2024 And 2025 Were Banner Years For State Appropriations To Expand Homeless And Housing Projects In City; Unknown To What Extent Money Has Been Actually Spent

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

During the 2024 and the 2025 legislative sessions, the New Mexico Legislature dedicated more than $300 million to various housing-related measures at different agencies, including revolving loans for builders, down-payment assistance and anti-homelessness programs. The Legislature specifically earmarked $110 million in the 2025 year’s budget of the $10.8 billion budget for affordable housing and homelessness assistance programs statewide. That came after lawmakers appropriated more than $20 million for such programs in the previous year.

On August 19, 2025, in a news release, Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that housing funds the state Legislature approved during the 2025 legislative session would be distributed. According to the news release, the funding includes:

More than $80 million for housing and homelessness projects in the Albuquerque area
More than $11 million for housing and homelessness projects in the Las Cruces area
More than $13 million for housing projects in other parts of New Mexico
$7.8 million for projects to support students experiencing homelessness at public schools in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe

According to the news release, the newly created Office of Housing within the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) is responsible for distribution of $120 million of the funding beginning in August. DWS Secretary Sarita Nair said the funding will go toward “proven strategies” for tackling the housing crisis. What this means is focusing on building more housing, preventing homelessness and ensuring that people who move into homes after living on the street have “wrap-around support and thoughtful interventions”.

According to the news release, the governor’s office is expecting the initial funding will result in the creation and support of more than 1,500 affordable housing units, more than 1,500 shelter beds, more than 150 transitional housing units for people leaving shelters and prevention programs to help more than 3,500 families avoid falling into homelessness. It will also support street outreach with support services for people who live on the streets,

SPECIFIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDING ANNOUNCED

The 2025 New Mexico Legislature approved upwards of $140 million for housing programs during the legislative session. $83 Million of the $140 Million is earmarked for projects in the Albuquerque area for housing and the unhoused.

On August 26, City, Bernalillo County and State Officials held a press conference to announce that $60 million of the $80 million will be allocated for housing and homelessness projects in the Albuquerque. The $80 Million will be dedicated to getting 1,000 unhouse people off the streets by July, 2026.

The roughly $80 million will fund 10 projects in Albuquerque, including seven affordable housing developments and expansions to homelessness facilities and programs. Of the millions in funding, 23% will benefit homelessness projects, including prevention, and 77% will go toward housing.

More than $20 million of the funding will be used for expansion of the city’s Gateway network of five shelters and services to include the following funding:

$5 million for a 204-unit shelter for seniors
$6.5 million for Gateway West, which serves 660 people nightly
The Gateway and Youth Homelessness Facility, a wraparound services hub with locations at 5400 Gibson SE and 7440 Jim McDowell NW, will collect more than $16 million to expand programs, resources and the number of beds. The Gateway Young Adult program will provide an “appropriate space for young adults” to receive services and a path to permanent housing.

Another $42.85 million of funding is earmarked to be spent as follows:

$17.85 million for the purchase of the Poblana Place apartments in Bernalillo County for an 84-unit workforce housing complex for seniors and displaced youth. This project will receive the most from the roughly $80 million is the Poblana Place Apartments, a “move-in ready” 84-unit complex that Bernalillo County is in negotiations to purchase with the purpose of adding workforce housing and support services for seniors and displaced youth. The project, located at 2818 Fourth NW, is set to receive nearly $18 million.
$1.5 million for a new mixed-income development Sombra del Oeste in southwest Albuquerque, adding 72 homes;
$10 million to convert the iconic but vacant Wells Fargo building in downtown Albuquerque into the 13-story Lomas Tower, which will mean 100 residents for 140 people who earn less than 70% of the area median income (in Bernalillo County, that’s $44,800 for a one-person household);
$13.5 million for West Mesa Ridge A and B in the 700 block of Coors Boulevard, which will include 128 three-bedroom homes for residents earning from 30% to 80% of the area median income. The West Mesa Ridge multifamily facility under construction at 701 Coors NW and set to house up to 448 people, will receive more than $10 million.

For Bernalillo County, the funding is expected to deliver 1,062 housing units and 925 beds for people experiencing homelessness. Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baca said this:

“We need this for our community. … Many families are making impossible choices between housing and food and too many people are without shelter. We all see it. Housing is not just about buildings, however. It’s about the people, our children, our seniors and our working families. When we invest in housing, we are investing in a safer neighborhood, better educational outcomes and (a) stronger economy for all.”

Funding for “gap financing ” to private developers to ensure affordable housing complexes get built is also included. One such project, the Tierra Linda Projects, will receive $6 million to complete the financing for a 240-home development to house roughly 840 low-income residents in what is now a dirt lot.

The rest of the initial allocation of the $120 million includes roughly $11 million for housing and homelessness projects in Doña Ana County, more than $13 million for housing projects in other areas of New Mexico, and $7.8 million to support families experiencing homelessness in school districts in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.

In total, city, county and state officials say the investments will create and support more than 1,500 affordable housing units, more than 1,500 shelter beds and programs, more than 150 transitional housing units and more than 3,500 families through prevention programs. Taken together, the new funding will enable leaders in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque to help 1,000 people find stable shelter within the next year.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REACT

Governor Lujan Grisham said this about the funding in a statement:

“When families don’t have to worry about keeping a roof over their heads, everything else becomes possible. These investments reflect our commitment to tackling housing and homelessness with urgency and compassion.”

During the August 26 press conference announcing the distribution of funding, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) said he and his colleagues “took a lot of heat” for requesting such a hefty investment for Albuquerque. Speaker Martínez said the city needs the lion’s share of the new housing funding because it is the epicenter of the state’s housing crisis. Speaker Martínez said this:

“Here is where the services are for communities. … And so I was not shy, and my House colleagues were not shy, about calling that out and making sure that we delivered money that could be used and executed today. …These are investments that are targeted for working families, so that they can afford their housing. These are investments for people out on the streets, so they can access transitional and supportive housing. … These are big-time ideas, big-time investments, and this is just the first step. … [W]hy is Albuquerque getting this special pot of money? Well, here’s why. Over 70% of our unhoused population comes from other parts of the state. Why? Because here is where the services are for communities.”

