On October 1, Governor Michell Lujan Grisham called the New Mexico Legislature into Special Session to address the significant challenges of federal funding cuts resulting from President Trump’s  budget reconciliation bill H.R.1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. On October 2, The New Mexico House and Senate adjourned completing the special session after enacting millions in funding to offset anticipated federal funding cuts to state programs. Senators adjourned just after noon, while the House remained in session until 5:15 p.m.

The second day of the special session saw most of the bills on the governor’s agenda pass both chambers of the legislature and head to the governor’s desk, including House Bill 2. The goal of HB 2  is to make sure health insurance premiums remain low, even if tax credits on the federal level expire. It uses subsidies from its health care affordability fund to cover those costs. According to the Health Care Authority, up to 27,000 New Mexicans are at risk of losing health insurance if the tax credits expire.

The House and Senate approved upwards of $125 million in funding into food assistance programs  and health care access and affordability. Lawmakers also approved extra funding for behavioral health programs and some state agencies, along with a few slight changes to the state’s criminal competency laws. They also approved a bill giving the state Department of Health more power over the state’s vaccine guidelines.

The anticipated surge in health insurance premiums come January as a result of enactment of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” which he signed into law on July 4 was one of the biggest concerns addressed by  the special session. Federal Affordable Care Act tax credits will  expire on December 31. Democratic leaders have said the New Mexico families utilizing the state’s health insurance program known as the BeWell New Mexico will likely see their insurance costs skyrocket.  House Majority Floor Leader Reena Sczepanski described the crisis this way:

“For example, for a household of two living in Taos County with a combined income of $95,000, their monthly insurance cost will jump from $150 a month to $2,845. That’s $32,000 more per year.”

State lawmakers were able to get ahead of the funding crisis by approving a bill allowing the state’s Health Care Authority to provide subsidies to keep those insurance costs down for New Mexicans above the current income limits, and investing another $17 million into the program to accomplish that. The strategy gained strong bipartisan support during this session, but Republican leaders say it’s not something state leaders should rely on moving forward. ” Republican State Senator Pat Woods said this:

“This is very much a band-aid, I understand that, but it’s going to come to the point that we can’t depend on the federal government – and I don’t give a rip who’s in that office up there – to keep providing as much money to New Mexico as they have.”

State lawmakers are already preparing other solutions for the upcoming 30-day session to mitigate upcoming changes to Medicaid.

The legislature also enacted during the Special Session a state funding bill that included money to prepare the state to join an interstate medical compact, allowing doctors in other participating states to treat New Mexican patients. Notwithstanding the Governors originally announced intent not to include hot button issues in the special session, she has included the hot button issue of studying and preparing for the implementation of an  interstate medical licensing compact which is an agreement among states to accept medical licenses from other states that have adopted such compacts. It would allow  a doctor licensed in another state to simply  show  that they are a licensed physician in another state  in order to have the NM Medical Board to quickly approve a license to practice in New Mexico. Such compacts allow health care workers licensed in other states to work in New Mexico, which advocates say would address the state’s shortage of medical professionals. New Mexico is a member of just one interstate compact agreement which is for nurses  and is one of only four states that participate in one or fewer compacts. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed seven compact agreements out of the state House, but all stalled in the state Senate.

https://sourcenm.com/2025/09/22/nm-senate-dems-unlikely-to-move-on-medical-compacts-for-special-session/

The Interstate Medical Compact is  expected to be dealt with in the 30-day regular  session that begins on January 20, 2026 .

LEGISLATION ENACTED

Following is a break down of the legislation  enacted during the two day special session:

FUNDING PASSED TO COVER FEDERAL CUTS

House Bill 1 provides $162 million to different areas in response to federal funding cuts. It includes  $66 million for the state’s Healthcare Authority for a number of programs including maintaining SNAP food benefits, bunding food banks, funding school-based food programs, and reducing health insurance costs. Doña Ana County Democrat Representative Nathan Small said this:

“[ House Bill 1 is] going to help over 6,000 New Mexico families avoid massive insurance premium increases, allow them to keep insuring themselves and their families. … We’ve been working this entire summer and will go into the 30-day session again looking at maintaining, whether in this case a year in a half, looking further especially in some of these critical areas.”

HB 1 also transfers $50 million to the rural healthcare fund to keep rural facilities open and allocates $6 million to keep public broadcasting up and running.

These are just one-time allotments lasting through July 2026 or July 2027 depending on the program. Democrats said they can address what may need to become re-occurring and how to fund that in the 30-day session in January.

HEALTHCARE SUBSIDIES PASS

House Bill 2  passed with bipartisan support. It  will cover the gap left by Biden-era tax credits that made Affordable Care Act premiums more affordable for households with incomes over 400% of the federal poverty level. The tax credits will expire at the end of the year unless Congress renews them.

According to an Albuquerque Journal analysis of marketplace data compiled by health policy nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, when the tax credits expire at the end of the year, New Mexicans will have some of the highest Affordable Care Act rate increases in the country. Premiums will increase by an average of 35.7%, per the state Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

Without the subsidies, an Albuquerque couple nearing retirement age with a combined annual income of $84,600 would see a 311% increase in their monthly Affordable Care Act premiums according to marketplace data. The couple would spend $2,462 a month,  or 35% of their total income , on their marketplace coverage. With the subsidies guaranteed by HB2, their monthly health insurance cost will be around $600.

The bill received support from both sides of the aisle. It passed in the House with a vote of 49-13 and in the Senate with a vote of 34-3.

RURAL HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION

Senate Bill 1 passed  designating  $50 million to support rural healthcare across the state and expand the use for the funds for hospitals and allow counties with more than 100,000 residents to apply.

A last minute attempt was made  to approve New Mexico’s entry into interstate compacts for physicians. During debate, Rep. Jenifer Jones (R-Deming) introduced a substitute bill, which included the same language as the original Senate Bill 1, but also appended Senate Bill 9 to include compact entry and lower barriers to licensing doctors from other states.

Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) objected asserting  that the Senate had already adjourned and would not return to address any changes to the bill and the changes would render the bill unconstitutional, and fall outside the scope of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s proclamation. Romero said this:

“If we do pass this substitute under our rules, not only is it counter to our Constitution, it would be unfortunately dead on arrival to the Senate, since they are no longer in session.”

Speaker of the House Javier Martínez ruled that the substitute bill would not be allowed under the rules, noting the narrow allowance in the proclamation.

Montoya and Jones challenged Martínez’s ruling, which failed on a 42-22 vote.

Additional concerns raised by Republicans included the concern that hospitals in Albuquerque or Santa Fe would receive the funds rather than rural areas in other portions of the state. Rep. Liz Thomson said this:

“Sandoval County has over 100,000 people but also has communities like Jemez. … So it would allow medical facilities in Jemez to apply for grants.”

CRIMINAL COMPETENCY LEGISLATION

The House had a near-unanimous passage of Senate Bill 2, which will allow the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court to determine competency which previously required district court involvement  fixing a change made in amendment to House Bill 8 during the 60-day session.

Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), the sponsor, said the amendment shifted cases from metropolitan court into the district court, increasing caseloads unnecessarily. Chandler said this:

“It’s ironic we were delegating upward instead of delegating downward.”

Only three Republicans voted against the bill: Reps. Stefani Lord from Sandia Park, John Block from Alamogordo and Randall Pettigrew of Lovington.

VACCINE POLICY LEGISLATION

The house passed Senate Bill 3, which will expand the New Mexico Department of Health’s authority to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for children. It allows the Department of Health  to use additional sources than a sole federal advisory committee to create guidelines for school and daycare vaccination policy amid federal upheaval.

Senate Bill 3  drew hours of Republican opposition throughout the session and, finally, in the House, with sponsor Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque) defending the process through which the bill was introduced and debated. Republican lawmakers previously complained they only had four minutes to ask questions during a committee debate earlier, and they said the bill had changed repeatedly.

Rep. Jenifer Jones (R), Las Cruces said this:

“I do want people who need or want a COVID shot to have access to it. I’m also very sensitive to my constituents who believe this opens up a possibility even a discussion about losing parental rights in any way or even a discussion.”

Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D), Majority Whip said this:

“This is not about taking away your choice not to get the vaccine. This is about ensuring that those who make the choice to get the vaccine have access to the vaccine, and if they make that choice, that’s all this is about.”

Hochman-Vigil closed more than two hours of debate acknowledging that vaccines are a “highly politicized issue”.

The vote on the vaccine bill broke down along party lines, 43-26, with Republicans voting NO in opposition and Democrats YES in favor

Despite the bill’s passage, the House did not meet the two-thirds threshold needed to enact the bill immediately under an emergency clause, which means the bill will not become law until 90 days from the end of the session  or until Dec. 31, 2025.

Governor Lujan Grisham said this in a statement regarding the vaccine policy legislation:

“There is no good reason for Republicans to make New Mexicans wait 90 days for vaccines they need to protect their health. … I’m deeply disappointed in Republicans for voting to restrict vaccines, but our Department of Health remains committed to vaccine access.”

