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.
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.
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.
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.