Albuquerque · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Albuquerque public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown food truck parking permit
The 2025 Downtown Albuquerque Parking Study went to Council simply for receipt — a starting point for future parking policy.
Sichler Farms LEDA economic development project
Two new resolutions would give redevelopment tax abatements to the Sichler Farms project in the Central Highland/Upper Nob Hill area and the La Curva project in the Historic Central area. Both go to the Finance & Government Operations Committee.
Sichler Farms tax abatement
A tax abatement for the La Curva project in the Historic Central redevelopment area got a unanimous recommendation. It's another tool to attract investment along Central.
No Bull Prime Meats LEDA subsidy
The city put $25,000 (plus $75,000 state money) behind a local meat processor's expansion, tied to ten new jobs by 2031. Critics called the wages poverty-level and the work dangerous.
Tourism Grant for Metropolitan Redevelopment
The city would accept a New Mexico State Tourism Department Destination Forward grant and put the money into the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency for FY2027 redevelopment work.
Old Town Portal Market vendor relocation
Multi-generational artisan vendors were moved from their ordinance-protected front spaces at San Felipe to the south side after unauthorized building changes; two vendors and an Old Town Association board member asked the council to intervene.
Virtual currency ATM ban
Councilor Telles' ordinance would ban crypto ATMs and cashier-facilitated crypto transactions in Albuquerque. It's one of only two items the committee actually recommended for passage.
MainStreet capital outlay request
The committee endorsed submitting an FY27 state capital outlay request under the New Mexico MainStreet program.
LEDA incentives for Securin, Quantinuum, and BlackVe
Three tech companies could get city support under the state's Local Economic Development Act: a cybersecurity expansion (Securin), a quantum computing facility with photonics and ion-trapping labs (Quantinuum), and a 55,000-square-foot satellite manufacturing plant near Kirtland Air Force Base (BlackVe). These deals are pitched as high-wage job creators and will be heard August 17.
Mantis Space LEDA economic development project
The city approved an incentive deal helping Mantis Space build a facility for advanced optics and satellite component manufacturing in Albuquerque — about 186 jobs averaging $180,000, with clawbacks if hiring targets are missed.
Route 66 Centennial preparations
The city is capitalizing on national attention for Route 66's 100th birthday, with the 'Route 66 Remixed' public art trail launched, the visitors center opening April 4, and big national media rankings — but a botched banner in the Highland district is being redone.