Modrall Sperling, Snell & Wilmer, and others, as well as an audit services award (EC-26-146), all unanimously.
Grant Applications: Approved a State Tourism Department Destination Forward FY27 grant application (EC-26-125) and a Youth Climate Action Fund grant (R-26-32), both 9-0.
Withdrawals and Postponements: EC-26-117 (Housing Authority Board appointment) was withdrawn by administration. EC-26-126 (Modrall Sperling supplemental) was postponed to June 1. O-26-27 and O-26-28 (board sunset review and repealing defunct boards) were postponed to June 1. O-26-1 (Council Services reports) was withdrawn by sponsor.

Public Comments & Testimony

Homelessness and Support Services: Multiple speakers, including representatives from Hope Works and individuals with lived experience, urged the Council to support funding for day shelters, recovery homes, and housing vouchers. James Freeman (Hope Works board secretary) expressed strong support for $100,000 in additional funding for the day shelter, which serves an average of 300 people daily. Others called for sustainable, long-term solutions rather than criminalization.
Vision Zero and Roadway Safety: Several residents, including families of crash victims, implored the Council to preserve Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) revenue for Vision Zero infrastructure projects. Melinda Montoya, who lost her daughter in a crash, and Diana Zamora, grandmother of a victim, highlighted the need for engineering improvements over temporary measures. Speakers noted that in May 2026 alone, four pedestrians had been struck and killed by vehicles.
Animal Welfare: Speakers advocated for maintaining funding for the Animal Welfare Department, citing high euthanasia rates and understaffing. They thanked the Council for restoring some funding but called for more.
Affordable Housing and Housing Vouchers: Representatives from Heading Home and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness opposed cuts to rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing vouchers, warning of displacement and evictions for vulnerable households.
Other: Comments also addressed the need for sustainable water use, opposition to certain police oversight changes, and support for community events.

Discussion Items

O-26-23 (Police Oversight Expansion): Councilors Grout, Fiebelkorn, and Rogers presented a bill clarifying that the Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) can investigate non-sworn personnel performing enforcement functions (police service aides, transit safety officers, etc.). The bill passed unanimously 9-0 after public comment expressing concerns about accountability.
O-26-26 (Stormwater Utility Ordinance): A motion to pass was made, but Councilor Peña moved to postpone to June 1 to allow time for review of multiple amendments. The postponement passed 5-4.
O-26-29 (City Attorney Ordinance): Vice President Champine’s bill to amend the city attorney’s relationship with clients failed 4-5, with concerns about timing relative to ongoing investigations.
O-26-30 (Downtown Vacant Premises Ordinance): Councilor Baca moved an amendment to allow inspections of vacant building interiors. After debate about structural safety and property rights, the bill was postponed as amended to June 1 by a 9-0 vote.
R-26-17 (FY2027 Budget): The main budget resolution was subject to 19 amendments over several hours. Key amendments included:
- Floor Amendment #1 (Tabled then passed): Added $1 million for guaranteed basic income cohort one and $586,000 for housing voucher supportive services, using cannabis equity funds. Passed 5-4 after being un-tabled.
- Floor Amendment #2: Added $24,000 for Barelas Main Street to fulfill existing agreement.
- Floor Amendment #3: Reallocated $200,000 to Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program.
- Floor Amendment #4 (Failed): Would have moved $100,000 from neighborhood policing to legal services diversion program. Failed 6-3.
- Floor Amendment #5: Added $150,000 to economic development for Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance contract.
- Floor Amendment #6 (As amended): Increased street lighting and neighborhood policing for drag racing enforcement, using $2.474 million from ASE fund transfer. Passed 9-0.
- Floor Amendment #7: Authorized specific Vision Zero projects from ASE fund. Passed 9-0.
- Floor Amendment #8: Clarified housing voucher funding and prioritized mid-year supplements. Passed unanimously.
- Floor Amendment #9 (Failed): Would have shifted $500,000 from community events to open space and transit. Failed 7-2.
- Floor Amendment #10: Moved $180,000 from Gateway Center youth funding to open space. Passed 7-2.
- Floor Amendment #11 (Failed): Would have shifted $40,000 from Gathering of Nations to open space. Failed 2-7.
- Floor Amendment #12 (Failed): Would have directed $3 million in recurring efficiency savings toward North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center bond. Failed 4-5.
- Floor Amendment #13 (As amended): Adjusted District 3 council sponsorships, including restoring $125,000 for RFK High School technical training. Passed.
- Floor Amendment #14: Further adjusted sponsorship amounts. Passed.
- Floor Amendment #15 (As amended): Added funding for arts and culture, including 516 Arts and other sponsorships. Passed 7-2.
- Floor Amendment #16: Appropriated $6.02 million net for Health, Housing, and Homelessness, offset by DTI subscriber fee savings. Passed 7-2.
- Floor Amendment #17 (As amended): Reduced early retirement by $1 million to balance the budget. Passed.
- Floor Amendment #18: Added $3.705 million for clean city encampment cleanup. Passed 7-2.
- Floor Amendment #19 (Failed): Would have reallocated $2.5 million from neighborhood policing to youth services, homeless services, and oversight. Failed 7-2. After all amendments, the final budget passed 7-2 (Councilors Bassan and Lewis opposed).
R-26-28 (One-Year Objectives): Passed as amended 8-1, adding objectives for Vision Zero projects, city employee wage increases tied to CPI and 50th percentile of market study, and budget transparency.
P-26-2 and R-26-30 (Charter Amendments): Postponed to June 1 by 7-2 votes.
R-26-31 (Juneteenth Activities): Passed 9-0, transferring unspent sponsorship funds to support Juneteenth events.
R-26-34 (Affordable Housing Project): Passed 9-0, authorizing $3 million in state grant funds to purchase the Shriner’s headquarters for affordable housing and related services.
R-26-36 (FY2026 Operating Adjustments): Passed as amended 7-1 (with Councilor Fiebelkorn against and Councilor Telles recused), providing $280,000 to Bands of Enchantment, Route 66 Hispanic Cultural Events, and Olga Kern International Piano Competition, funded by lodgers tax.