A SESSION OF “TEMPORARY FIXES”

Governor Lujan Grisham said this in a statement after lawmakers adjourned the Special Session:

“We refuse to let New Mexico families fall through the cracks because Republicans in Washington have abandoned their responsibility to the American people.”

While describing the special session bills as urgently needed responses to federal budget cuts, top Democrats said more work needs to be done in a state with one of the nation’s highest percentages of residents enrolled in Medicaid.

Describing the legislation enacted to deal with federal budget cuts as “temporary fixes, New Mexico Speaker of the House Javier Martinez said this after the session concluded:

“No state in the nation can withstand the immensity and the cruelty of these cuts [in the federal bill]. .. I’m feeling good. we came in laser focused on addressing the most urgent needs for New Mexico’s families  from food security to health care insurance, and we delivered.”

House Democratic floor leader Reena Szczepanski of Santa Fe said lawmakers will have to “go back to the drawing board” to ensure state residents have access to health care.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) said this:

“I want to thank all the members in this chamber for the 25 hours of work that we have done, we’ve worked hard, we’ve worked together, and again as a result of that we have finished the work of the senate.” 

While Democrats described the special session as a success, Republican lawmakers were not upbeat at all and aired grievances on how they were treated. Republican leaders  held a conference following the conclusion of the Senate chamber, expressing disappointment over the lack of crime and New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department bills on the special session agenda.

Multiple House Republican lawmakers aired grievances about the special session’s agenda and being excluded from pre-session negotiations between Governor’s Office staffers and top-ranking Democrats. They railed against time limits imposed by Democratic committee chairs for each legislator to ask questions about bills.

House Republican floor leader Gail Armstrong of Magdalena saisd this during the news conference:

“We represent half of this state and it seems like the Democratic leadership doesn’t give a darn.”

Republican minority floor leader Sen. William Sharer said this about the Special Session:

“Our issues were not addressed at all. We did some things but this so called special session just wasn’t that special.”

House Speaker Javier Martinez did not directly address Republicans criticism, but said he never ignores meeting requests or phone calls from Republican lawmakers. Martínez said this:

“I am sorry that you all don’t feel like you’ve been included. … It was not on purpose.”

Speaker Martinez contrasted the Legislature’s special session work with the ongoing federal government shutdown that reached its second day on Thursday. Martínez said this during the news conference after the special session ended:

“While Washington sits in dysfunction, this Legislature and in particular this caucus continue to show how we can work with civility and on behalf of New Mexicans.”

Lawmakers will return to the state capital for the regular 30-day legislative session on January 20, 2026.

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/02/thats-a-wrap-special-session-ends-with-new-vaccine-competency-health-care-laws/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_9fc48f2c-063d-471c-946a-dfd2bfda57e0.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/lawmakers-wrap-up-special-session-in-santa-fe/

https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-special-session-ends-2025/68485172

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/special-session-wraps-up-with-five-bills-making-it-through-the-roundhouse/

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The October 1 special session was rightly designed to find ways to offset the impact of federal funding cuts passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4. The goal was to ensure initiatives like the rural health care delivery fund and food assistance programs could continue operating and make sure Medicaid recipients do not lose health coverage. Despite being a session described as a session of “temporary fixes”, it can only be described as a solid success ignoring  the negativity espoused by the the New Mexico MAGA Republican leadership.

Links to other quoted or relied upon articles are here:

Legislative update: Senate, House adjourn after tackling fixes to plug budget holes caused by federal cuts

Governor MLG Issues Call Convening Special Session Of Legislature On October 1 Including Special Session Agenda; Studying and Preparing For Implementation Of Interstate Medical Licensing Compact On Agenda

On December 3, 2024 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, accompanied by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Mayor Tim Keller and State Fair Commission Chairman Eric Serna and other officials, announced a plan to move the New Mexico state fairgrounds to a different location and redevelop the 236 acre State Fair property into a mixed-use development. The announcement to move the Fair Grounds shocked surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Among the many ideas suggested for the development of the 236 acres of prime property included low income and affordable housing and demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility. Recommendations for future land use included commercial retail business development.

“STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT” CREATED

On March 21, in response to the Governor’s announcement to redevelop or move the state fair, the New Mexico legislature passed Senate Bill 481 creating the “State Fairgrounds District,” a governing board which has redevelopment authority over the existing State Fair grounds area. The bill includes an appropriation of approximately $12 million to cover initial costs.

The “State Fairgrounds District” Board is empowered to raise property taxes and issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund future development of the property, to make improvement or even relocate the fairgrounds and repurpose the property. The bonds are backed primarily by future gaming revenue taxes generated at the Downs Racetrack and Casino which holds a multi-decade lease on  the  property until 2045 within the fairground’s perimeter. According to the legislation, the board will govern the development of the district for six years.

The link to review the legislative history is here:

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=S&LegType=B&LegNo=481&year=25

Voting members of the State Fairgrounds District governing Board are:

• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, chair.
• Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller
• Senator Mimi Stewart, Senate President Pro-Tempore, International District, #17
• State  Representative Janelle Anyanonu whose district the fair grounds is located
• City Councilor Nichole Rogers whose district the fair grounds is located
• County Commissioner Adriann Barboa whose district the fair grounds is located
• Peter Belletto, President, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition

STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC

On June 18,  the state General Services Department announced that an $844,433 contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc.  was  entered into by the State for Stantec to create a master plan for repurposing the 236-acre tract of land that has since 1938 hosted the annual New Mexico State Fair, also known as EXPO New Mexico.  Santec has agreed to develop a master plan by February 2026  that will make suggestions for the land’s use.

The award of the contract to Stantec Consulting Services Inc. came a full four months after the state abruptly canceled the previous RFP contract solicitation without explanation and restarted the process. The signing followed a public procurement process. The contract spans  8 months extending until February, 2026 and the  master plan will include an economic impact study, development plans and a proposal presentation.

Stantec is a multinational consulting firm headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with four local offices in New Mexico. This contract isn’t Stantec’s first in New Mexico. The company previously worked with the Department of Transportation to revamp roads and highways in Silver City, Hobbs and Fort Sumner. Stantec also worked with the city of Jal in the southeast corner of New Mexico to produce a community development plan.

Stantec’s portfolio includes major projects across the United States and abroad, such as McGregor Square in downtown Denver, a vibrant entertainment district next to Coors Field, and community spaces in Chicago designed for live concerts, film screenings and outdoor markets. The firm has also worked on developments in Scotland, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

STANTEC’S PRESENTATION

On August 21 a subcontractor with the firm known as Create Your Fable that specializes in public affairs and strategic communications working for Stantec Consulting Services Inc. reported to the State Fair Grounds District Board that it completed 14 in-depth interviews with board members, key stakeholders and community leaders and will be conducting further interviews. It was announced that three meetings would  be held with the Stakeholders to discuss the overall plans for the area. It was also announced that a website has been completed and that it will be launched in the week of August 15. A community survey was supposedly conducted from September 1 to September 17.

INSIGHTS FROM IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS

A report was given on the following four major insights given by the stakeholders during interviews:

1. DESIRE FOR SAFE WALKABLE FAIRGROUND

Stakeholders stated that they felt the top priority for the fairgrounds is a safe walkable greenspace that connects the neighborhoods on all sides of the Fairgrounds and that provides a shared community space. Stakeholders said they want neighborhoods on all sides of the Fairgrounds to be connected to create a shared community space. Environmental considerations include having tree coverage reducing the heat index and reducing “inhalable pollution.” Stakeholders said they want the ability to walk to grocery stores, schools, neighborhood restaurants and retail stores.

2. ACCESSABLE HOUSING WITH CAVEATS

Stakeholders said a close second priority is accessible housing but with caveats. Stakeholders said they would like to see prioritizing renovating existing structures within neighborhoods and infill housing. New housing on the Fairgrounds itself must be mixed income. There must be supported pathways for the first time homeownership, including in the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the fairgrounds. There is a measurable sentiment for a “Community Land Trust” which would allow for the neighborhoods to have “skin in the game” and own land and property.

3. ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Stakeholders emphasized that Economic and Business Development is a tertiary priority. Stakeholders expressed widespread acknowledgement of the importance of an anchor tenant on the fairgrounds itself, but the nature of the tenant is not clear.

4. HEALTHY AND SAFE COMMUNITIES

Stakeholders stressed there is a need to address the proliferation of violent crime, property crime and the presence of unhoused, open drug use and behavioral health challenges. Stakeholders believe there is “power and progress” in the communities surrounding the fairgrounds. Stakeholders said more community services are needed, but it’s complicated on how to achieve them and saying communities must be an authentic part of the work.

The link to review Stantec’s initial August 21 report is here:

https://www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/08212025_Presentation_StateFair_Board_Mtg_1.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawNLdatleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4bmdXTkdsbHdEZHVZQ0taAR4NvjbXniyAaUOKkKgSSbsRX7rngv5XOio7Gaq2qaDh8uickbB8gUZN0r_jMQ_aem_gGaYMHgkrltnunRQQ5XpFQ

FIRST OF 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD BY STANTEC

On September 22, Stantec Consulting Services Inc held a public meeting at the African American Pavilion on the State Fair Grounds to discuss and consider what should be done with the 236-acre tract of land that houses the annual New Mexico State Fair also known as  Expo New Mexico.  The meeting was the first of three events held to allow the public to comment on the master plan. The second meeting will be held sometime in late October to early November and is yet to be announced.

