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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 3, 2026

City Council — Monday, August 3, 2026

BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, August 3, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 6:23:23

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

0:21

Welcome everyone.

0:23

Today is August 3rd, 2026.

0:25

The 15th meeting of the 27th Council will come to order.

0:29

All counselors are present this evening with Councilor Lewis joining us via Zoom.

0:34

Next, we are on a moment of silence followed by the pledge followed by a moment of silence followed by the pledge.

0:42

Sorry, in Spanish and in English.

0:55

Please join us in the pledge.

0:57

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God.

1:31

Okay, well, welcome back, everyone.

1:33

Um Vice President Champine.

1:35

Thank you, Madam President.

1:37

Civic parking civic plaza parking pass is provided for members of the public.

1:41

You can attain your parking passes from council staff at the table near the chamber entrance.

1:46

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

1:59

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

2:03

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

2:10

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

2:16

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

2:22

Please call 768 Area Code 505768-310 for assistance during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

2:31

to 5 p.m.

2:32

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

2:34

this evening if needed in regard to decorum in the chambers.

2:37

We want tonight's proceedings, as always, to be as civil and respectful as possible.

2:42

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

2:49

The president will provide one warning to anyone causing this disruption upon a second or continued disruption that an individual will be asked to leave the chambers.

2:58

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 that meeting.

3:07

If the 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.

3:23

Tonight council staff has received over 70 public comment sign-ups for the meeting.

3:28

Pursuant to the council rules of procedure.

3:31

Public comment will be reduced from two minutes to one minute to allow everyone time to speak.

3:36

Please begin editing your comments to fit within this time frame now.

3:39

Counselors, do we have any questions for the admin?

3:46

Councilor Grant.

3:49

Thank you, Mr.

3:50

Vice President.

3:59

Ms.

3:59

Keefe, in the past several months, the council, through our council, have reached out to the city attorney's office for updates on different matters in which this council has been involved.

4:10

Answers to these questions were delayed for months.

4:13

And when our council reached out again, you responded that if counselors have questions, they should reach to out to me directly.

4:22

This isn't really how we've done things.

4:45

Why is there pushback to counselor questions about pending litigation?

4:50

And if our decisions give rise to litigation, we deserve to know how these cases are proceeding.

4:58

Council President, Council Grout.

5:00

Um Council President, Council Grout, uh, in the past, up until this year, when counselors have had questions, they have approached me directly.

5:06

So this was new.

5:08

Um, and I have concerns about this procedure.

5:12

Uh, I do think it is better if I am able to engage with counselors directly in order to facilitate communication between council and legal.

5:23

I had asked to set up these monthly Zooms, which were set up some time ago, I don't remember exactly how long.

5:29

Um those uh were no longer scheduled, and that was not at my request.

5:36

I think there's been a perception that that was not at my request.

5:39

In fact, my perception was that they were canceled.

5:42

Um so I would be happy to continue communication with council.

5:46

I would very much want to continue communication with council and provide updates.

5:52

I was hoping to provide more of a written update and during the break, and so I do apologize for the delay, but uh it would is my intent to continue communication with council.

6:04

Um, but I think that as has happened in the four and a half the first four years that I've been here.

6:09

I think that communication should be between my department and council and counselors.

6:15

Okay, um, how do you process requests for information from the council or council staff?

6:21

So um, in again in the four and a half years that I've been here, we we get calls for counselors to work on ordinances, we get calls for updates, uh, and those are if they come directly to me, I determine whether I'm going to respond or whether I'm going to have someone of my staff respond, and then I try to get back to them.

6:42

Um, do you have um I think we need a real clear path forward?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety████████████████16%

Procedural█████████████13%

Cannabis Regulation████████████12%

Legal Process████████8%

Public Engagement███████7%

Affordable Housing██████6%

Solid Waste Management█████5%

Grant Applications███3%

Fiscal Sustainability███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Albuquerque City Council held its 15th meeting of the 27th Council on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting ran until 12:24 AM the following morning and covered a wide range of items, including consent agenda approvals, public comments, multiple ordinances, resolutions, and an executive session. Key actions included passage of ordinances on catalytic converter and metal recycling, solid waste fee increases, and a whistleblower ordinance; debate and failure of a cannabis/nicotine zoning ordinance; and advancement of charter amendments for the city attorney and city clerk. The council also deferred several items, including a contract with Homewise, Inc. and a bond for a hotel project.

