Albuquerque · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Albuquerque public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Glue trap ban in Albuquerque
A new ordinance would ban using and selling glue traps in the city, and ban glue and insect adhesive traps at city facilities. It moved forward with amendments but split the committee.
Opioid settlement funds for Gateway treatment connections
The council approved using opioid settlement money to connect people in city shelters to substance abuse treatment. A fight over whether to strip APS's school-based Crossroads program funding was resolved when the amendment was withdrawn, and the administration committed to including Gateway operations in next year's budget.
Robertson Park operations and encampment policy
Councilors found conflicting closure signage at Robertson Park and no clearing during posted closures, and Councilor Rogers demanded the encampment notification form record what services were actually offered. The administration defended its multi-department approach.
Ban on glue traps
Councilor Fiebelkorn wants to make it illegal to sell or use glue traps in Albuquerque, including at city facilities. Animal welfare advocates have long called these traps inhumane; pest-control businesses would need to change practices.
Gateway Center Security Services
The Gateway Center, the city's central hub for homelessness services, will have its security guard services contract considered by the full council. Public safety at the facility affects both clients and neighbors.
Harmony Road Recovery lease at 5400 Gibson Blvd SE
The city would lease space at 5400 Gibson Blvd SE to Harmony Road Recovery, with immediate action requested — likely tied to substance-use or recovery services.
Environmental Maintenance, Hospitality and Safety Services Contract
A contract for environmental maintenance, hospitality and safety services moved forward over one dissent. It affects cleanliness and safety services in public spaces.
APD automated license plate readers
Residents raised alarm about APD's 100+ license plate cameras storing a year of location data without warrants, plus an unpatched 9.8-severity security vulnerability disclosed in 2025.
Heat Emergency Response
Albuquerque is expanding Operation Cooldown as the heat wave cranks up, adding cooling stations and other resources for people who need relief. If you’re stuck without AC or know someone who is, the city says there’s more help available.
Government Accountability and Inspector General Reform
The council overhauled city oversight by passing a consolidated Accountability in Government Ordinance and strengthening whistleblower protections.
911 Dispatcher Forced Overtime
Councilors questioned administration officials regarding recent officer-involved shootings, mental health emergency dispatches, and coordination between APD, ACS, and 911 dispatchers.
Police Oversight Expansion to Non-Sworn Personnel
The council updated the police oversight ordinance so that the CPOA can investigate complaints against non-sworn personnel who perform public-facing enforcement duties, such as police service aides and transit safety officers.
New public safety leadership: Chief Barker and Executive Director Bujanda
The city now has its first female APD chief and a new $187,000 Executive Director of Public Safety overseeing coordination among APD, Fire and ACS. Critics called the new position redundant bureaucracy; supporters say it will knit first-responder agencies together.
Safer Community Places Ordinance
Dozens of speakers, many from El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos, urged the council to advance an ordinance restricting immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals and shelters, citing fear in immigrant families and impacts on workers and businesses.
Fire Chief Confirmation and ALS Staffing Dispute
Chief Emily Jaramillo was reconfirmed 9-0 despite an open dispute with IAFF Local 244 over the one-paramedic rescue expansion, atypical staffing, and forced overtime. Union leadership told the council 67% of survey respondents opposed confirmation.
ACS Connect to Care outreach
The Community Safety Department's proactive 'Connect to Care' events bring medical, behavioral health, housing and ID services directly to high-need areas, with calls for service up sharply.
APD Police Service Aide Program Expansion
Interim Chief Barker reported APD now has 92 police service aides, up from 30 in 2017; councilors probed whether unarmed aides are being placed at risk and what calls they handle.