STANTEC PRESENTATION

Representatives of Stantec Consulting Services made it clear that the purpose of the September 22, meeting was  to talk about the fairgrounds and not the State Fair itself.  Simply put, Stantec Consulting Services  is not  in charge of deciding if the New Mexico State Fair stays or goes.

State officials have asked Stantec to come up with at least two master plans for the current fairgrounds. One plan includes the state fair staying where it is  and one deals with moving the fairgrounds to a different location. The master plans will ostensibly  include recommendations on where to build a new state fairgrounds if that is the final decision made.

During the meeting, Nancy Locke, the lead member of the Stantec Consulting Services team in charge of creating a master plan for the fairgrounds, presented some of their findings when surveying the property and possibilities of what else it could be. Locke said the main purpose of the master plan is to see how the state, city, fair and community can collaborate to get the most economic and cultural benefits from the property.

According to the presentation, there is a possibility of not moving the fairgrounds and modernizing it, but the property could also be many other things, including mixed-income housing, an entertainment venue, or even a park.

Nancy Locke, the project lead for Stantec,  said food deserts, excessive heat and lack of green spaces are all problems in the surrounding neighborhoods of the fair grounds. The new development could be a remedy, Locke said, bringing parks and commerce, as well as affordable housing.

Stantec speakers presented a wide variety of development plans in addition to new housing, including a new multi-use arena for concerts and sports, medical facilities, offices, retail and public parks. Stantec planners also suggested that the State Fair might not have to move but may be able to continue operating on a smaller area within the plot of land.

CONTENTIOUS MEETING

The meeting drew both supporters and detractors consisting of  local residents and advocates.  Some residents of the International District  saw the proposal as an opportunity to start fresh and uplift Albuquerque’s economically disadvantaged International District through new development. Others feared gentrification, wasted taxpayer dollars and a stalled project leaving residents in limbo.

Stantec speakers, including  Nancy Locke , the lead presenter for Santec,  were frequently interrupted by residents who voiced concerns and raised strong objections  about everything from crime to homelessness. Some expressed nostalgia for the State Fair’s historic home.

During a question-and-answer period, community members passed around the microphone. The community members primarily criticized the project.

Former International District resident Willie Williamson told the audience and  presenters he  grew up in the International District, became entangled with drugs and gangs as a teen, and years later made the decision to raise his children elsewhere to save them from a similar fate. Williamson worries that without solving the surrounding area’s issues with drug use and crime first, any affordable housing project will fail.

Williamson said the redevelopment would end major events held at Expo New Mexico, beyond just the annual fair, and plunge the neighborhood into greater economic disparity at a time when major retailers like Walmart and Walgreens have already fled. Williamson said this:

“You want to further take the economics from this part of the community, but not put anything back into the community — it’s a failure. … You want to address the optics of this neighborhood but not address the actual problems. … You’re talking 10 to 15 years of adverse childhood experiences for these people that you are not addressing.”

Hillary Malu, who lives near the State Fairgrounds, said this:

“My takeaway is that people are actually getting information that they’ve been wanting and needing. I hope community members will continue to look at their website and attend meetings, so then we can have some productive dialogue.”

Charlie Bennett, a longtime resident of the International District and a community activist over many years recalled the two previous attempts to redevelop the fairgrounds. Bennett brought to the meeting and referred to a white binder filled with the neighborhood’s suggestions for then Governor Bill Richardson, who attempted the revitalization in 2008. Bennett said this:

“What makes Governor  Michelle Lujan Grisham’s attempt any different. … I’ll probably be dead before the first shovel hits dirt.”

Former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, an adviser to Governor Lujan Grisham on the State Fair project,  said this in response to Bennett:

“The difference is dramatic. … For the first time, there are real dollars and serious representation regarding the initiative.”

Stantec representatives said the master plan would not include options of where the fair would be hosted if it is moved. Nancy Locke, the project lead for Stantec said this:

“I know that there’s some controversy around the topic [of moving the fair grounds and] we hear you.”

Panelists chosen by Stantec were a collection of local residents, nonprofit organizers and included law enforcement.  The Santec Panelist encouraged audience members and residents to think about the future, though even their opinions about the project were split.

Natalie Vargas, from the Southside Neighborhood Association, said she’d like to see the fairgrounds stay, though she recognized how development could improve the neighborhood she grew up in and where she now raises her kids. Vargas said this:

“I personally think the state fair should stay because it’s where rural and urban kids come together, learn from each other and dream big. We need to protect spaces that educate, connect and inspire, and the state fair is one of them”

Albuquerque Police Department Southeast Area Commander Josh Richards raised questions about what jurisdiction the development would fall under, given that it’s within city boundaries but owned by the state.  Commander Richards said adding more population density to the Southeast Area Command that is already overworked and understaffed could drain resources and make policing the area more difficult. Commander Richards said this:

“Adding 240-some acres of housing is a big pull for us.”

Ahdohny Routheni, a Stantec panelist and founder of numerous local nonprofits, implored the audience to be forward-thinking and not let nostalgia for the fairgrounds prevent positive change for future generations. Routheni said this:

“I really would love if the community thought long and hard — is it really for y’all or is it for them? … Are we going to be people that tear down trees, or are we going to plant a tree so that next generation can eat off that fruit?”

Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers, who is a member of the State Fair Governing Board, said this of the meeting:

“I’ve heard people who want to keep it here and just redevelop it, modernize it, do some housing. Then also folks who are like, let’s find a new home where we can build from the ground up and then reimagine this space for something different. So, I think that’s what tonight’s all about, is just hearing all of those different ideas. … For me, that was the most thing I’ve been vocal about throughout this whole process. The governance team and Stantec, the contractor who’s in charge of putting together the master plan, really have listened to community. This is the proof of that.”

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_eb99f463-c743-4b94-970f-0071d728d514.html

https://www.koat.com/article/community-meeting-held-in-albuquerque-to-discuss-future-of-new-mexico-state-fairgrounds/68009798

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/disruptions-derail-state-fairground-redevelopment-meeting/

Links to related State Fair District Board and the  redevelopment master plan are here:

https://www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov

https://www.exponm.com/p/about/nmsf-tidd-board

ANGER IN THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT RECALLED

On February 26, Bernalillo County Government  held meeting to discuss and provide information on a proposed Tax Increment Development District (TIDD) for the New State Fairgrounds. Upwards of 200 residents attended.

The Governor’s proposal of moving the State Fair has been met with opposition from the residents of Albuquerque’s International District, which has dealt with rampant drug use and homelessness in recent years. Most if not all of  the public present for the February 26 meeting were very hostile to the State moving the state fair and spoke out against moving the state fair to another location.

Audience members were given the opportunity to speak after the presentation on the proposed Tax Increment District (TIDD). Audience members said that the City and the Mayor Keller Administration have been a total failure in cleaning up Central and the city has failed to address the homeless crisis on Central. Audience members argued that before anything is spent on improving or moving the Fair Grounds, money would be better spent cleaning up Central, dealing with the homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill and providing them with services to get them off the streets.

STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT  BOARD APPROVES PROPERTY ACQUISITION

On Thursday, September 25, the State Fairgrounds District Board held its third monthly meeting.  On the agenda was a presentation of Stantec officials to the board.  

During its presentation, Stantec officials, stressing that no decision has  been made to move the State Fair from its current location, called on the public to imagine a transformation at the fairgrounds and said that could be the impetus for change at the International District. The area surrounding the fairgrounds has some of the deadliest intersections for pedestrians in New Mexico. A presentation at the August  State Fair District board meeting detailed the areas historical high crime rates. The area is also viewed as a “food desert” because of the  recent closures of a nearby CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The area is also viewed as  “heat island,” due to the lack of tree canopy and green space. The Trust for Public Lands also rates it as one of Albuquerque areas with the highest need for a public park.

Stantec designer Nancy Locke  released to the State Fair District Board the results of a recent neighborhood survey, which found that nearby neighbors most want “safe, welcoming neighborhoods;” “economic prosperity for neighborhood residents;” and “public health and social services.”

Instead of the current layout of the fairgrounds, which is 93% pavement, Locke listed off possibilities for the master plan, including designs for “livable density, incorporating agriculture, farming, youth programs, commercial areas that act as like a third place” as well as “open space, bike paths” and other transportation solutions that “get people out of their cars and get people walking.” 

Given how closed off the fairgrounds is from Central Avenue and the International District neighborhoods just beyond them, Locke said the firm thinks it’s important to establish a greater connection between the grounds and the neighborhood, as well as establish a large green space that could be used for multiple purposes. Locke said this of the new Central Avenue connection:

“It ideally wears multiple hats. … It serves multiple needs, and it will be driven, really, by what we’re hearing from the community going forward.”