Consent Calendar

EC-26-126 (Postponed to August 17, 2026) – Supplemental agreement for outside counsel legal services. (Vote: 9-0)
EC-26-172, EC-26-173, EC-26-177, EC-26-178 – Re-appointments to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission. (All confirmed 9-0)
EC-26-179 – Vacation of public right-of-way at 1522 Edith. (Approved 9-0)
EC-26-182 – Withdrawn by administration. (9-0)
EC-26-183 – Re-appointment to Housing & Neighborhood Economic Development Committee. (Confirmed 9-0)
OC-26-10 – CPOA’s 2025 July-December Semi-Annual Report. (Noted 9-0)
OC-26-11 – Re-appointment of Senator Bill Tallman to Albuquerque Museum Board of Trustees. (Confirmed 9-0)
R-26-27 – Capital development agreement for Encuentro Home Health Aid Training Center. (Passed 9-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

Dreamcatcher Sawmill Hotel IRB (O-26-38): Multiple speakers expressed support and opposition. Supporters cited economic benefits, job creation, and affordable lodging. Opponents, including representatives from the Sawmill Community Land Trust and neighboring associations, raised concerns about height (five stories), traffic, and consistency with neighborhood character. The project was ultimately postponed.
Cannabis/Nicotine Zoning (O-26-39): Several speakers opposed the ordinance, arguing it unfairly targets small businesses and relies on exclusionary zoning. Some supported it for public safety reasons.
General Public Comments: Topics included youth vaping, Flock camera surveillance, homeless services, cooling stations, and personal grievances. One speaker presented a report card on council votes.

Discussion Items

Administration Q&A: Councilors questioned City Attorney Lauren Keefe about delayed responses to inquiries. Keefe acknowledged delays and committed to improving communication. Councilor Rogers led a detailed inquiry on litter enforcement across multiple departments (Solid Waste, Transit, Code Enforcement, Parks & Rec), highlighting the need for a stronger litter ordinance.
Senior Center Breakfast Program Adjustment: Director Sanchez explained that prices had not been adjusted in over 20 years; new menu items range from $1 to $5, with the department still subsidizing about one-third of costs. A qualifying program for financially needy seniors is being developed.
Federal Grant Uncertainty (OMB Proposed Rule): Councilor Telles raised concerns about potential loss of $26.7 million in federal discretionary grants if proposed OMB rule changes take effect October 1, 2026. CFO Sandoval noted ongoing conversations with departments about contingency plans but did not present a formal stabilization plan.
Move In Mentor Program Presentation: Catholic Charities reported that $600,000 in city funding (January-June 2026) helped 238 households with rent, utility, and move-in costs. They highlighted the cost-effectiveness of preventive housing assistance.
Cannabis & GRT Update: City Economist Christine Bourner reported May GRT growth of 3.2% (cumulative 5% for FY26) and cannabis tax growth of 16% (down from 33% last month). Councilor Rogers requested data on the cumulative impact of tax abatements.
Homewise Rehabilitation Program (EC-26-160): Councilor Grout deferred the item for two weeks after questions about the program's scope (limited to pockets of poverty) and past performance. Councilor Rogers expressed concerns about previous compliance and slow disbursement of funds.
O-26-32 (Secondhand Catalytic Converter/Metal Ordinance): Sponsored by Councilors Grout and Fiebelkorn, the ordinance expands to cover copper and brass, updates recordkeeping, requires payment by check for transactions over $50, and establishes holding periods. Six amendments were adopted; the final vote was 8-1 (Councilor Lewis opposed).
O-26-35 (Solid Waste Fee Increase): Increases disposal fees for non-city residents from $5 to $12, requires proof of residency. Passed 8-1 (Councilor Lewis opposed).
O-26-39 (Cannabis/Nicotine Zoning): Proposed distance separations and hours restrictions for cannabis and nicotine retailers. After extensive debate, a committee amendment to increase buffers was defeated 4-5, and the main ordinance failed 3-6. Councilors Baca, Bassan, and Grout voted yes.
O-26-40 (Accountability in Government Ordinance): Sponsored by Councilor Bassan, this consolidated ordinance passed unanimously 9-0 after a substitute and amendments.
O-26-41 (Whistleblower Ordinance): Sponsored by Councilor Bassan, with amendments from Councilor Telles. Passed unanimously 9-0 after three amendments.
P-26-2 & R-26-30 (Charter Amendments – City Attorney and City Clerk): Proposed charter amendments to change appointment and removal processes. P-26-2 passed 6-3; R-30 passed 5-3 after amendments and tabling. Both will go to voters in November 2026.
R-26-56 (Capital Implementation Program): Amended to add a district six food insecurity project. Passed unanimously.
R-26-57 (State Capital Outlay Funds): Councilor Fiebelkorn moved amendments to specify project scopes and require council approval for changes. After debate and a commitment from the CAO to work on projects, it was deferred to August 17, 2026.

