Albuquerque · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Albuquerque public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Integrated Development Ordinance update process change
Ordinance O-26-65 would scrap the Integrated Development Ordinance's biennial update requirement and replace it with a Planning Department-driven process with two effective dates each year.
Raising development appeal fees (O-26-60)
The council raised the fee to appeal an approved development project to $925 while keeping appeals of denials at $300, with waivers for low-income appellants. Neighborhood groups said the cost locks volunteers out of the appeal process; builders said appeals already cost homebuyers thousands in project delays.
IDO update process reform (O-26-65)
This bill would eliminate the current biennial update cycle for the Integrated Development Ordinance and replace it with a new Planning Department process with two effective dates each year. If adopted by the council, it changes how and when zoning code changes take effect citywide.
North I-25 Community Planning Area Assessment
The council accepted the West Mesa CPA report 8-1, despite residents' complaints that items 13 and 14 — including converting single-family zoning to higher density — were added without any public input.
Community planning area assessments: North I-25 and Near North Valley
Assessment reports for the North I-25 and Near North Valley planning areas were referred to the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee for review.
East Central Main Street corridor extension
The comp plan now designates Central Avenue as a Main Street corridor all the way from Wyoming to Tramway — meaning wider sidewalks, better design standards, and car wash/self-storage bans along East Central.
Digital billboard permit denials upheld
Five appeals by Lindmark Companies failed; the hearing officer read the IDO's 3-to-1 removal rule as requiring advertising area, not signs, to be removed. Some councilors want the rule updated.
Neighborhood association legislation debate
Councilor Lewis introduced four bills rewriting the neighborhood association recognition ordinance; speakers called them a gutting of neighborhood voice, while Lewis says they empower associations by limiting coalition power.
Zoning appeal standing reforms
Two memorials ask the State Legislature to change who can appeal zoning decisions and how — potentially limiting lawsuits against city land-use approvals. This could speed up housing and development projects or reduce public oversight, depending on your view.
Zoning map amendment for Water Utility Authority land at 6000 Alexander Dr. NE
About 165 acres of Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority land near the water treatment facility would be rezoned from NR-SU to NR-LM. Introduced by Councilor Bassan and set for hearing August 17.
Businesses fencing themselves in — variance denials
Two fence variance appeals in one night prompted councilors to lament that crime, drugs and homelessness are pushing business owners to barricade their properties, even as the council followed the law and denied the appeal.
Fence variance appeal at 237 Wyoming Blvd NE
Dalila Solis's appeal of a denied variance for a 6-foot security fence got a full council hearing April 20 after a 7-2 vote, driven partly by vandalism and crime concerns near Wyoming and Central.
Silver Avenue sign variance appeal (AC-25-05)
Sydney Hill Church wanted to re-mount its 66-inch projecting sign on its Nob Hill building, but zoning rules cap projections at 30 inches. The council heard a full appeal and split 5-4 to overturn the denial, sparking debate about neighborhood edges, historic districts and whether variance rules apply equally to everyone.
2025 IDO Biennial Update (O-26-2)
The council heard sharply split testimony on the upcoming Integrated Development Ordinance updates: supporters say legalizing duplexes, casitas, and corner stores addresses the housing shortage; opponents warn of citywide upzoning of single-family zones, property tax cap loss, and a flawed public process.
Appeal costs criteria (O-26-10)
A bill adding factors for awarding appeal costs in land-use appeals was postponed; neighborhood groups argued it raises barriers for residents appealing development.
CPO-7 Removal at Broadway and Lomas
Two downtown parcels — a former Burger King at 101 Lomas and the city-owned former detention pond at 229 Broadway — were removed from the Martineztown/Santa Barbara character protection overlay, 7-1.