OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 17, 2026

City Council — Monday, August 17, 2026
BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, August 17, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:20:04
Transcript — Verbatim
0:43

Good evening, everyone.

0:45

Today is August 17th, 2026, the 16th meeting of the 27th Council will come to order.

0:52

All counselors are present this evening.

0:55

Um please join us now in a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in English and in Spanish.

1:11

Please join us in the pledge.

1:19

For which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:52

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

1:58

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.

2:11

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

2:16

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

2:22

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

2:29

Council staff is available via telephone.

2:33

If members of the public need assistance, finding the videos online, please call 505-768-310 for assistance during business hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

2:43

to 5 p.m.

2:45

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

2:47

this evening if needed.

2:48

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

2:54

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

3:09

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

3:16

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

3:20

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

3:43

So pursuant to the council's rules of procedures, Article 18C, the public comment time will reduce from two minutes to one minute.

3:51

Allow to allow everyone to speak.

4:05

Council Rogers.

4:07

Thank you, Mr.

4:09

Vice President.

4:10

I just wanted to uh follow up from our conversation last week about cleanliness in District 6.

4:16

So I'll ask the directors, Solid Waste, Transit, Code Enforcement, GSD, DMD, and Parks and Rec to come on down.

4:25

And I don't have another slideshow, so just don't um won't put us through that again.

4:30

I just wanted to publicly thank this team for your action last meeting after we went through that exercise.

4:53

What did we learn about the telephone poles and the shoes?

4:56

Who who actually removes those?

5:00

I know that was something we weren't sure of last time.

5:02

So just wondering who what did we find out about?

5:04

Who removes the shoes from the light poles and all the different things that we have?

5:08

Madam Chair, Council Rogers.

5:10

Uh it's my understanding it's PM.

5:12

And I know I'm not sure somebody was going to reach out to PM.

5:16

I don't know who that was.

5:17

Thank you, Madam President.

5:18

Who reached out to the PM?

5:25

Thank you, Madam President.

5:27

I'll take that as no one.

5:29

Um thank you, um Madam President, Counselor Rogers.

5:34

We have multiple ongoing conversations going on right now with PNM.

5:38

Um I think we have an arranged phone call, and I will make sure that we include that on the list and to ask them about how they go about prioritizing and scheduling that because I don't know that any of us have insight into their shoe removal strategy.

5:54

Thank you, Madam President.

5:56

And then I know it um does the city have bucket trucks?

6:00

And in our fleet, uh Madam President, Council Rogers, we do, but we don't have the authority to touch PM lines.

6:10

So like there are strict restrictions around PM polls, PM lines, and all of that.

6:15

So that's a uh big part of our utility franchise as a what we would refer to.

6:24

Uh Madam President, um, counselor Rogers.

6:27

So, yes, DMD traffic engineering does have bucket trucks that are dedicated every day to addressing traffic signal issues.

6:37

That as you know, we when a traffic signal goes out, it's an emergency.

6:40

We deploy people, we have them on staff 24-7 um to make sure those safety issues are handled, but we do not have authority to um interfere or handle PNM equipment.

6:53

Sure, thank you.

6:54

That helps the public also know who we need to hold accountable for those things.

6:58

Um, but I at least my expectation was someone on our team would have reached out and asked that question or asked them to remove them.

7:06

Um so I would love to see a regular process for that.

7:09

And then I just do Director Keener, I do want to ask for some extra help on our bus stops because I did not see um a big change in our bus stops, especially ones that you and I have talked about putting uh benches.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████17%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Legal Process████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Community Engagement███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Zoning Laws██████6%
Land Use Planning█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 17, 2026

The Albuquerque City Council held its 16th meeting of the 27th Council on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. All nine councilors were present. The meeting covered a veto override attempt, approval of multiple economic development projects, a budget ordinance amendment, and numerous public comments.