Locke reported that Santec is completing its “analysis” phase, which includes market analysis and public engagement and that  the firm is moving toward its “master plan development phase. ”  Locke said “options abound” and she told the board this:

“There’s a whole range of opportunities that we can start to imagine and start to lay the base for [re development of the area]”. 

SPENDING APPROVED TO ACQUIRE LAND

The State Fair District Board  approved spending up to $22.5 million to acquire an eight-acre area on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, which currently has about 17 parcels and 13 condominium units. According to former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, who is spearheading the project on behalf of Lujan Grisham, said the real property acquisition is a necessary step as the board seeks approval for future spending,

The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:

https://sourcenm.com/2025/09/25/nm-fairgrounds-redevelopment-board-approves-property-acquisition-begin-new-planning-phase/

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

AFFORDABLE HOUSEING

Efforts to address “affordable housing” continue to be a major topic of discussion for the State Fairgrounds District Board and have been a very  big part of the presentations made to the board by Stantec in the redevelopment plan for the property.  Proposing to commandeer a good portion of the Expo NM State Fair Property for affordable housing is as absurd as it gets.

The term affordable housing is about as misleading as it gets and is to often use by politicians, elected officials and developers to promote their own personal or political agendas. Simply put construction costs are consistent when it comes to housing and construction costs today are extremely high as are existing housing costs in todays housing market. When the term “affordable housing” is used by the politicians, elected officials and developer’s, what is usually meant is “subsidized government housing”. 

Affordable housing or subsidized housing for low-income income earners is not the highest and best use of any portion of the 236 acres of prime property for development in the center of Albuquerque. It would put a small dent in the  projected shortage of housing.  Efforts for such a use for the State Fair grounds should be abandoned in that it would impair the over all goal and development of the property for projects that benefit the entire community as a whole and public use.

Development of affordable housing or subsidized housing within the existing neighborhoods South in the International District and East of the Fairgrounds is where it is needed and not on the State Fair grounds property itself.

CITY NEEDS TO TAKE AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO DEAL NUISANCE PROPERTIES AND UNHOUSED AROUND FAIR GROUNDS

The City of Albuquerque must and can as it has in the past take aggressive action to deal with nuisance properties that are magnets for crime in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods, especially in the International District. Mayor Tim Keller needs to aggressively enforce the city’s vagrancy laws to deal with the homeless, including making arrests if need be and to  provide services to them designed to get them off the streets.

From 2001 to 2009, East Central in the International District was in fact cleaned up before by the Safe City Strike Force with aggressive code enforcement action against Central motels and violent bars that the city tore down or closed. The bars located near the State Fair that were closed or torn down by the Safe City Strike Force included the Blue Spruce Bar (Central and Louisiana), Rusty’s Cork and Bottle (San Pedro and Central) and the Last Chance Bar and Grill (Central and Louisiana). The Safe City Strike Force took code enforcement action against 48 of the 150 motels along central, many near the State Fair grounds and forced compliance with building codes and mandated repairs to the properties.

BUILDING A NEW MULTI PURPOSE ARENA

One major project that is being suggested that merits serious discussion is building a new arena as part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property. The new venue would be a modern arena that would have the capacity to support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It would replace the existing Tingley Coliseum. Demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility with the capacity of upwards 20,000 has been a dream of many a Governor, State Fair Commissions and Fair Managers.

Tingley Coliseum was built in 1957 and has a  seating capacity for 11,000 people. Over the years it’s been repeatedly remodeled and upgraded. Tingley Coliseum last year had $2 million worth of upgrades geared toward replacing old seats and fixing the electrical system. The work that began in November permanently removed the benches and outdated 80’s-era seats for new, wider ones. In the process, the coliseum lost roughly 700 of its total 10,000 seats, but officials plan to make up the loss with more standing-room availability.

The City of Albuquerque for decades has needed a large capacity, multipurpose entertainment venue after demolition of the 30 year old Albuquerque Civic Auditorium in 1986. It was back on February 25, 2019 that it was reported that there is a need for such a facility and EXPO New Mexico was in the final stages of conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a new arena on the state fairgrounds. Absolutely nothing ever happened with the feasibility study and its collecting dust somewhere in the State Fair manger’s office.

HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF PROPERTY IS EXPO NEW MEXICO

Expo New Mexico can be revitalized into an Entertainment and Commercial Hub  that could revitalize the entire SE Heights and surrounding area with creation of all new commercial property areas leased by the State Fair for shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues that would also be used for operations of the annual State Fair and during the State Fair itself.

There should be no affordable housing and no other housing on the property. No portion of the State Fair acreage should be sold to any developer. Efforts to revitalize adjoining neighborhoods should only be undertaken by private developers perhaps with state and city development and tax incentives.

OTHER VENUES

Getting rid of the “midway” ride area on the South side and replacing it with year-round entertainment venues and facilities is in order. Demolishing existing, aging specialty exhibition halls, such as the Manuel Lujan building and livestock exhibition stables and replacing them with new, larger facilities with multipurpose usages likewise is in order. Removing the flea market and replacing it with a Farmers Market or a permanent arts and crafts shopping area should be in the mix.

There are two major facilities that could be integral parts of an entertainment and commercial district hub: the Downs Race Track and Casino if they want to still be a part of the State Fair and the proposed new multipurpose arena. Part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property would be the building of a new, modern arena to replace Tingly Coliseum that would support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It’s a capital improvement project that needs to go forward. With the continuing historical  state revenue surpluses, the building of a multipurpose state of the art arena to replace Tingly Coliseum would be an investment for future generations.

FINAL COMMENTARY

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, State Representative Janelle Anyanonu, City Councilor Nichole Rogers and County Commissioner Adriann Barboa who are the elected officials and politicians on the “State Fairgrounds District Board” need to keep their greedy little hands off the State Fair grounds and abandon any effort to move it or dedicate it for affordable housinmg. Simply put, the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and their constituents want the State Fair to remain where it is.

Affordable housing is not the highest and best use for the property. The highest and best use of the 236 acres of property is the State Fair itself and keeping it as Expo New Mexico and developing a year-round Entertainment District and to preserve the New Mexico State Fair and Expo New Mexico where it is now.

Below are links to related blog articles:

Second Meeting Of State Fairgrounds District Board Held With Update Of Master Plan Presented; Neighborhoods Surrounding Fair Grounds Falsely Characterized As “Statewide Epicenter of Homicide, Violence, Homeless Despair, Drug Addiction And Criminal Activity”; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is Expo New Mexico With No Affordable Housing

“State Fairgrounds District Board” Holds First Meeting; Gov. MLG Merely Suggests State Fair May Not Be Moved Contrary To Her Expressed Thoughts; Development Of Master Plans Moves Forward; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is “Expo New Mexico” And Creation Of Year Around Entertainment District With No Affordable Housing   

On September 30, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation convening a special session of the New Mexico State Legislature to convene at noon Wednesday, October 1, at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe. The Governor is convening the special session  to address the significant challenges of federal funding cuts resulting from President Trump’s  budget reconciliation bill H.R.1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

According to the Governor’s press release  announcing the Special Session and its agenda,  the governor’s call to action comes as New Mexicans face unprecedented challenges caused by massive reductions in federal support for critical programs including Medicaid, SNAP food assistance and public broadcasting services. The federal budget reconciliation bill signed into law by  Trump on  July 4 cuts taxes for the rich while slashing discretionary spending through 2034, with devastating consequences for New Mexico families and communities.

Governor Lujan Grsham said this in a statement:

“We’re not going to stand by while Washington abandons New Mexico families. … This special session is about protecting the people who need help most.”

Kari Armijo, the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority, said this:

“While the new federal law brings significant changes, our focus is clear: protecting benefits and services for the 40 percent of New Mexicans who rely on our programs for health care and food assistance.  … We’re committed to maintaining a strong safety net through these challenges.”

SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA

During the special session, lawmakers will consider only the following measures:

• RURAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY FUND EXPANSION: Amending the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to allow for grants to health care providers and facilities in high-needs geographic health professional shortage areas and stabilize the provision of existing health care services.
• HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE ELIGIBILITY: Adjusting eligibility requirements for participating in the New Mexico health insurance exchange.
• VACCINE STANDARDS: Requiring rules for the immunization of children attending school or child care to be based on the recommendations of the New Mexico Department of Health, allowing the Department of Health to set vaccination standards for adults, and requiring vaccines purchased pursuant to the statewide vaccine purchasing program to be recommended by the Department of Health.
• FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS RESPONSE: Appropriating funds to respond to recent federal budget cuts.
•  WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS: Confirming regents to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents.
• AMENDING COMPETENCY PROCEDURES: Amending competency laws to allow metropolitan courts to determine competency.
• BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: Appropriating funds to the Administrative Office of the Courts for a competency pilot program and behavioral health support for parties in legal proceedings.
• APPROPRIATION CONTINGENCY FUND: Transferring funds into the Appropriation Contingency Fund to ensure New Mexico has money set aside for emergency response.
• REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT FUNDING: Appropriating funds to supplement the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s budget.
• INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSING COMPACT: Studying and preparing for the implementation of any interstate medical licensing compact.
• LEGISLATIVE EXPENSES: Appropriating funds for the expenses of the Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Special Session, 2025.

HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP REACT

Both the  New Mexico House and Senate Majority leadership have approved the Governor’s call for a Special Session and as well as the agenda.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said this in the Governor’s call  statement:

“The cuts coming from Washington are not theoretical, they are happening now and will directly harm New Mexican families who are struggling to put food on the table or cannot afford healthcare. … This special session allows us to respond immediately to Washington’s dysfunction and take the first critical steps to protect our state’s progress.”

House Speaker Javier Martínez said this in the Governor’s call statement:

“Deep federal budget cuts and continued chaos in Washington, D. C. are making life harder and more expensive for New Mexicans now. But New Mexico’s leaders are ready for this fight, so we’re stepping up to address the most pressing issues facing families: skyrocketing healthcare premiums, seniors losing food benefits, and rural healthcare providers on the brink. … This special session is about making sure families across our state have access to the things they cannot live without.”

The October 1 special session will be the first called by Lujan Grisham since a July 2024 session focused on crime-related issues that ended with the Democratic-controlled Legislature adjourning without taking action on most of the governor’s proposed agenda. In an effort to avoid the same fate with the October 1 session, the Governor’s Office top staffers have been meeting with Democratic legislative leaders in recent weeks about a special session spending package that could exceed $400 million. That funding would come from nearly $3.5 billion in unspent money in state reserve funds, as state revenue levels have surged to record-high levels in recent years.

TRUMP’S “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL” 

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is in fact a large tax reduction package signed into law that  trimmed close to $1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare and subsidies from the Affordable Care Act and $230 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, spending over the next 10 years  to pay for the tax reductions.  State health officials are warning that Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” he signed in July  could lead to more than 90,000 New Mexico residents losing health care coverage and the possible closure of rural hospitals.

New Mexico has one of the nation’s highest Medicaid enrollment rates where roughly 38% of state residents are enrolled.  According to state executive and legislative branch economists the federal budget bill is projected to cost the state an average of $206 million per year over the next five years. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said last week that could eventually translate to $4 billion in annual spending shortfalls for the state.  House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, said some New Mexicans are set to face health insurance plan cost increases of up to 52% at the end of this year if lawmakers do not take action.

Links to relied upon or quoted news sources are here:

https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/09/30/governor-convenes-special-legislative-session-to-address-federal-funding-cuts-and-budget-crisis/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_beb999c2-8035-489a-8ce8-69aef1b6bd82.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

COMMENTARY AND  ANALYSIS

On September 4 when Governor Lujan Grisham first made it know that she would call the legislature into Special Session on October 1, she made it clear  the session would be confined to measures to deal with the severe budget cuts called for in Trump’s enacted “Big Beautiful Bill” and said the special session would primarily focus on federal cuts to programs such as Medicaid.  While announcing the special session’s start date of October 1, the Governor’s Office  confirmed that hot-button legislation dealing with crime would  be deferred  until the start of the 30-day regular session in January. Bills dealing with juvenile crime and firearm restrictions are  expected to be delayed until next year’s 30-day session.

HOT BUTTON ISSUE ON SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA

Notwithstanding the Governors originally announced intent not to include hot button issues in the special session, she has included the hot button issue of studying and preparing for the implementation of an  interstate medical licensing compact which is an agreement among states to accept medical licenses from other states that have adopted such compacts. It would allow  a doctor licensed in another state to simply  show  that they are a licensed physician in another state  in order to have the NM Medical Board to quickly approve a license to practice  in New Mexico.  Such compacts allow health care workers licensed in other states to work in New Mexico, which advocates say would address the state’s shortage of medical professionals. New Mexico is a member of just one interstate compact agreement which is for nurses  and is one of only four states that participate in one or fewer compacts. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed seven compact agreements out of the state House, but all stalled in the state Senate.

https://sourcenm.com/2025/09/22/nm-senate-dems-unlikely-to-move-on-medical-compacts-for-special-session/

New Mexico trial lawyers over many years have aggressively opposed  the compacts despite their adoption in over 40 other states. Trial  lawyers and personal injury lawyers  oppose a provision that prevents them from suing the interstate compact commissions, the board that would  oversee the compact.  Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, a highly respected Santa Fe trial attorney, has  opposed  the enactment of an interstate medical licensing compact in the past and has been severely criticized for it. He failed to keep the issues off the Special Session agenda to no avail and accepted as a compromise to studyi and prepare  for the implementation of an  interstate medical licensing compact.  Senator Wirth has reversed his original opposition and issued the following statement:

” I do support the medical compacts. I think that’s priority number one, and we’re going to get that done in January and work hard between now and then to make it happen. But it’s just not ready to go at this point in the special session.”

FINAL COMMENTARY

It is absolutely clear from the Governor’s press release calling the October 1 Special Session and setting its agenda and the comments made by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth and New Mexico Speaker of the House Speaker Javier Martínez,  a strong consensus has been reached on how to deal with the severe budget cuts and damage done by Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” to New Mexico.

The October 1 special session is designed to find ways to offset the impact of federal funding cuts passed by Congress and approved by President Trump in July. The goal is to ensure initiatives like the rural health care delivery fund and food assistance programs can continue operating and make sure Medicaid recipients do not lose health coverage.

What Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth and Speaker of the House Javier Martínez said about the Special Session when it was first announced is worth repeating.  

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said this:

“New Mexico cannot stand by while Washington’s reckless budget cuts inflict generational harm on families and communities across the state.  …. A special session is essential to protect our rural healthcare providers, safeguard Medicaid coverage, and ensure that New Mexicans don’t bear the burden of federal failures.”

Speaker of the House Javier Martínez said this:

“New Mexico is not going to allow Trump and the radical right to take food off your table or kick your family off your healthcare plan.  … We have been hard at work evaluating how this federal budget will impact New Mexico and how we can best fight back. Now, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves to protect access to the services you and your families need most.”

The Special Session is expected to be a brief but fast-paced special session that will last only a few days.

The Bernalillo County Clerk has qualified the following 7 candidates running for Mayor who will appear on the November 4 ballot:

1. Tim Keller, two term incumbent Mayor of Albuquerque.
2. Eddie Varela, a retired Albuquerque firefighter and former California fire chief.
3. Alex Uballez, the former U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico.
4. Louie Sanchez, a retired APD police officer and current city councilor.
5. Darren White, the former sheriff of Bernalillo County and former Chief Executive Officer medical cannabis company PurLife.
6. Daniel Chavez, president of Parking Company of America was the very first to qualify for the ballot.
7. Mayling Armijo, the former director of Economic Development for Bernalillo County and deputy county manager for Sandoval County.

POLL RESULTS

On Sunday, September 28 and with early voting to on October 18, the Albuquerque Journal published the results of its expected opinion poll on the Albuquerque’s Mayor race.

Following are the poll results:

• Tim Keller:              29%
• Darren White:         16%
• Alex Uballez:            6%
• Louie Sanchez:        6%
• Mayling Armijo:        2%
• Eddie Varela:            2%
• Daniel Chavez:         2%
• Undecided:              37%

TOTAL:                           100%

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

Early voting commences on  October 18 and ends on November 1. Votes can be cast in person at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office located at 415 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Under Albuquerque’s city charter, the two top finishers in the mayor’s race will  face off in a run-off election if the top finisher does not receive 50% or more of the votes cast. If it’s necessary, this year’s run-off election would take place December 9.

KELLER’S DISAPPROVAL RATING HITS 47%, APPROVAL RATING Hits 42%

Although the Albuquerque Journal Poll found that Mayor Tim Keller has the  lead in his bid to win reelection to a third term as Albuquerque’s mayor, the poll found that less than half of city voters approve of the job he’s done over the last seven-plus years.  A total of 47% of voters surveyed expressed disapproval of Keller’s job performance, while 42% approved of the way he has handled being mayor. The remaining voters were unsure or declined to say.

“The poll results [reflect a continuation of a] steady decline in Keller’s approval ratings. His approval rating was at 50% in October 2021, just before he won reelection to a second term as mayor [over former Sherriff Manny Gonzales and radio talk Show Host Eddie Aragon]. It was even higher earlier in his first term, as 61% of Albuquerque voters approved of Keller’s job performance in September 2018.

Despite his declining approval rating, Keller still holds a sizable lead as he seeks unprecedented third consecutive term as mayor. Keller’s approval rating is higher among registered Democratic voters than Republicans. A total of 59% of Democrats surveyed said they supported Keller’s job performance, compared to just 14% of Republicans. Independent voters, or those who declined to affiliate with a political party, were nearly evenly split in their views.

Among self-reported liberal voters, 70% approved of the mayor’s job performance compared to only 15% of conservatives, while political moderates were evenly split.”