Key Outcomes

FY2027 Budget Approved: R-26-17 passed 7-2 after 19 amendments, with $11.8 million of projected fund balance used to raise city employees to the 25th percentile and restore funding for libraries, animal care, open space, transit, and other services.
Police Oversight Expanded: O-26-23 passed 9-0, extending CPOA authority to non-sworn enforcement personnel.
Budget Objectives Adopted: R-26-28 passed 8-1, setting reporting requirements and wage goals.
Stormwater Utility Postponed: O-26-26 deferred to June 1 for further amendment review.
Vacant Buildings Ordinance Postponed: O-26-30 as amended deferred to June 1.
City Attorney Ordinance Defeated: O-26-29 failed 4-5.
Charter Amendments Postponed: P-26-2 and R-26-30 deferred to June 1.
Several Appointments and Contracts Approved: All consent agenda items passed unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned: The meeting ended at 11:06 PM after suspending rules to extend until 1:00 AM, though adjourning earlier.

Meeting Transcript

I think the deadline for amendments is passed. Okay. Welcome everyone. Welcome everyone tonight. This is the 11th meeting of the 27th council will come to order. All counselors are present this evening. We'll move on to a moment of silence, followed by the followed by the pledge in English and in Spanish. Please join me in the pledge. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the recovery, for which it stands. One nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. Cornelius. So we're putting it up on the screen, so if anyone wants to join in and you know brush up on your Spanish or your English, you're more than welcome. Um Vice President Champagne. Madam President, Civic Plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public. You can obtain your parking pass from the council staff at the table near the entrance of the chambers. Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams throughout four different platforms: GovTV on Comcast Channel 16, and the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoom webinar. The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, and computers. Also, this meeting is closed captioned. You may enable the closed captioning services on your device and television at this time. The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time at the City Council's website. City staff is available via telephone. If members of the public need assistance, finding the videos online. Please call 505 768 3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday. Council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m. this week this week. With regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be civil and respectful as possible. So please do not make any personal attacks and please no applause or snapping or other outbursts during the meeting. Anyone causing a disruption. No, they'll provide one warning to anyone causing a disruption. Upon the second and continuous disruption, that individual will be asked to leave the chambers, and if necessary, security will be asked to escort the person out of the chambers. Such removal from the council chambers will be effective for the remainder of that meeting. If continued disruption 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, smoother, smoother if we are respectful of one another. At this time we will have any any questions for the administration. Counselors. Awesome. We're good. Madam President, we do have one presentation from Miss Uh Turner, the DMD director, who will provide us an update on the vulnerable road users campaign and efforts. Council President and uh Council Champagne, we have our deputy director. To do the presentation. Well, thank you. Thank you. Madam President. Council members. Yes, uh, my name is Jorge Gonzalez. I'm deputy director with municipal development. Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to provide you with a monthly update on our traffic safety educational campaign. Um next slide, please.

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