During the August 26 press conference, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the challenges with affordable housing shortages, addiction and homelessness in Albuquerque. Keller said this:

“We have national trends, whether it’s a housing shortage in general across America, or whether it is challenges around fentanyl and addiction and unhoused and homelessness, and then we have our own Albuquerque challenges. … But this is a step-change answer to those issues. …
We need help now because these are tough times. … There is no one answer to all these issues I just laid out. You actually have to attack the problem across the spectrum, whether it’s rehab and prevention, whether it’s treatment. … I think this is the first comprehensive approach to this.”

On August 26, State GOP Chair Amy Barela said this in a statement:

“[T]hese investments are designed to lift up families, create stability, and strengthen our communities. … From new workforce housing at Poblana Place Apartments, to senior housing at Juniper Flats, to expanded youth homelessness facilities, these projects prove what can be accomplished when taxpayer dollars are used wisely to improve lives.” Barela continued by saying “our taxpayer dollars must be protected” and cautioned that threatened federal funding cuts — like those currently leveled at the state by the Trump administration — could imperil such investments. Barela said this:

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://sourcenm.com/2025/08/26/albuquerque-area-leaders-tout-arrival-of-more-than-80-million-for-housing-and-homelessness/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_38b5041d-c3e9-4f66-b8e5-660fa8d37a47.html

CITY’S HOUSING SHORTAGE

According to recent estimates, the state lacks more than 32,000 housing units. Rents and homelessness have increased far beyond the national average in recent years, especially in Albuquerque. Albuquerque’s count of unhoused individuals has increased by 108% since 2017, a rate more than two-and-a-half times the national average, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts, which also reports median rents in the city increased 46% between 2019 and 2024. Overall, Albuquerque lacks about 20,000 housing units to meet the demand.

A recent study by Root Policy Research found that Albuquerque has a significant shortage of units for low-income renters. It is estimated that Albuquerque is 13,000 to 28,000 units short of meeting the demand for housing. The most recent Point-In-Time (PIT) Report for the number of unhoused PERSONS experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque is 2,740 broken down in 3 categories:

Emergency Shelters: 1,289
Transitional Housing: 220
Unsheltered: 1,231

Meanwhile, Mayor Tim Keller’s office estimates that there are upwards 5,000 people who are uhoused and who are living on the streets in Albuquerque.

Over the past two decades, rent and house prices have risen faster than income nationwide, meaning low-income Americans are getting priced out and spending, at times, more than 30% of their paycheck to keep a roof over their heads, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

Albuquerque is struggling with being able to provide sufficient “affordable housing” which is a major contributor to homelessness. A 2024 Denver-based Root Policy Research report, entitled “Albuquerque Region Housing Needs Assessment” found a significant shortage of units for low-income renters. The report found that residents are spending more than a third of their monthly income on housing and that occupied units, such as apartments and single-family homes, often had more residents than rooms available.

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

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_84d10e4c-b9a9-4c5c-8929-39740d6c09d7.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

STATISTICS PRESENTED

Over the past 5 years, the city has supported the construction of 2,224 housing units, 1,021 of which are subsidized for low to moderate income tenants. On average, the city has been producing between 200 and 250 affordable units per year, for about 450 units total. The city now has a goal of producing 1,000 affordable housing units per year. To reach that goal, the current housing output will have to at least quadruple.

Joseph Montoya, the city’s Deputy Director of Housing, reported the following statistics to the city council:

Nearly half of renters are rent-burdened.
Rents have increased 20% since 2021.
The median house price is $360,000.
The city’s current waiting list for help with housing is about 800 people long. The city needs to produce 1,500 new units a year to keep up however only 200-250 units are being produced.

In addition to the initiatives already in place, Montoya outlined additional strategies the city would like to use. Those strategies include:

Expediting planning approvals for affordable housing developments,
Opening request for proposals, known as RFPs, to “for-profit” as well as nonprofit developers.
Creating a loan fund for homeowners building affordable accessory dwelling units.
Align the city’s RFP process with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency and to create funding packages for developers.

NEW MEXICO MORTGAGE FINANCE AUTHORITY REPORT ON HOUSING NEEDS

On July 24, 2024 the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (NMFA) officials reported on the findings of the state’s most recent housing needs assessment. It outlined how $84.6 million in state funding will be allocated to address those needs. The New Mexico Housing Needs Assessment is a comprehensive annual report produced by New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. It comprises an array of housing indicators describing affordable housing needs in the state.

MAJOR FINDINGS OF REPORT

Following is an edited version of the major findings of the 2024 MFA Housing Needs Report deleting graphs and figures:

NEW MEXICO’S DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

“There are 2,112,463 people residing in New Mexico and 812,852 households in the state. New Mexico’s population grew 1.3% over the last five years, a rate which lags its neighboring states: Utah (9.7%), Nevada (7.5%), Texas (6.6%), Colorado (6.2%), and Arizona (5.3%).

New Mexico’s working population, defined as persons 16 years and older, is primarily employed in education and healthcare, at a rate of 25.7%. This rate is consistent with national trends.”

NEW MEXICO’S ECONOMIC PROFILE

The poverty rate in New Mexico’s poverty is 18.3%, higher than the national rate of 12.5%.
New Mexico’s median household income is $58,722, which is lower than the national median household income of $75,149.
The percentage of the population living with a disability in New Mexico totals 34.4%, which is higher than the national rate of 26.4%.
The rate of households with seniors, which are defined as households with one or more people 65 years of age or older, in New Mexico is 33.8%. Nationwide, the rate of households with seniors is 11.5%.
Many New Mexico senior households are low or moderate income with 41.8% earning less than $40,000 annually. The national rate is 37.7%.
The Homeownership rate in New Mexico is 70.9%, which is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
2% of New Mexican households earn less than $50,000 annually. This rate for the country is 33.8%.
Renters in New Mexico, like the rest of the nation, are more likely to be low-income compared to homeowners.
The state’s median household income increased from $48,059 to $58,722, or 22.2%. from 2018 to 2022.
The median home price increased by a whopping 50% from $200,000 to $306,000.”