Consent Calendar

  • Confirmed appointments to various boards and committees: Andrea Estelle Lima (Greater Albuquerque Recreational Trails), Daniel Patrick Chavez-Williamson (Youth Advisory Council), Zachary Potts (EMS Providers Advisory Committee), Dr. Christopher W. Root (EMS Medical Control Board), Dr. Joseph P. Sanchez (Older American’s Act Advisory Council), Alex Malkoski (Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee), Mario Semiglia (Housing & Neighborhood Economic Development Committee), Jordan Barela (Affordable Housing Committee), Linda Morgan Davis (Albuquerque Museum Board of Trustees), Mara Ortiz (EMS Providers Advisory Committee), Jessica Sutherland (Balloon Museum Board of Trustees), Lindsey Fromm (Albuquerque Museum Board of Trustees), Natalie Pascoe (Anderson/Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Board of Trustees), Don Harris (Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Board of Trustees for District 8).
  • Approved Risk First Supplemental Agreements for outside counsel legal services with Garcia Law Group, LLC and Park & Associates.
  • Approved the report of all grant applications for January through June 2026.
  • Approved the filing of the FY25 Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant application.
  • Deferred the Final Objectives Report for Fiscal Year 2026 to September 9, 2026.
  • Withdrawn by sponsor: O-26-57, imposing a 0.4875% Municipal Gross Receipts Tax for Community Investment.
  • Postponed R-26-57 (dedicating state capital outlay funds) to September 21, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dreamcatcher Sawmill Hotel IRB: Senator Debbie O’Malley stated that meetings occurred but “we don’t have an agreement, we have an understanding.” Several community members supported the project, citing economic benefits and local job creation. Others expressed concerns about impacts on historic Old Town and single-family neighborhoods. Michael Silva, Pete Casetas, Troy Bradley, Austin Scholl, and others spoke in favor. Grace Dukes opposed, saying the amendment was “fishy.”
  • Shelter Appeal (AC-26-07): Public comments were taken during the appeal hearing; later, the council rejected the LUHO recommendation and set a full hearing for September 9.
  • General Public Comment: Tad Nieminski complained about downtown neglect. Dr. Lisa Christofferson requested alternatives to incarceration for unhoused people and clarification of the mayor’s “abundance policy.” Marilyn Mokino and Adonica Gravengood asked for vendor spaces to be restored in Old Town Plaza. Joseph Blake questioned the constitutionality of police actions. Brick Jonasy criticized surveillance cameras. Grace Dukes demanded accountability from Council President Peña. Ben Michael Barreras spoke about the death of his nephew, Jose Armas, from a police shooting where ACS was not dispatched. Others commented on speed camera enforcement, worker conditions at NRG, the portal market program, and support for the Cottages at 161 Chama affordable housing project.

Discussion Items

  • Veto Override Attempt (EC-26-222): Vice President Champine moved to override the mayor’s veto of R-26-30 (charter amendment regarding city attorney independence). The override failed 4-5, with councilors Champine, Fiebelkorn, Grout, and Lewis in favor; Baca, Bassan, Peña, Rogers, and Telles against. Debate centered on the need for accountability vs. concerns about creating a new judicial branch.
  • Dreamcatcher Sawmill Hotel IRB (O-26-38): After debate, Amendment No. 1 (requiring a good neighbor agreement) failed 1-8. Amendment No. 2 (acknowledging community meetings) passed 6-3. Final passage as amended passed 8-1 (Peña opposed). The project involves a dual-branded Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites with 135 rooms, $40.5 million in bonds.
  • Securin LEDA (O-26-52): Approved unanimously. The city contributes $100,000, state $250,000, to support expansion of the cybersecurity company, creating 44 new jobs.
  • Quantinuum LEDA (O-26-53): Approved unanimously. The city contributes $750,000, state $750,000, for a quantum computing facility, creating 25 high-wage jobs.
  • BlackVe LEDA (O-26-56): Approved unanimously. The city contributes $250,000, state $1 million, for a satellite manufacturing facility, creating 152 jobs over 10 years with clawback provisions.
  • Budget Ordinance (O-26-58): Amended rules for budget proposal processes. Amendment No. 1 (removing provision for year-over-year benchmarks) failed 4-4. Final passage passed 8-0. The ordinance updates budget goals, codifies deadlines, and requires quarterly fiscal reports.
  • City Attorney Office Ordinance (O-26-54): Passed 6-2 (Bassan and Rogers opposed). The ordinance amends the city attorney’s role and legal department procedures, aiming to increase council involvement in legal matters.
  • Appeal of Overnight Shelter (AC-26-07): Council voted 7-1 to reject the Land Use Hearing Officer’s recommendation and place the matter on the September 9, 2026 agenda for a full hearing. The shelter is proposed at 2300 Yale Blvd SE.
  • Uptown Connect Affordable Housing Project (EC-26-210): Approved 8-0. The development agreement with Family Housing Development Corporation uses workforce housing trust funds and state capital outlay for a multi-family rental project.
  • Resolution for Cottages at 161 Chama (R-26-51): After amendment, the resolution was postponed to September 9, 2026. The resolution would direct state capital outlay funds to the affordable housing project.
  • Water Project Fund Grant (R-26-54): Approved as amended, authorizing a $6.16 million grant from the New Mexico Finance Authority for storm drain improvements.

