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.
Charter Review Task Force creation
Voters will decide two charter questions in November: whether the Albuquerque Community Safety director must be appointed and confirmed as an 'ACS Chief,' and an amendment to Article V, Section 4 of the charter.
Indicators Progress Commission update
A resolution would update the name and clarify the duties of the Indicators Progress Commission, which tracks community progress measures.
Council Rules of Procedure amendment
With 23 speakers signed up, the president limited comments to one minute; a motion to restore two minutes failed, sparking debate over council rules and access to the only public forum before the council.
Capital Implementation Program amendment
Councilor Grout, by request, introduced an amendment to supplement current grant appropriations and approve new capital projects citywide.
Federal grant exposure under OMB changes
Councilor Telles pressed DFAS on $23-26.7 million in federal awards at risk from December 11 OMB changes, but was told counsel must review before answers. She criticized learning of the city's litigation involvement only the week before.
2027 Capital and Policy Priorities
The administration laid out its 2027 priority capital projects and policy requests, which guide where infrastructure and service dollars go next year.
Solid waste dump fee increase
A resident warned the new $12 non-resident dump fee and reduced Montessa Park hours will drive illegal dumping; staff clarified any ID or utility bill proves residency.
IPRA Compliance Report
The city got roughly 20,000 public records requests last year, driven by out-of-state and out-of-country YouTube creators using automated tools, and the clerk's office sees no end in sight absent changes to state law.
Transit Department Positions and Planning Vehicles
A Fiscal Year 2027 budget adjustment revises funding for Transit Department positions and vehicles for the Planning Department. It was amended before moving to the full council.
FY2027 Internal Audit Plan
The committee endorsed the FY2027 audit plan that guides which city programs get scrutinized for waste and efficiency next fiscal year.
Employee 'red circling' pay dispute
104 non-bargaining city employees didn't get the 2% raise because their pay was already above range maximums; they'll get a lump-sum equivalent, but questions remain about how it affects retirement and overtime calculations.
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.
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.
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.
Open Space Division facing budget cuts
Multiple Open Space Advisory Board members urged the council to protect open space staffing in the FY27 budget, noting the proposed 3% parks cut and 12 positions eliminated could mean shorter hours, taller weeds, and degraded trails across 30,000+ acres.
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).