HOMEOWNERSHIP MARKET AND DEMOGRAPHICS

“In New Mexico, the median sale price of a home in 2023 was $323,230 which increased 5.6% from the prior year. As home price increases outpace wage growth, the ability to achieve homeownership becomes more difficult.

Inequities in homeownership persist with respect to race:

White households comprise 37.8% of homeowners but 35.6% of the population.

Hispanic households account for 35.2% of homeowners but 49.8% of the population.
The relative rates for Native American households is 5.2% of homeowners and 8.5% of the population.
Black or African American, Asian and households of two or more races are underrepresented among homeowners.”

RENTAL MARKET DISPARITY

“In New Mexico, the median monthly gross rent in 2022 was $966, which increased 7.7% from the previous year and 16.7% from 2018.

The state’s renter median income increased from $34,837 to $37,408 or 7.4% from 2021 to 2022, which lagged behind rent price increases.”

DECLINE IN HOUSING PERMITS

“Single-family detached homes comprise the majority of New Mexico’s housing stock, followed by a high percentage of mobile or manufactured homes. The number of building permits for residential construction issued in 2023 decreased by 2.2% from the prior year. Despite this dip in the pace of construction, the decades-long trend of depressed building has abated in recent years, with a 71.7% increase from 2019 to 2023.”

DECLINE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

“Cost-burden among renters (43.9%) is higher than homeowners (28.4%), largely due to lower income levels among renters. A decreasing supply of affordable housing options, for both renters and homeowners, coupled with increasing demand as the state’s population grows, threatens to worsen cost burden rates.”

PRESERVATION AND REDEVELOPMENT NEEDS

2% of houses in New Mexico were built prior to 1980, which indicates a high need to preserve the stock of existing homes.

3% of homes are mobile or manufactured housing units. Mobile homes built before 1976 do not meet HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which are federal standards for the design and construction of manufactured homes to assure quality, durability, safety, and affordability. Thus, HUD only allows for the replacement of these units rather than rehabilitation.
3% of households are overcrowded.
0% of households do not have sufficient plumbing facilities and 1.0% lack complete kitchen facilities.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Simply put, the term “affordable housing” is about as misleading as it gets. It is a term way too often used by elected officials and politicians to simply declare a crisis with inflated numbers that shows there is not enough housing that allows the poor or low-income people to rent or buy a home and call their own. Housing prices and rental costs never come down. The more appropriate term that should be used is “subsidized” housing where it’s clear what is needed is subsidized funding for those who cannot afford to buy outright or rent and need assistance.

The housing shortage crisis declared is related to economics, the development community’s inability to keep up with supply and demand and the public’s inability to purchase housing or qualify for housing mortgage loans. The shortage of rental properties has resulted in dramatic increases in rents. It is clear that the City of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico are suffering from a shortage of housing, but that does not mean it is all affordable housing.

The blunt reality is that it is not at all realistic for the City, Countu nor the State to try and attempt to solve the housing shortage on their own with nothing but government financing and construction. Government’s responsibility is to provide essential services, such as police protection, fire protection and utilities and not to directly compete with the housing industry. It’s the market forces that must be relied upon to get the job done when it comes to housing of all kinds.

The approach that the City, the County and the State has taken in the form of tax deferrals, subsidies and low interest loans to the private sector as incentives to construct housing are the reasonable and responsible approach to help solve the current housing shortage in the city and the state.

City, County and State government can further help the private sector to build more housing by eliminating policies and zoning restrictions that unnecessarily drive-up housing costs so long as there is a preservation and respect for adjoining property owners rights and remedies. One area of reform to help the housing industry would be to address and reduce the states gross receipts tax on construction materials in order to bring down construction costs.

City, County, State Take Action To Address Housing Shortage; Conversion Of Vacant Commercial Properties Into Affordable Housing Spikes Dramatically; City Council Appropriates $9.6 Million For Affordable Housing Projects in Downtown, Barelas And North Valley; $115 Million Uptown Connect Project To Include Affordable Housing; Another $83 Million For Housing 1,000 by 2026

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

The City, County and State continue to struggle with what has been characterized as a housing crisis. This article is an in-depth review of some of the most notable projects that have been funded by the City of Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Commission and the New Mexico Legislature as their efforts to address the housing shortage. The article also provides in depth statistics of the city’s housing shortage followed by Analysis and Commentary.

HOUSING PROJECTS FUNDED BY CITY

On August 4, the Albuquerque City Council passed R-25-177, a measure to appropriate $7,562,000 in State Capital Outlay funding to three specific affordable housing projects in City Council District 2 represented by District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. The funding, appropriated during the 2025 legislative session through House Bill 450, aims to expand housing options for low- to moderate-income residents.

The resolution allocates Capital Outlay funding from the State to projects that are designed to increase the number of “affordable, transitional, and supportive housing” units. The projects are contingent upon being formally designated as “Qualifying Grantees” and receiving final approval from the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) and the New Mexico Department of Finance/Local Government Division.

R-25-177, directs the funding toward three distinct projects in the Downtown and Barelas areas of the city. The largest portion, $5 million, will be used to convert the old Wells Fargo building located third and Lomas into the Lomas Towers. The adaptive reuse projects are expected to create between 100 and 120 rental units for residents earning up to 80% of the area median income. The conversion also includes plans for new commercial space to help revitalize downtown Albuquerque.

All three projects required final approval by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority and Department of Finance.

PROJECTS IDENTFIED

The three projects identified to receive the $7.5 Million in funding are:

WELLS FARGO BUILDING CONVERSION INTO LOMAS TOWERS APARTMENTS.