The link to the quoted and relied upon Journal news source is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_b05d1ba2-908d-42b5-9e40-57e5543cd313.html

CRIME,  HOMELESSNEES, ECONOMY AT TOP OF ALBUQUERQUE VOTERS’ MINDS IN JOURNAL POLL

According to the Journal poll, crime and homelessness are top Albuquerque voters’ minds as the November 4 election nears, with drug abuse and trafficking listed next. The poll found 53% of Albuquerque voters cited crime as the biggest issue facing the city. Homelessness followed behind and was cited by 47% of surveyed voters as their top concern, followed by Drug/Opiod abuse at 6% and illegal drugs at 5%.

The poll asked residents to list  their top issues with multiple answers volunteered by voters. Other issues listed in the poll’s top 10 of voters concerns included housing costs (4%), the overall economy (4%), unemployment and the cost of living (3%) and the cost of living (3%).

“While crime was top-of-mind for residents during the last election cycle in 2021, with 66% of residents citing it as their primary concern, worries over homelessness have doubled over the four years since a previous Journal Poll.  Now, 47% of voters view homelessness as Albuquerque’s biggest stumbling block.”

The Journal poll correlates with the reality on Albuquerque’s streets. Today, an estimated 2,740 people are homeless in the city, which is twice as many as in 2021, according to the latest Point-In-Time Count by the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness.

Meanwhile, concern over homelessness is shared equally by both Democrats and Republicans at 48%. Independents also care about the issue, with 39% listing it first.”

“Most Albuquerque voters have a lukewarm view of the strength of the city’s economy.  Half of likely voters surveyed described the strength of Albuquerque’s economy as fair, while just 27% described it as good or excellent. Roughly 22% of voters surveyed said the city’s economy was in poor shape.  Albuquerque’s unemployment rate was at 5% as of July, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was slightly less than the statewide average of 5.2%.”

The link to the relied upon or quoted Albuquerque Journal article is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d99cb345-e909-4bc0-a0d3-5c38d3d7bad0.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Based on the Albuquerque Journal Poll, it is more likely than not  that a runoff will occur between Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller who polled at 29% and former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White who polled at 16% with the other 5 candidates in single digit poll numbers. It is truly amazing that Tim Keller with a 47% DISAPPROVAL rating still comes in first among seven candidates in the Journal poll as he seeks to be the first person to serve three consecutive terms as mayor. This is testament to the fact that Keller is running against a very weak slate of candidates as he has faced a steady stream of criticism from his opponents and the public specifically on the issues of homelessness and crime.

Tim Keller’s total 29% total poll number was broken down  as being  43% registered Democrat, 8% being registered Republican and 28% being registered Independent.

Darren White’s 16% total poll number was broken down as being 5% registered Democrat, 35% being registered Republican and 9% being registered Independent.

The 37% total of the “undecided or don’t know” voters was broken down as consisting of 35% registered Democrat, 36% registered Republican and 47% registered Independent.

With a whopping 37% of voters surveyed saying they still have not decided who they will vote for, there is still a chance that either of the second-tier candidates Louie Sanchez or Alexander Uballez who polled at 6% each, will make it into the run off with Keller by outperforming Darren White’s 16% and capturing a large percentage of the 37% of the undecided votes.

Louie Sanchez is a conservative Democrat who often sided with Republicans on the city council and his 6% poll number included 12% of Republican support in the poll as he also appealed to voters concerned about crime in that he is a retired Albuquerque Police Officer.  The problem  for Sanchez is that he is perceived as a Democrate in Name Only (DINO) and his 6% in the poll broken down was  12% Republican and anemic 3% of Democratic support and 4% Independents in the Journal poll.

Alexander Uballez has promoted  himself as a progressive alternative to Keller and has received more support from younger Democrats. In the poll, Uballez 6% in the poll  is broken down to 9% Democrat, 1% Republican and 5% Independents. Uballez’s support declined significantly among voters age 50 and older, who are more reliable voters.

It’s not at all likely that the third tier of remaining candidates of Eddie Varela, Mayling Armijo and Daniel Chavez will make it into the runoff given their single digit poll numbers of 2% and lackluster campaigns. All three  should probably considered withdrawing from the race and announce endorsement’s of one of  the  top four candidates.

NEWS UPDATE: On September 29, candidate for Mayor Daniel Chavez told KRQE News 13 that after recent  polling results, he has dropped out of the race and  does not see a viable path forward. While Chavez is dropping out, he will still appear on the ballot. Six candidates remain in the running.

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/candidate-drops-out-of-albuquerque-mayoral-race/

Darren White’s controversies during his public service career and his  high negatives make it likely that  his support has peaked at 16% in the Mayor’s race. Confidential sources within the Republican Party have confirmed that White is struggling  to consolidate the Republican vote and he is having a difficult time securing campaign donations in the Mayor’s race from Republicans.  Simply put, many Republicans do not like White given his hypocrisy on opposing legalization of marijuana and then going into the medical cannabis industry after he left his law enforcement career. The poll reflects only 38% of registered Republican voters surveyed said they planned to vote for White.

KELLER’S OVERWHELMING FINANACIAL ADVANTAGE

What overshadows all the poll numbers is Mayor Tim Keller’s overwhelming financial advantage in the mayor’s race. Mayor Keller was the only candidate to qualify for $733,968.00 in public financing while the others failed to secure public finance and then failed with their efforts to raise private financing to compete.

As of September 8, Mayor Keller reported he had $654,046.56 in public financing still left to spend and a measured finance committee formed to promote his candidacy reported having another $120,000 in cash. On September 8, White  reported having $130,373.73  in cash on hand, Sanchez  reported $163,969.14 cash on hand   and Uballez reported $121,801.56 cash on hand  with all three having made significant contributions of their own money of $50,000 or more.

With the November 4 election  approaching fast, expect the  Keller Campaign  to get very aggressive and go negative with his opponents given Keller’s unfavorable ratings. The biggest problem among all 6 of his opponents is that none of the six seem to have truly gained traction and support. All of Keller’s opponents have been relegated to scrambling for private financing and trying to self-finance.

NEWS UPDATE: On September 30, campaign television advertising commercials promoting Mayor Tim Keller’s re-election commence.

Five weeks remaining in a political campaign can be an eternity where anything can happen. There is a slight chance that a major event will occur that will change the dynamics of the race or one of the 6 candidates will catch on and get the lion’s share of the 37% undecided. The general public can expect an onslaught of negative campaign commercials and mailers from all 7 candidates as Mayor Tim Keller’s campaign spends the $654,046.56 cash on hand, the measured finance committee Ascend Albuquerque spends its $120,330 cash on hand and the other 6 candidates spend their combined resources of  $494,968.29.

“HE MAY BE A SHMUCK, BUT HE’S OUR SHMUCK!”

The fact that the Albuquerque Journal  poll revealed that among self-reported “liberal” voters, meaning progressive voters, 70% approved of the mayor’s job performance is the biggest explanation why Keller will likely be re-elected to a third term. Simply put the progressive wing of the Democratic Party will elect Keller to a third term ignoring his failed record and all of his shortcomings  agreeing with the Yiddish saying “He may be a shmuck, but he’s our shmuck.”

When it’s all said and done, the final outcome of the election was likely a foregone conclusion when the six candidates running against a very unpopular Mayor failed to qualify for public finance reflecting a very weak slate of candidates.

___________________________________________

POSTSCRIPT

POLL METHODOLOGY

The poll was conducted September 19 through September 26. The voter sample size of 514 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. The margin of error grows for subsamples.

All three Journal articles relied upon or quoted contain the following poll mythology:

“The Journal Poll is based on a random sample of 514 voters who cast ballots in the 2021 and/or 2023 local government election, and a sample of adults who registered to vote since January 2024 and who said they are likely to vote in the upcoming local government election.

To ensure a representative sample, Research & Polling Inc. sets quotas for race, gender and age, and weights by education level and party affiliation, if necessary, based on traditional voting patterns in local government elections. All interviews were conducted by live, professional interviewers, based in Albuquerque, with multiple callbacks to individuals that did not initially answer the phone.

Both cellphone numbers (96%) and landlines (4%) of likely voters were used.”

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

The Bernalillo County Clerk has qualified the following  7 candidates running for Mayor who will appear on the November 4 ballot:

1. Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller.
2. Eddie Varela, a retired Albuquerque firefighter and former California fire chief.
3. Alex Uballez, the former U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico.
4. Louie Sanchez, a retired APD police officer and current city councilor.
5. Darren White, the former sheriff of Bernalillo County and former CEO of medcal cannabis company PurLife.
6. Daniel Chavez, president of Parking Company of America was the very first to qualify for the ballot.
7. Mayling Armijo, the former director of Economic Development for Bernalillo County and deputy county manager for Sandoval County.

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_300f4829-e579-427d-b59e-a5d884e1d114.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

More than a few candidate forums have already occurred with business organizations as well as neighborhood associations. With that in mind, following are a few questions that are suggested for city voters and candidate forum sponsors to consider asking the candidates for Mayor:

EDITORS NOTE: Many of the same questions can be modified and asked of all the candidates running for City Council.

