Albuquerque · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Albuquerque public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
South Campus TIDD bond issuance
A resolution would authorize up to $160,000 in short-term tax increment revenue bonds to finance public infrastructure in the South Campus TIDD, paid back with gross receipts tax increment generated in the district.
Appointment of Joshua D. Boone as City Attorney
The Mayor has tapped Joshua D. Boone to be the City's next top lawyer. The Council will consider the appointment on September 9.
Veto of charter amendment ballot proposition (R-26-30)
The Mayor vetoed a resolution that would have put a question on the ballot amending Article V, Section 4 of the City Charter. The Council must take immediate action on the veto, so this fight is heading to the September 9 meeting.
Artificial Intelligence regulation
Three bills would set city rules for AI: a new AI ordinance, a replacement advisory board for emerging technology, and a requirement that all city purchases comply with AI policies. The committee took no position on any of them, leaving the debate to the full Council.
Recurring audit findings and fiscal controls
The first-quarter report projects about $18.8 million in overspending, led by Fire, APD, and DMD. Councilors pressed on overtime, vacancies, and why the report was late (federal shutdown, staff turnover).
Indirect overhead (IDOH) charges on capital projects
Councilors locked horns with the administration over the surprise 12% indirect overhead charge that drained their district bond accounts. The new law sets a calculated rate, requires transparency and an annual audit, and bans extra administrative fees on state capital outlay and GO bond projects.
Ranked choice voting revival fails
The council rejected a charter change that would have replaced separate runoff elections with ranked-choice voting, after the county clerk said runoffs cost up to $1.8 million and supporters said RCV saves money and broadens consensus. Critics said it's confusing and costly. It failed 6-3.
Mayor Keller v. Albuquerque City Council litigation
The council met behind closed doors to get legal advice on an ongoing lawsuit between Mayor Tim Keller and the City Council. The details are confidential, but the case is an active dispute between the city's executive and legislative branches.