A $5 million appropriation for a major adaptive reuse project that will convert approximately 85% of the 14-story former Wells Fargo Building, situated at Third Street and Lomas, into the Lomas Towers Apartments. It will be a 100-120 workforce housing apartment complex. The project aims to address the city’s housing shortage by creating attainable housing for households earning 80% or less of the area median income while also revitalizing the downtown area with new residential and commercial spaces.

On December 19, 2025 it was reported that the sale of the Wells Fargo building, has gone through. The acquisition closed on December 5, marking a significant step in allowing the tower’s new owners to begin their plans to redevelop the structure into mixed-use housing. The new owners are local real estate firm Geltmore LLC and California-based affordable housing developer Lincoln Avenue Communities, a subsidiary of Lincoln Avenue Capital.

The finalized acquisition allowed the developers to access the building, seal off the ground floor and begin some interior demolition and asbestos abatement work as they secure funding and tax credits over the next several months. The structure is expected to be prepped and ready for construction by early summer 2026.

The prep work is the first tangible step in the transformation of the 13-story banking and office building into roughly 100 workforce affordable housing units. Half of the one- and two-bedroom apartments will be priced for those who make 70% or below Albuquerque’s median income and the other half will go to those who make 50% or below the area’s median income, according to Snow.

Twelve stories of the building are dedicated to affordable housing, which will include 60 one-bedroom apartments and 40 two-bedroom apartments. The ground floor will be renovated into office and retail space.

The apartments will be priced for those who make 70% of Albuquerque’s median income and capped at 80%, which for one person stands at $51,200 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for 2025.

The second floor will include community amenity rooms and a fitness room for residents, while the ground floor will feature publicly accessible commercial, retail and office uses. Lincoln owns and will handle the residential portion of the project, while Geltmore owns the ground floor and land and will handle the commercial components,

THE ROMERO

This is a $1,931,249 appropriation for a community-driven development in Barelas. The Portland-based developer, Palindrome Communities, estimates the total project cost to be $20.8 million. The project overlooks the Railyards at Second and Santa Fe. A three-story apartment complex is planned that will provide 69 units at varying rates of affordability, ranging from 30% to 80% of the city’s median income. That range means that a person who makes around $18,000 a year and a person who makes nearly three times that will be living side by side. The development will also include 7,521 square feet of commercial space and several live-work units, fostering local entrepreneurship and creating a new mixed-use hub.

GIZMO ARTSPACE:

The resolution allocates $630,751 for the GIZMO Artspace project. The Gizmo building has historical significance. The building was once a J.C. Penney, which had its grand reopening in 1949. The $630,751 appropriated is not enough to renovate the upper floor into housing, but it’s the first step to getting the decades long-vacant building operable again. Plans are to renovate the vacant Gizmo building on Central into a hub for artists from all walks of life. The 53,000-square-foot, four-story building will house two galleries, 24 artist studios, a library, an art supply store, a print shop and six apartments.

Links to relied upon or quoted news sources are here:

https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/district-2/news/albuquerque-city-council-appropriates-over-7-5-million-for-affordable-housing-projects-in-downtown-and-barelas

https://www.abqjournal.com/business/redevelopment-of-wells-fargo-building-inches-forward-with-sale-finalized/2950837

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-city-council-affordable-housing-projects/65601263

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTQqlUC9ak

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/over-7-5-million-appropriated-to-affordable-housing-projects-in-downtown-albuquerque-barelas/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTQqlUC9ak

UPTOWN CONNECT

On August 19, 2025 the Bernalillo County Commission approved $46 million in revenue bonds to help subsidize the construction of two apartment buildings that will bring more than 200 affordable housing units to Uptown. The project is intended to draw low-to-middle-income residents to the Uptown area immediately South of Coronado Center that is already filled with jobs, amenities and public transit.

The Uptown Connect project is estimated to cost $115 million in total, and through a combination of federal, state, municipal and private dollars, the project is almost fully funded. Palindrome Communities development company is the firm behind the project. Palindrome hopes to break ground in the first half of 2026 and be move-in ready by mid-2028, pending funding from the state.

The Uptown Connect apartment complex will include a four-story tower and a six-story tower. It is planned around ABQ Ride’s preexisting Uptown Transit Center at Indian School and Louisiana NE. The project is expected to increase ridership on city buses and lower single-person car ownership among residents. The neighborhood offers multiple grocery stores, banks, shopping centers and office buildings within a half mile, making it highly walkable for those who can afford it.

When completed, Uptown Connect will be the first affordable housing complex in the neighborhood. The new complex will feature primarily affordable housing. Fifty percent will be reserved for people who make $32,000 a year or less. There will also be 36 apartments that are not income restricted and that will be rented out at market rate. In addition to housing, Uptown Connect will revamp the transit center and add 11,000 and 8,000 square feet of commercial and office space.

The Bernalillo County commission will voted on final approval for the bonds in January 2026.

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

https://www.abqjournal.com/business/article_260971e7-5496-4884-aa59-083ff29936f3.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

$2 MILLION FOR CALLE CUARTA PROJECT

On June 2, 2025, the Albuquerque City Council appropriated $2 million dollars for a transformative affordable housing development in Albuquerque’s North Valley known as the Calle Cuarta project. Located at Fourth and Candelaria, Calle Cuarta will deliver 61 affordable rental units for low-income individuals and families, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. The development will also include ground-level retail space and four live-work units to support neighborhood vibrancy. The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed this fall. City Councilors said that the project is now fully funded for enhancements like solar, EV charging, and landscaping.

The $2 Million investment ensures the addition of sustainability upgrades and community-focused features to benefit future residents. This includes $1.6 million in ARPA Emergency Rental Assistance funding and $380,000 in State Capital Outlay Funding. The funding builds on a prior $3.5 million investment from the City’s Workforce Housing Trust Fund and the donation of five acres of City-owned land to make this project a reality.