ELECTION AND CAMPAIGN FINANCING

• Albuquerque’s municipal election is officially classified as nonpartisan where candidate’s party affiliations on not identified on the ballot. It is common knowledge that the major parties get involved with the races for Mayor and City Council. Should the city seek to change the law and have its municipal elections become partisan elections?
• Candidates for Mayor are given 64 days to collect 3,000 qualifying nominating petition signatures from Albuquerque registered to secure a ballot position. Public finance candidates for Mayor were required to collect 3,780 donations of $5.00 to the city from registered voters to qualify for the city to give them $755,946 in city financing for their campaigns.
• The time frame to collect both nominating petition signatures and $5.00 qualifying contributions was the same 64 day time period. Mayor Tim Keller was the only candidate for Mayor who qualified for public finance.  Should more time be given to collect nominating petitions signatures and the number of qualifying donations?
• Should the City’s public finance system be abolished?
• Should the city abolish collecting nominating petition signatures and simply require a declaration of candidacy to be placed on the ballot as is the case for county elected officials?
• Should public finance just be given to those who qualify for ballot with nominating petition signatures and get rid of the $5.00 donations to the city?

IMMIGRATION

• Should the City of Albuquerque be a sanctuary city, immigrant friendly city or neither?
• Should the Albuquerque Police Department APD dedicate resources to assist in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and enforce immigration laws?

HOMELESSNESS

 “Safe Outdoor Spaces” are organized, managed homeless encampments. Current zoning law allows two homeless encampments for upward of 50 people in all the nine City Council districts with regulations mandating hand-washing stations, toilets and showers, 6-foot fencing and require 24/7 security.

• Should the city relax or eliminate regulations to allow expansion of the Safe Outdoor Spaces program with the goal of increasing the number?
• Should the city allow for smaller Safe Outdoor Spaces without restrictions such as security for encampments of 10 to 15 persons?
• Should there be any limit to the number of sanctioned safe outdoor spaces throughout the city and should they be allowed in residential neighborhoods?

According to the City budgets for the years 2021 to 2024, the Keller administration has already spent  $300,000,000, to operate shelters and provide homeless services. The $300 million has been used  to implement an integrated homeless shelter system of 5 shelters as follow:

1. The Gibson Gateway shelter
2. The Gateway West shelter
3. The Family Gateway shelter
4. The Youth Homeless shelter
5. The Recovery shelter

 The city is also spending upwards of $56 million a year for service contracts to assist the homeless.

• Should the city accept the unhoused from other New Mexico cities and towns in order to provide them with services?
• Do you feel the city needs to do more or less to deal with homeless?

HOUSEING AND ZONING

• Please explain your experience with city planning and if you expect to be involved with the nuts and bolts of city planning work?
• In what way do you see your role as a Mayor interfacing with the Planning Department?
• Please express your knowledge of the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), which is the city’s zoning laws with a biannual update process. Can you give examples of what you consider successes and failures of this process?
• What do you know about Albuquerque Neighborhood Associations and Neighborhood Coalitions? How have you been involved with these groups before running for office? How do you see the Neighborhood Association Recognition Ordinance affecting neighborhood associations?
• What is your understanding of the city’s “housing crisis”? Do you define it in terms of a shortage of “affordable housing” or a need for “government subsidized” housing and to what extent should the city be required to provide eather?
• Please define the term Transitional Housing as you see it and to what extent should the city provide such housing?
• Do you feel city should acquire motels and commercial office space and convert to “low-income” housing?
• What is your position on Mayor Keller’s Housing Forward Plan and increasing density in all neighborhoods with zoning changes giving Planning Department exclusive authority to authorize casitas, duplexes and town home developments?
• What is your position on “Opt In Zoning” which is where the city would establish a process allowing property owners to opt-in to changing the zoning of their properties to allow zoning for higher-density housing options on their residential properties citywide and mixed-used development without affording adjacent property owners the right to object or appeal the zoning change?
• What is your position on CASITA and duplex development, and should it be allowed in all parts of the city to increase density?
• Are you in favor of the city adopting renter’s empowerment ordinance where restrictions are placed on property owners and landlords preventing them from conducting background checks, credit checks, dictating the manner rent is paid, prevent requiring tenants to acquire renters’ insurance, preventing tenants from having pets and placing limitations on rent deposits?

APD AND REFORM

• Would you terminate and replace APD Chief Harold Medina?
• Should a new chief come from within APD  or should a national search be conducted and outside management recruited to include Chief and Deputy Chiefs?
• Currently, Chief Medina is paid $200,00O a year. Should a new Chief be paid more or less?
• Do you feel APD is understaffed and if so what should the staffing levels be?
• Should all APD’s  brass of Chief, Deputy Chiefs and Commanders  be replaced with management team recruited?
• Should the police union be allowed to include Lieutenants and Sergeants in its bargaining unit or are they management?
• Should APD undergo a complete reorganization to include reducing management levels?
• Currently, APD has upwards of 900 sworn police with 1,000 positions fully funded. What do you feel is the number of APD sworn officers needed and what steps would you take to increase APD ranks?
• What is your position on APD DWI scandal and what do you feel needs to be done to prevent it from ever happening again?

ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

The Albuquerque Community Safety Division was created 3 years ago. Its primary responsibility is responding to calls for service 24/7 and performing outreach for inebriation, homelessness, addiction, and other issues that do not require police or  emergency medical team response. The enacted  2025  is $19.3 million and includes funding for 131 Full time positions.

Do you feel the Albuquerque Community Safety Division has been a success or failure in dealing with the unhoused?

CRIME

According to APD’s midyear crime statistic for 2025, all major categories of crime are down compared to the same period in 2024. Auto theft has dropped 40%, residential burglary dropped 14%, and commercial burglary has dropped 24%. Major nonviolent crime is down by 25% when shoplifting is added. The three main categories of violent crime of  aggravated assault, sex crimes, and robbery are down 12%. Homicides which are identified as a totally separate category, have declined 28%. Murders went from 47 in the first half of 2024 to 34 the first half of 2025 year  putting the city on track to finish the year below 80 homicides. In 2024, the city recorded 89 total homicides.

• Do you belief the statistics, and if not why?
• What specifically would you do to deal with the city’s crime problems?

FIRE AND RESCUE

The city recently changed its policy on requiring at least 2 paramedics to call outs and now requires only one paramedic in order to resources. What is your position on this change?

CITY GOVERNMENT

• Should Albuquerque abolish the Mayor – Council form of government and return to a city council city manager form of government?
• Should the size of the city council be increased or decreased?

STATE FAIR GROUNDS

On December 3, 2024 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, accompanied by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Mayor Tim Keller and State Fair Commission Chairman Eric Serna and other officials held a news conference at Expo New Mexico. They announced a plan to move the state fairgrounds to a different location and redevelop the 236 acre State Fair property into a mixed-use development.

On March 21, the New Mexico legislature  passed Senate Bill 481, which creates what is known as the “State Fairgrounds District” with the purpose  decide the future of  the existing State Fair grounds area. It will slightly raise local income taxes and authorizes the state to issue revenue bonds for redevelopment of the property. The bill was signed into law by the governor, and its funding mechanisms are expected to raise $12 million for initial ramp-up efforts.  Among the many ideas suggested for the development of the 236 acres of prime property included low income and affordable housing and demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility. Recommendations for future land use included commercial retail business development and also keeping the Sate Fair where it is.

• Do you feel the state fair known as Expo New Mexico should be moved to a different location and if so where?
• Do you feel that the state fairgrounds redevelopment should include low income housing or affordable housing to any degree?
• Do you feel the state fairgrounds should be a year round entertainment and recreational district and continue as EXPO New Mexico?
• Do you feel  the state fair ground redevelopment should include a new multipurpose arena of 15,000 or more to replace Tingly Colisium?

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Economic Development Department provides services intended to bring long-term economic vitality to the City. Included in the department are the economic development division, the film and music offices, the international trade division, the management of contracts for tourism and the program for economic development investments. The FY/26 approved  General Fund budget form the Economic Development Department is $5.1 million. The department employs 17 full time employees and that has remained unchanged for the last 3 years.

• Is the city spending enough for Economic Development Department?
• What would you do as Mayor to attract more businesses and industries to the city?
• What industries would you make as priority to attract and what incentives do you feel can be offered?

PLATFORM

• What do you believe are the cities’ top three problems that need to address by the next Mayor other than reducing crime and dealing with the unhoused?
• List your top three priorities you want to accomplish by the end of your four year term as Mayor?

FINAL COMMENT

Early voting begins on October 18 and you can vote at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office and it ends on November 1. October 21 is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot from the Bernalillo County Clerk. Election day is November 4 at polling cites throughout city. A listing of election day voting locations can be found at this links:

 https://www.berncoclerk.gov/elections/election-day-voting/

Loretta Naranjo Lopez was born and raised in Albuquerque. She is a life-long resident of Albuquerque and 6th generation Martinez from Martineztown in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has a Master of Community and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.  Ms. Naranjo Lopez was employed with the City of Albuquerque for 25 years of which 15 years was in the City Planning Department. She retired as a City Planner and worked as a staff planner. This position required the review and analysis of all area plans, neighborhood plans, sector plans, and resolutions and ordinances. Loretta is an activist and organizer for 35 years.  Loretta formed ARCH + PLAN Land Use Consultants, LLC and she brings many years of relevant experience. She serves as the President of the Santa Barbara Martineztown Neighborhood Association (SBMTNA). Ms. Naranjo Lopez believes that the voices of neighborhoods should be heard and brought into decision making at the City Council level.