Key Outcomes

Approved: Consent agenda items, EC-26-160 postponed, O-26-35 (8-1), O-26-32 (8-1), O-26-40 (9-0), O-26-41 (9-0), P-26-2 (6-3), R-30 (5-3), EC-26-195, EC-26-196, EC-26-197 (all 9-0).
Failed/Defeated: O-26-39 (3-6), Amendment No. 1 to O-26-39 (4-5), Extension to 12:30 AM initially failed (5-3) but later passed on reconsideration (6-2).
Postponed: EC-26-126 to August 17, 2026; O-26-38 to August 17, 2026; EC-26-160 to August 17, 2026; R-57 to August 17, 2026.
Executive Session: Held for discussion of personnel matter regarding the Inspector General's investigation of City Attorney Lauren Keefe (unanimous vote).
Deferrals: R-57 deferred for two weeks pending administrative cooperation on capital projects.
Next Steps: Council will reconvene August 17, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone. Today is August 3rd, 2026. The 15th meeting of the 27th Council will come to order. All counselors are present this evening with Councilor Lewis joining us via Zoom. Next, we are on a moment of silence followed by the pledge followed by a moment of silence followed by the pledge. Sorry, in Spanish and in English. Please join us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God. Okay, well, welcome back, everyone. Um Vice President Champine. Thank you, Madam President. Civic parking civic plaza parking pass is provided for members of the public. You can attain your parking passes from council staff at the table near the chamber 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 GovTV on Comcast Channel 16, uh, the Gov TV website, YouTube, and Zoom webinar. The live streams can also be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is closed captioned, so 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 at the city council's website. Council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding the videos online. Please call 768 Area Code 505768-310 for assistance during normal 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 decorum in the chambers. We want tonight's proceedings, as always, 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. The president will provide one warning to anyone causing this disruption upon a second or continued disruption that an 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 that meeting. If the 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. Tonight council staff has received over 70 public comment sign-ups for the meeting. Pursuant to the council rules of procedure. Public comment will be reduced from two minutes to one minute to allow everyone time to speak. Please begin editing your comments to fit within this time frame now. Counselors, do we have any questions for the admin? Councilor Grant. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ms. Keefe, in the past several months, the council, through our council, have reached out to the city attorney's office for updates on different matters in which this council has been involved. Answers to these questions were delayed for months. And when our council reached out again, you responded that if counselors have questions, they should reach to out to me directly. This isn't really how we've done things. Why is there pushback to counselor questions about pending litigation? And if our decisions give rise to litigation, we deserve to know how these cases are proceeding. Council President, Council Grout. Um Council President, Council Grout, uh, in the past, up until this year, when counselors have had questions, they have approached me directly. So this was new. Um, and I have concerns about this procedure. Uh, I do think it is better if I am able to engage with counselors directly in order to facilitate communication between council and legal. I had asked to set up these monthly Zooms, which were set up some time ago, I don't remember exactly how long. Um those uh were no longer scheduled, and that was not at my request.

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