Links to relied upon or quoted news sources are here:

https://www.cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/news/city-boosts-calle-cuarta-with-final-funding-for-sustainability-and-community-enhancements

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/albuquerque-city-councilors-approve-nearly-2m-for-affordable-housing-development/

141 UNIT DOWNTOWN “SENDERO” AFFORDABLE HOUSING POJECT MOVES FORWARD

On January 8, 2026, it was reported that construction on a stalled housing project in Downtown Albuquerque will continue with a new developer. The project, called Sendero, was announced in 2022 under the name the Downtowner and was originally slated for completion in late 2025, though city officials said the project was delayed due to rising construction costs, financing challenges and market conditions. The Nonprofit affordable housing developer Sol Housing has now taken over the project, slated for a vacant lot on First and Silver SW, from Rembe Urban Design + Development.

The building will reserve some of its proposed 141 units for income-restricted affordable housing. City officials hope the project will be completed in 2027. The original development, Downtowner, had a budget of $30.1 million. City officials at the time had said the development would include 207 rental units, 11 work units and a coffee shop on its bottom floor.

Some of the units will be available for rent based on affordable housing standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Brunner said, though income restrictions have not yet been decided. The city had provided the land, a $1.8 million gap financing grant and a tax abatement valued at roughly $1.5 million over seven years for the previous project overseen by Rembe. Once complete, Sendero will include a ground-floor community space, bicycle parking, rooftop amenities and connections to the under-construction Albuquerque Rail Trail, a 7-mile loop connecting core parts of the city to pedestrians and bikers.

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

https://www.abqjournal.com/business/downtown-affordable-housing-project-to-move-forward-with-new-developer-and-name/2954713

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONVERSIONS INTO HOUSING

There are two commercial office building being converted in to housing with city subsidized funding. Those conversions are as follows:

TWO PARK CENTRAL TOWER

On December 7, it was reported that the City has reached a development deal with the Houston company Silverstone Equity Partners that owns the vacant 10-story tower in the International District, a key step toward turning the building into housing. The 10-story, 101,000-square-foot Two Park Central Tower sold in August 2023 for just under $2 million. The Two Park Central Tower property tax bill is currently $87,090, but is expected to increase to $205,238 after the apartments are developed. On September 4, the City Council approved a seven-year tax abatement will save the developer a total of $744,332 on its property tax bills.

The development agreement between the city of Albuquerque and Silverstone Equity Partners follows the approval of a building permit for the development in October. The company plans to renovate the property into housing, bringing 110 studios and one-bedroom apartments to the tower that sits at San Mateo and Central NE. A groundbreaking is expected in January, 2026 with the project completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

The city has agreed to put $2 million into the project, which is expected to cost $23 million. The project, located at 300 San Mateo NE, will also benefit from a tax abatement the city approved in June, providing more than seven years of tax breaks valued at nearly $750,000.

As part of Silverstone’s plans for the building, 41 of the 110 units will be affordably priced for families making at or below 80% of the area’s median income. The remaining units will be market rate.

On January 8, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on the building as the start of the Serenade at Park Central project. Preparations are being made for full construction to begin in February. The development will feature over 100 new affordable housing units, market-rate apartments, commercial space and landscaping. City leaders believe this project will address Albuquerque’s housing shortage and safety concerns.

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/__city_invests_2m_for_san_mateo_towers/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/city-of-albuquerque-finalizes-agreement-to-convert-tower-at-san-mateo-and-central-to-housing/ar-AA1RRq29

https://www.abqjournal.com/business/article_e799fed7-667d-4499-8384-da3823b8e242.html

BANK OF THE WEST TOWER

Another affordable housing development project is the old Bank of the West tower located at Central and San Mateo. Silverstone Equity Partners also owns the larger tower at the intersection. Decades ago it was originally a branch of the First National Bank. It is a 17 story a high-rise office building completed in 1963. When it was built it was the tallest building in the city. It is now the fifth tallest building in the state, and the tallest outside of Downtown Albuquerque. The developer intends to convert the 17-story tower into 160 apartments with “high-end” features like a roof deck, a pool and pickleball court.

TAX ABATEMENTS FOR MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The City of Albuquerque offers tax abatements for projects in the city’s 22 Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas (MRA’s). The majority of MRA’s in the city are in older parts of the city including the Downtown area or on Broadway.

How tax abatement works is that for seven years the city suspends or “freezes” the developer’s taxes at the amount they paid before the property gets any new buildings or upgrades. A developer might be transforming a vacant lot into new housing, for example, which dramatically increases the value of the property. Without the tax abatement, the property tax would have a corresponding increase.

Technically, the city takes the title of the property and leases it back to the developer, exempting the property from property taxes, and the developer makes a payment in lieu of taxes to Bernalillo County that is equivalent to the pre-development property tax. The city’s tax abatement program is relatively new, and about 10 properties have been approved for it.

After the seven years are up, the property taxes will be based on the property’s value at that moment and presumably go up. In the long term, the tax abatement program can increase city revenue because it can incentivize developers to build when they might otherwise leave the property vacant. Developers are required to get the tax abatement approved by city council before securing city building permits.