Following is a guest opinion column written by Loretta Naranjo Lopez who gave her consent to publish her guest opinion column on www.PeteDinelli.com. She was not compensated for the column. The guest column is being published as a public service announcement.

MARTINEZTOWN IS NOT FOR SALE!

In the 1970s, the City of Albuquerque had the goal to expand downtown into the historic Martineztown Santa Barbara Neighborhood.  At that time, Martineztown residents united and told the city “Martineztown is Not for Sale.” 

Today, Martineztown residents need to be united not only in the neighborhood, but with all of Albuquerque neighborhoods. The record indicates that the City of Albuquerque, City Councilor Joaquin Baca, Mortgage Finance Authority and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District are on a fast track to destroy all of our historic neighborhoods. The City proposes to change the zoning laws to allow higher density in the historic single-family neighborhoods. A building over 30-feet can be built next to your home without any notification.

In December 19, 2024, Santa Barbara Martineztown Neighborhood Association (SBMTNA) attended the Albuquerque Development Commission hearing to stop the City of Albuquerque Development Commission under the Metropolitan Redevelopment Office from placing the 101 Lomas NE and 229 Broadway NE in the Downtown 2050 MRA Redevelopment Plan Area.  The committee listened to the association and did not include these parcels in approving Case #24-10 – Downtown 2050 Redevelopment Plan. 

However, Councilor Joaquin Baca decided to make an amendment at the April 7, 2025 to include 101 Lomas NE and 229 Broadway NE parcels in the Downtown MR Area Boundary.  He did this without informing the neighborhood of his intent. He possibly violated the Open Meetings Act of which I filed a complaint with the Department of Justice. His policy analyst never called the association to attend this meeting.  On Monday, April 21, 2025 before the full City Council Action to approve the Downtown MR Area Boundary with this amendment, I asked Councilor Baca why he didn’t inform the neighborhood?  “He stated to me he didn’t have to inform the neighborhood and that Martineztown Santa Barbara Neighborhood would be last to receive any capital outlay money.”

On Wednesday September 24, 2025 the City Council Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee (LUPZ) will for a second time vote to approve the Downtown 2050 Albuquerque Redevelopment Plan.  This plan includes the Martineztown Santa Barbara Metropolitan Redevelopment Area of 101 Lomas NE and 229 Broadway NE.  Please email all Councilors and say no to not include the Martineztown parcels of 101 Lomas NE and 229 Broadway NE in the Downtown MRA boundaries and neighborhood boundary.  Martineztown Santa Barbara is an adjacent historical neighborhood to Downtown and these MRA economic funds should not be taken out of the neighborhood.

 If you thought that Martineztown Santa Barbara neighborhood could not get any more bad news, you are wrong.  The City Council staff Matthew Cox has proposed to remove from the Martineztown Santa Barbara boundary 229 Broadway NE into the Downtown boundary to give total control of this property to Mayor Keller who plans to give away tax dollars from the Downtown MRA Fund from this property to a developer.  The reason City Council is amending the Martineztown Santa Barbara is to downzone the property from nonresidential to mixed use.  Mayor Keller’s developer friends potentially want to build a high-rise complex at this location.  The City of Albuquerque with the support of Councilor Baca wants to control how this vacant lot can be built.  The proposal as we understand is without any input from the Martineztown neighborhood. 

Mayor Keller, Councilor Baca and MRCOG, NMFA plan to give MFA funding and Metropolitan Redevelopment funding to developers.  These government representatives plan to remove what they call obstacles such as removing land use and regulatory barriers.  These government entities call this “site ready properties.”

The Middle Rio Grande Council of Government (MRCOG) recommends to amend zoning regulations to prohibit single-family-only developments and allow for higher-density and mixed-use developments and adjust zoning laws to allow for higher-density rental developments in areas currently zoned predominantly for single-family homes. New Mexico Finance Authority is a quasi-government entity is also stating that they will provide funding if the land is ready to develop without any government interference such as applying for a zone map amendment.

MRCOG is stating they would like to combat resistance to development. It is recommended to encourage a mix of housing options. MRCOG is also recommending a regional inventory of government-owned vacant land. This inventory would help identify publicly owned land that can be utilized to support affordable housing initiatives and maximize public benefit. The question neighborhood leaders have who is this affordable housing for and what kind of public benefit?  Do these initiatives provide an equal portion of diverse income from middle income to low income?

According to the Housing and Neighborhood Economic Development Fund (HNDEF) 2022 Report states on page 16,  “high rents, lower vacancies, and increasing demand for new real estate development characterize the office, industrial, retail, and multifamily rental markets since 2002 and suggest that while the real estate market in the Pocket is growing, these conditions have not improved local residents’ economic prospects. The Impacts of current Albuquerque planning Initiatives – These pressures will only intensify as there are many new development projects in the pipeline that will impact the local real estate market, drive demand upward, and potentially place increasing costs pressures on low-income households and local businesses. While these new developments are exciting for Albuquerque residents, they may create inhospitable economic conditions that produce neighborhood displacement of residents and small businesses and overall gentrification.  These projects include but are not limited to – the rail trail and Greater Downtown Urban Trail projects, railyards redevelopment and proposed stadium for the New Mexico United professional soccer team.”

On September 9, 2025, Santa Barbara Martineztown Neighborhood Association met with City Council staff to ask what the City is proposing to develop at 229 Broadway NE vacant land.  Matthew Cox stated they do not know what they are planning to build.  He forgot to state that the City and the other government entities have plans to destroy historical neighborhoods without any input from the community.  According to Council staff, there will be no environmental studies or economic impact studies and the reason to take out these properties out of the neighborhood boundary is so the Martineztown Santa Barbara Neighborhood will have no input in the development.

Join Envision ABQ group on Facebook to stop the City Mayor, City Council, and the Legislatures from destroying our communities for the sake of displacing our neighborhoods to provide a playground for the rich investors, developers, and their friends.  Envision believes that housing is a right not a commodity and housing is an essential foundational social policy.

Please contact your city councilor and  voice your opinion and tell them not to include Martineztown in the Downtown 2050 Redevelopment Plan.

Your help would be greatly appreciated! 

Sincerely yours,

Loretta Naranjo Lopez, MCRP, BBA, ALA

PLEASE CONTACT CITY COUNCIL

On Wednesday September 24, 2025 the City Council Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee (LUPZ) will meet  for a second time to vote to approve the Downtown 2050 Albuquerque Redevelopment Plan.Please contact city councilors and voice your opinion.  The City Council phone number and email addresses to the councilors and their council services assistant are:

CITY COUNCIL PHONE: (505) 768-3100

CITY COUNCIL AND COUNCIL ANALYST EMAILS

• lesanchez@cabq.gov,
• bmaceachen@cabq.gov,
• bacajoaquin9@gmail.com,
• namolina@cabq.gov,
• kpena@cabq.gov,
• cquezada@cabq.gov,
• bbassan@cabq.gov,
• dawnmarie@cabq.gov,
• danlewis@cabq.gov,
• galvarez@cabq.gov,
• nrogers@cabq.gov,
• district6@cabq.gov,
• tfiebelkorn@cabq.gov,
• dchampine@cabq.gov,
• rgrout@cabq.gov
• rrmiller@cabq.gov

DINELLI COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

All neighborhood associations in Albuquerque should be very concerned about the efforts being made to increase higher density development in historic Martineztown’s single-family neighborhoods by enactment and use of  Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan zoning. It’s an effort all neighborhood associations and the entire city has seen before but rejected by the City Council’s Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee.

The effort is nothing more than an another version of Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed R 25-167 ordinance to create a voluntary rezoning process that would let property owners switch to higher-density zoning if they want to build more housing on their residential properties.  It would have allowed duplexes, townhomes and small apartment buildings in single-family neighborhoods to increase density over objections of adjoining property owners and neighborhood associations.

Supporters of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan  zoning  changes that include Martineztown suggest the rezoning will increase affordable housing in the area. It will not. It’s a “Field of Dreams” zoning philosophy of “if we rezone it, they will build it,” ignoring adjacent property owner rights, favoring developers and investors.

The proposed zoning changes to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan involving Martinez town favors developers and investors and  will destroy the character of the historic Martineztown and lead to gentrification. It will be developers and investors on the prowl who will purchase property for the development of duplexes, townhomes and small apartment buildings in single-family neighborhoods.

_____________________________________________

POSTSCRIPT

Article References:

Albuquerque Affordable Housing Coalition website:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0XyLrhORQ68CMdaad4Kjinq4tgBZ00c/view

MRCOG, MRMPO – https://albuquerqueaffordablehousingcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025_Presentation_AAHC_Fnl.pdf

HNEDF 2022 Report, https://www.cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/documents/2022-hnedf-plan-final.pdf

Broken City, Author Patrick M. Condon