City Council - 2026-05-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Albuquerque City Council approved Ordinance O-26-14 (6-3 vote), creating Enhanced Service and Safety Zones that allow the mayor to designate commercial areas for increased city services and enforcement, including prohibitions on sitting, sleeping, lying, or camping in public rights-of-way. The council also expanded the Near Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Area by approximately 36 acres on San Pedro Drive (R-6, 7-0 vote) and approved the 2026 HUD Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds (R-15, unanimous). A mayoral veto of cooling system requirements for rental housing (O-26-22) was sustained on a 5-4 vote, failing to reach the six votes needed for override.
Key Decisions (8)
Enhanced Service and Safety Zone Ordinance (O-26-14)
Adopted ordinance allowing mayor to designate Enhanced Service and Safety Zones in commercial areas with high economic activity, crime rates, or distressed infrastructure. Zones receive enhanced city services including increased police presence, ACS response, street cleaning, and code enforcement. Makes it unlawful to sit, sleep, lie, or camp in public rights-of-way within designated zones. Requires written warning before citation or arrest. Includes First Amendment protections. Zones sunset after two years unless renewed. Sponsored by Councilor Baca.
Near Heights MRA Expansion (R-6)
Designated approximately 36 acres on San Pedro Drive as blighted and approved expansion of the Near Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Area boundary. Expansion extends existing MRA from Councilor Rogers' district into District 7 to support revitalization efforts along San Pedro corridor from Central to I-40. Sponsored by Councilors Fiebelkorn and Rogers.
2026 HUD Action Plan (R-15)
Adopted the 2026 Action Plan and Program Investment Summary for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from HUD. Sponsored by Councilor Rogers.
SEED Block Grant Amendment (R-19)
Approved acceptance and use of state grant funds for Community Energy Efficiency Development Block Grant, appropriating funds to General Services Department for FY2026. Funds will help low-income residents improve energy efficiency and reduce energy burden. Sponsored by Councilor Fiebelkorn.
Council On-Call Planning Services Contract (OC-7)
Approved recommendation of award for on-call planning services for City Council. Amendment clarified procurement process compliance and excluded services requiring Selection Advisory Committee procurement.
Mayoral Veto of Cooling Requirements Sustained (EC-145)
Override attempt of mayor's veto of O-26-22 (cooling system performance requirements for rental housing) failed. The ordinance would have established cooling requirements for rental units. Mayor's veto message stated amended version provided less renter protection.
Police Oversight Ordinance Amendment (O-23)
Amended ordinance clarifying CPOA authority to investigate APD personnel including non-sworn personnel (police service aids, transit safety officers, prisoner transport unit officers). Deferred to May 18 council meeting pending meeting with police union. Sponsored by Councilors Grout, Fiebelkorn, and Rogers.
BUILD Grant Application Notification (EC-118)
Approved notification of grant application submitted by Aviation Department to US Department of Transportation for funding through Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.
Zoning Changes (1)
San Pedro Drive, approximately 36 acres
Councilors Fiebelkorn and Rogers
Development Activity (2)
San Mateo Tower Project
Two towers planned. Shorter tower has completed permitting process and received permit. Taller tower has not yet gone through permitting. Developer working on finalizing financing. Renovation proceeding from interior outward. Once permit pulled, two-year completion timeline applies.
Near Heights/San Pedro Corridor Revitalization
36-acre expansion of Metropolitan Redevelopment Area. Area designated as blighted due to long-term disinvestment. Streetscaping improvements underway. Nonprofit formed to support corridor revitalization.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Downtown Albuquerque grocery store going up for sale and pharmacy already lost, indicating commercial viability challenges in the downtown core.
Housing Demand
New Mexico homelessness increased 87% (47% faster than national average) while average home costs increased 70%, far outpacing wage growth according to Pew Trust data cited during meeting.
Sentiment
Business owners and property owners expressed strong support for Enhanced Service and Safety Zone ordinance, citing safety concerns and need for enhanced city services to support economic vitality.
Infrastructure
Lindy's Diner building collapse on 5th and Central highlighted concerns about aging downtown building stock; city considering requiring structural engineer certifications for buildings of certain age.
Commercial Demand
Downtown conventions reportedly avoiding Albuquerque due to safety perception issues, impacting economic development potential.