TAX ABATMENT PROJECTS OUTLINED

There are five major tax abatement projects approved by the city council in the last year. Those projects are as follows:

The 10-story Two-Park Central Tower near the corner of San Mateo and Central has been approved for a tax abatement by the City and it will now be converted into housing. Developer Route 66 Multifamily plans to turn the vacant office building into 110 apartments. Some of the apartments will be market value, and some might become affordable housing. The Two Park Central Tower property tax bill is currently $87,090, but is expected to increase to $205,238 after the apartments are developed. On September 4, 2024 the city council approved a seven-year tax abatement that could save the developer a total of $744,332 on its property tax bills.
The old Bank of the West Tower located at Central and San Mateo has also been approved for a tax abatement. The 17 story a high-rise office building is the fifth tallest building in the state, and the tallest outside of Downtown Albuquerque. Developer Route 66 plans to turn the commercial building into apartments.
A third and only project dedicated to affordable housing that has been approved for a tax abatement will be built at the corner of Central and Alcazar SE. The land has been vacant for almost 20 years. The 70-unit Somos Affordable Housing complex is being developed by Sol Housing. The nonprofit plans to set aside 84% of the units for income-restricted affordable housing. The tax abatement on this project will save the developer an estimated $514,376. The city already owns the land that the Somos project is being built on and will transfer ownership to Sol Housing after the abatement period ends. Felipe Rael, the executive director of Sol Housing, said this in a statement: “With the construction of 70 apartment homes and commercial space to support local small businesses, SOMOS can achieve the vision of the international marketplace, providing much needed housing and economic benefits to the International District. … The city’s support furthers this vision as we work to stabilize housing for 70 senior households.”
Another housing development project slated for a tax abatement will be undertaken by Titan Development. Titan Development. Titan is planning for a new long-term resident inn and food hall at the corner of Central and Cedar NE across from the Presbyterian Hospital complex. It is being proposed that the 126-unit residential development could be used by traveling nurses working across the street at Presbyterian Hospital. The tax abatement should save the developers an estimated $998,128 over seven years.
Sunlight Properties and Garfield Townhomes has also received council approval for a tax abatement for a townhome project in the University Heights neighborhood. The developers plan to build 16 townhomes on a vacant lot on Garfield. The current property tax bill of $1,509 would increase to an estimated $25,511 after development, so approval of the abatement will save the developer $151,209 over seven years.

MORTGAGE FINANCE AUTHORITY FUNDING APPROVED

At its May and June, 2024 meetings, the New Mexico Board of Directors of the Mortgage Finance Authority approved a $50 million allocation, along with the $34.6 million in state fiscal year 2025 severance tax bond funding. The breakdown includes:

$26.6 million to create more housing.
$20 million for down payment assistance.
$10 million to preserve existing affordable housing.
$1 million to create stable housing environments.
$27 million in reserve to use based on particular demands.

MFA Executive Director Hernandez said this about the allocations:

“Whether it’s building homeownership and wealth, creating more housing, preserving existing affordable housing or creating stable housing environments, our efforts and programs directly align with the key findings in the housing needs assessment report. … I appreciate our board of directors, the governor and legislators for their support and funding for these much-needed programs in our state.”

The full housing needs assessment and links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://housingnm.org/…/new-mexico-mortgage-finance…

https://www.koat.com/…/monday-breaks-record…/61688417

https://citydesk.org/…/homelessness-has-increased-by…/

2025 NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE APPROVES $140 MILLION FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS, $83 MILLION EARMARKED FOR CITY

Last year, the 2025 New Mexico Legislature approved upwards of $140 million for housing programs during the legislative session. $83 Million of that is earmarked for projects in the Albuquerque area for housing and the unhoused. On August 26, City, Bernalillo County and State Officials held a press conference to announce that $60 million of the $80 million will be allocated for housing and homelessness projects in the Albuquerque area that will be dedicated to getting 1,000 unhouse people off the streets by July, 2026.

More than $20 million of the funding will be used for expansion of the Gateway network of shelters and services. That includes $5 million for a 204-unit shelter for seniors; $6.5 million for Gateway West, which serves 660 people nightly; and additional funding for Gateway Young Adult.

Another $42.85 million of funding is earmarked to be spent as follows:

$17.85 million for the purchase of the Poblana Place apartments in Bernalillo County for an 84-unit workforce housing complex for seniors and displaced youth;
$1.5 million for a new mixed-income development Sombra del Oeste in southwest Albuquerque, adding 72 homes;
$10 million to convert the iconic but vacant Wells Fargo building in downtown Albuquerque into the 13-story Lomas Tower, which will mean 100 residents for 140 people who earn less than 70% of the area median income (in Bernalillo County, that’s $44,800 for a one-person household);
and $13.5 million for West Mesa Ridge A and B in the 700 block of Coors Boulevard, which will include 128 three-bedroom homes for residents earning from 30% to 80% of the area median income.

The link to relied upon or quoted news sources are here:

https://sourcenm.com/2025/08/26/albuquerque-area-leaders-tout-arrival-of-more-than-80-million-for-housing-and-homelessness/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_38b5041d-c3e9-4f66-b8e5-660fa8d37a47.html

CITY’S HOUSING SHORTAGE

The most recent Point-In-Time (PIT) Report for the number of unhoused PERSONS experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque is 2,960 broken down in 3 categories:

Emergency Shelters: 1,327
Transitional Housing: 266
Unsheltered: 1,367

Total: 2,960

The link to review the entire 62-page 2024 PIT report is here:

https://568ac5c8-a616-4ffa-987e-7f77d5d1e6aa.filesusr.com/ugd/ad7ad8_0b3a57c7ce914d7f9bc94b6ea37be15c.pdf

Mayor Keller’s office estimates that there are upwards 5,000 people who are unhoused and who are living on the streets in Albuquerque.

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

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_84d10e4c-b9a9-4c5c-8929-39740d6c09d7.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

STATISTICS PRESENTED

Over the past 5 years, the city has supported the construction of 2,224 housing units, 1,021 of which are subsidized for low to moderate income tenants. On average, the city has been producing between 200 and 250 affordable units per year, for about 450 units total. The city now has a goal of producing 1,000 affordable housing units per year. To reach that goal, the current housing output will have to at least quadruple.

Joseph Montoya, the city’s Deputy Director of Housing, reported the following statistics to the city council:

Nearly half of renters are rent-burdened.
Rents have increased 20% since 2021.
The median house price is $360,000.
The city’s current waiting list for help with housing is about 800 people long. The city needs to produce 1,500 new units a year to keep up however only 200-250 units are being produced.

