City Council - 2026-03-16
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Albuquerque City Council meeting on March 16, 2026 saw the defeat of a proposed 0.4875% gross receipts tax increase (O-26-16) that would have funded capital projects and employee compensation, failing 1-8 after amendments reduced it to 0.1275% and shifted 70% of revenues to employee compensation. The council passed the Safer Community Places Ordinance (O-26-15) on a 5-4 vote, prohibiting use of city property for federal immigration enforcement. A charter amendment (P-1) to elevate the ACS director to chief status was deferred to April 6.
Key Decisions (11)
Gross Receipts Tax Increase (O-26-16)
Proposal to impose a municipal gross receipts tax for capital projects and operations. Originally proposed at 0.4875%, amended down to 0.1275% with 70% dedicated to employee compensation and 30% to capital projects. Sponsored by Councilors Bassan and Baca.
Safer Community Places Ordinance (O-26-15)
Ordinance prohibiting use of city property for federal immigration enforcement and establishing safer community places including schools, hospitals, libraries, courthouses, and shelters. Sponsored by Councilors Tayes, Baca, Rogers, and Pena.
ACS Director Charter Amendment (P-1)
Proposition to amend city charter requiring appointment confirmation of ACS director and designating position as chief. Sponsored by Councilors Baca and Rogers.
Floor Amendment 1 to O-26-16 - Employee Compensation Dedication
Amendment to dedicate all operational funds from proposed GRT increase exclusively to employee compensation.
Floor Amendment 2 to O-26-16 - 70/30 Split
Amendment establishing 70% of GRT revenues for operations (employee compensation) and 30% for capital projects.
Floor Amendment 3 to O-26-16 - Rate Reduction
Amendment reducing proposed GRT rate from 0.4875% to 0.1275%.
Floor Amendment 4 to O-26-16 - Voter Approval Requirement
Amendment requiring voter approval before GRT increase takes effect.
Pajarito Power LITA Grant Acceptance (R-7)
Amending capital implementation program to accept state LITA grant funds for Pajarito Power project. Zero cost to city.
AC-25-05 Sign Variance Findings Adoption
Adoption of findings for Maria Gonzalez sign variance appeal at 3715 Silver Avenue SE. Amendment added conditions limiting sign illumination hours (10PM-7AM) and prohibiting moving/flashing effects.
AC-26-01 Pueblo/Wisconsa EPC Appeal
Appeal by Pueblo of Santa Clara, Pueblo Laguna, and Westside Coalition of Neighborhood Associations of EPC approval for 238-unit multifamily development at Kimmick Drive and Rosa Parks Road. LUHO found Wisconsa lacked standing; all substantive issues rejected.
Ranked Choice Voting Revival Motion
Motion to revive O-26-13 ranked choice voting ordinance and place on April 6 agenda for action.
Zoning Changes (1)
Intersection of Kimmick Drive NW and Rosa Parks Road, south of Paseo Del Norte
Jubilee Development LLC
Development Activity (1)
Multifamily Development at Kimmick/Rosa Parks
238-unit multifamily residential development on 9.5477 acres, zoned MXL
Market Signals (5)
Labor
City experiencing significant employee retention challenges with workers leaving for county and state positions due to non-competitive wages; class and comp study shows 2,830 employees need raises to reach 50th percentile market rate.
Housing Demand
238-unit multifamily development approved on West Side indicates continued demand for rental housing near Paseo Del Norte corridor.
Sentiment
Strong opposition to GRT increase from business community and residents citing affordability concerns; city budget has grown from $925M to $1.5B over past decade.
Infrastructure
Major Unser Boulevard widening project at Paseo Del Norte breaking ground, indicating continued West Side infrastructure investment.
Commercial Demand
Business owners report reduced customer traffic and workforce attendance due to immigration enforcement concerns affecting local economy.