Key Outcomes

  • Veto Override Failed: Mayor’s veto of charter amendment (R-26-30) stands (4-5 vote).
  • Dreamcatcher Sawmill Hotel IRB Approved: 8-1, with amendment acknowledging community meetings.
  • Three LEDA Projects Approved: Securin, Quantinuum, and BlackVe all received unanimous approval.
  • Budget Ordinance Passed: 8-0, updating budget processes.
  • City Attorney Ordinance Passed: 6-2.
  • Appeal of Overnight Shelter Set for Full Hearing: 7-1.
  • Uptown Connect Affordable Housing Approved: 8-0.
  • Resolution for Cottages at 161 Chama Postponed: To September 9, 2026.
  • Water Project Grant Approved: As amended, unanimous.
  • Other items: Consent agenda approved; several appointments confirmed; contracts approved.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Today is August 17th, 2026, the 16th meeting of the 27th Council will come to order. All counselors are present this evening. Um please join us now in a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in English and in Spanish. Please join us in the pledge. For which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. You can obtain your parking pass from the 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, 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 on the City Council's website. Council staff is available via telephone. If members of the public need assistance, finding the videos online, please call 505-768-310 for assistance during business hours of 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 the quorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be as civil and respectful as possible. Please, please do not make any personal attacks and please no applauding or snapping or other outbursts during the meeting. 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 council chambers will be effective for the remainder of that meeting. If continued disruptions do occur, the president may recess the meeting until order is restored and if necessary, Mary Cleet may clear the chambers of persons participating in that disturbance. So pursuant to the council's rules of procedures, Article 18C, the public comment time will reduce from two minutes to one minute. Allow to allow everyone to speak. Council Rogers. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I just wanted to uh follow up from our conversation last week about cleanliness in District 6. So I'll ask the directors, Solid Waste, Transit, Code Enforcement, GSD, DMD, and Parks and Rec to come on down. And I don't have another slideshow, so just don't um won't put us through that again. I just wanted to publicly thank this team for your action last meeting after we went through that exercise. What did we learn about the telephone poles and the shoes? Who who actually removes those? I know that was something we weren't sure of last time. So just wondering who what did we find out about? Who removes the shoes from the light poles and all the different things that we have? Madam Chair, Council Rogers. Uh it's my understanding it's PM. And I know I'm not sure somebody was going to reach out to PM. I don't know who that was. Thank you, Madam President. Who reached out to the PM? Thank you, Madam President. I'll take that as no one. Um thank you, um Madam President, Counselor Rogers. We have multiple ongoing conversations going on right now with PNM. Um I think we have an arranged phone call, and I will make sure that we include that on the list and to ask them about how they go about prioritizing and scheduling that because I don't know that any of us have insight into their shoe removal strategy. Thank you, Madam President. And then I know it um does the city have bucket trucks? And in our fleet, uh Madam President, Council Rogers, we do, but we don't have the authority to touch PM lines. So like there are strict restrictions around PM polls, PM lines, and all of that.

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