In addition to the initiatives already in place, Montoya outlined additional strategies the city would like to use. Those strategies include:

Expediting planning approvals for affordable housing developments,
Opening request for proposals, known as RFPs, to “for-profit” as well as nonprofit developers.
Creating a loan fund for homeowners building affordable accessory dwelling units.
Align the city’s RFP process with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency and to create funding packages for developers.

NEW MEXICO MORTGAGE FINANCE AUTHORITY REPORT ON HOUSING NEEDS

MAJOR FINDINGS OF MFA REPORT

Following is an edited version of the major findings of the 2024 MFA Housing Needs Report deleting graphs and figures:

NEW MEXICO’S DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

New Mexico’s working population, defined as persons 16 years and older, is primarily employed in education and healthcare, at a rate of 25.7%. This rate is consistent with national trends.”

NEW MEXICO’S ECONOMIC PROFILE

The poverty rate in New Mexico’s poverty is 18.3%, higher than the national rate of 12.5%.
New Mexico’s median household income is $58,722, which is lower than the national median household income of $75,149.
The percentage of the population living with a disability in New Mexico totals 34.4%, which is higher than the national rate of 26.4%.
The rate of households with seniors, which are defined as households with one or more people 65 years of age or older, in New Mexico is 33.8%. Nationwide, the rate of households with seniors is 11.5%.
Many New Mexico senior households are low or moderate income with 41.8% earning less than $40,000 annually. The national rate is 37.7%.
The Homeownership rate in New Mexico is 70.9%, which is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
2% of New Mexican households earn less than $50,000 annually. This rate for the country is 33.8%.
Renters in New Mexico, like the rest of the nation, are more likely to be low-income compared to homeowners.
The state’s median household income increased from $48,059 to $58,722, or 22.2%. from 2018 to 2022.
The median home price increased by a whopping 50% from $200,000 to $306,000.”

HOMEOWNERSHIP MARKET AND DEMOGRAPHICS

Inequities in homeownership persist with respect to race:

White households comprise 37.8% of homeowners but 35.6% of the population.
Hispanic households account for 35.2% of homeowners but 49.8% of the population.
The relative rates for Native American households is 5.2% of homeowners and 8.5% of the population.
Black or African American, Asian and households of two or more races are underrepresented among homeowners.

RENTAL MARKET DISPARITY

“In New Mexico, the median monthly gross rent in 2022 was $966, which increased 7.7% from the previous year and 16.7% from 2018. The state’s renter median income increased from $34,837 to $37,408 or 7.4% from 2021 to 2022, which lagged behind rent price increases.”

DECLINE IN HOUSING PERMITS

“Single-family detached homes comprise the majority of New Mexico’s housing stock, followed by a high percentage of mobile or manufactured homes. The number of building permits for residential construction issued in 2023 decreased by 2.2% from the prior year. Despite this dip in the pace of construction, the decades-long trend of depressed building has abated in recent years, with a 71.7% increase from 2019 to 2023.”

DECLINE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

PRESERVATION AND REDEVELOPMENT NEEDS

2% of houses in New Mexico were built prior to 1980, which indicates a high need to preserve the stock of existing homes.
3% of homes are mobile or manufactured housing units. Mobile homes built before 1976 do not meet HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, which are federal standards for the design and construction of manufactured homes to assure quality, durability, safety, and affordability. Thus, HUD only allows for the replacement of these units rather than rehabilitation.
3% of households are overcrowded.
0% of households do not have sufficient plumbing facilities and 1.0% lack complete kitchen facilities.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The term “affordable housing” is very misleading. It is a term way too often used by elected officials and politicians to simply declare a crisis with inflated numbers that shows there is not enough housing that allows the poor or low-income people to rent or buy a home and call their own. Housing prices and rental costs never come down. The more appropriate term that should be used is “subsidized” housing where it’s clear what is needed is subsidized government funding for those who cannot afford to buy outright or rent and need assistance.

The blunt reality is that it is not at all realistic for the City, County nor the State to try and attempt to solve the housing shortage on their own with nothing but government financing and construction. Government’s responsibility is to provide essential services, such as police protection, fire protection and utilities and not to directly compete with the housing industry. It’s the market forces that must be relied upon to get the job done when it comes to housing of all kinds.

City, County and State government can further help the private sector to build more housing by eliminating policies and zoning restrictions that unnecessarily drive-up housing costs so long as there is a preservation and respect for adjoining property owner’s rights and remedies. One area of reform to help the housing industry would be to address and reduce the states gross receipts tax on construction materials in order to bring down construction costs.

National Search For New APD Chief Well Underway; At Least 14 Candidates Have Applied; Mayor Keller Needs To Appoint Entire New Management Team Of Chief And Deputy Chiefs From The Outside; Complete Reorganization Of Entire APD Needed To Ensure New Generation Of Leadership; Keller Should Avoid “Political Sham” Of Conducting National Search Only To Appoint His Favored Interim Chief

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

The national search is well underway for a new Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department after the December 31 retirement of former APD Chief Harold Medina and with the appointment of Interim APD Chief Cecily Barker on the same day by Mayor Tim Keller.

On January 8, Mayor Tim Keller announced that he had begun a national search process of selecting a new APD Chief to replace former APD Chief Harold Medina. Chief Medina retired on December 31, 2025, after three decades in law enforcement. Medina was appointed by Mayor Keller APD Chief and served as Chief since September 2021. Chief Medina was the second APD Chief Mayor Keller appointed in the last 8 years and he replaced former Chief Michael Geier.

According to the news release, community input sessions were scheduled so residents, advocates, organizations and businesses can “identify the leadership qualities, experience and priorities desired in the next chief of police,” the release states. Residents were able to take a community survey to “ensure broad and meaningful input. “ Mayor Tim Keller said he’s looking for someone who can meet today’s challenges, including fentanyl and long-standing cracks in the criminal justice system.

On December 31, in a New Year’s Eve news release, Mayor Keller announced his appointment of APD Deputy Chief Cecily Barker as Interim APD Chief. Cecily Barker has been with APD over 20 years and has come up through the ranks.

Mayor Tim Keller said this in a January 8 news release:

“We are in a very different environment now that we completed our reform efforts with the Department of Justice; our crime-fighting strategies are working, and we are attracting more officers. … We also know the community is still concerned about safety. We have an opportunity to choose a police chief who will rise to meet today’s challenges, like the proliferation of fentanyl and long-standing cracks in the criminal justice system.”

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/city-of-albuquerque-begins-search-for-new-albuquerque-police-chief/

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-process-select-new-police-chief/69961764

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/albuquerque-launches-search-for-new-police-chief/2956953

https://abqraw.com/post/100000-city-contract-awarded-to-find-next-police-chief/

PUBLIC SECTOR SEARCH & CONSULTING INC

The Keller Administration hired the outside firm Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc., to assist in the search and selection process for a new APD Chief. The firm specializes in police executive searches and has aided dozens of large law enforcement agencies, including those in Chicago and Dallas. The city has used the firm in the past, including for the search and selection of Deputy APD Chief. According to the city of Albuquerque’s public records website, the firm’s contract began January 2 and has a maximum limit of $100,000.

According to its web site, Public Sector Search & Consulting holds itself out as a “boutique executive” search firm that serves a limited number of clients and emphasizes a higher level of responsiveness. It is an executive staff search firm that focuses exclusively on recruiting police executives. The firms recruiters are former police chiefs who have extensive knowledge and expertise in both contemporary policing and recruiting practices. The firm proclaims its understanding of the candidate pool is unrivaled and that every new search it conducts relies on their vast network of police leaders.

The link to their web site is here:

Homepage

PUBLIC SECTOR SEARCH & CONSULTING INC. ANNOUNCMENT

Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. released the following announcement on the city’s national search for a new APD Chief:

The City of Albuquerque is conducting a national search for its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a large, professional metropolitan police department that has completed a significant period of reform and is now serves in a post–consent decree environment. Albuquerque seeks a seasoned police executive ready to build on a strong foundation, inspire a committed workforce, and partner with a diverse and engaged community to advance 21st-century policing.

Over the past decade, the City has made substantial investments in constitutional policing, accountability, training, and modern systems. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) operates with clear standards embedded in policy, supervision, and organizational culture. The department is stable, professionally grounded, forward-looking, and well-positioned to sustain momentum, strengthen public trust, and continue an upward trajectory focused on operational excellence and community confidence.

The APD is a full-service metropolitan law enforcement agency with approximately 1,822 sworn and civilian professionals and an annual operating budget of $284.7 million. The Department delivers comprehensive police services through multiple bureaus that support patrol, investigations, specialized operations, training, and community engagement. APD places a strong emphasis on data-driven policing, transparency, and the exercise of professional discretion to advance public safety and community confidence. APD enters this next chapter with clear expectations, strong systems, and a workforce committed to professionalism, service, and public trust.

The next Chief of Police will inherit a large, complex metropolitan police department serving a diverse and dynamic community with high expectations and the desire for the next Chief to understand the unique needs of this community. The Chief will be expected to continue driving crime reduction through intelligence-led and evidence-based strategies. Key priorities include strengthening recruitment, retention, officer-wellness, and leadership development; reinforcing accountability and public trust; expanding partnerships related to behavioral health and crisis response; and leveraging technology and analytics to improve operational performance and organizational transparency.

The ideal candidate is a highly visible, principled, and forward-thinking police executive with demonstrated experience leading a large, complex organization. The successful candidate will be a steady, confident, and credible leader with strong operational instincts who is approachable, authentic, and skilled in collaborating effectively with elected officials and city leadership. A deep commitment to professionalism, integrity, and workforce development is essential, as is the ability to guide a capable department into its next era of excellence.

The City offers a competitive executive compensation package, with salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience, designed to attract highly qualified candidates nationwide. The first review of applications will occur in late February or early March 2026; however, this recruitment remains open until it is filled. Early applications are encouraged. Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé, cover letter, and professional references to www.publicsectorsearch.com.

Confidential inquiries may be directed to Gary Peterson, Chief of Police (Ret.) and President/CEO, at 916.622.5323 or gary@publicsectorsearch.com, or to Ronald Walsh Jr., Police Commissioner (Ret.) and Senior Consultant, at 516.672.5031 or ron@publicsectorsearch.com.

Click to access abq-police-chief.pdf

The POSTSCRIPT to this article provides the full job description for APD Chief.

Mayor Keller announced he would do a national search for a new chief.

The city hired the out of state firm Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. to assist in the search for a new Police Chief. The firm specializes in police executive searches. The firm’s contract began January 2 and has a maximum limit of $100,000.

APPLICANTS AND COMMUNITY INPUT

At least 14 people have applied to be appointed the new APD Chief, including Interim Chief Cicily Baker. Among the applicants, all but two have ties to New Mexico. Three are women. Interim Police Chief Cecily Barker and Cmdr. Andrew Rodriguez are the internal candidates.

The 14 who have applied include:

APD Interim Chief Cecily Barker
APD Commander Andrew Rodriguez
3 existing police chiefs
2 have ties to New Mexico
2 candidates are internal candidates

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/apd-sees-first-female-interim-chief-amid-leadership-search/

https://www.koat.com/article/submitted-applications-albuquerque-police-chief-job/70282016

Mayor Keller has said this in a statement:

“Before we start looking at individual candidates, we want to get input on the qualities, experience and priorities of Albuquerque residents for their next chief of police. … Everyone should have an opportunity to have their voice heard.”

The police chief position manages a $186 million department budget, oversees 911 response and shapes the department’s relationship with the community. The position is posted nationally, and interested candidates may apply at apply@publicsectorsearch.com.

The city has said feedback will inform recruitment and evaluation as officials seek a new chief who is committed to constitutional policing practices, accountability, transparency and community trust.

According to news reports, the City of Albuquerque says more than 1,000 people have given their input on what they want to see in the city’s next police chief. The city currently has an online survey to gather community feedback in the search for a new police chief. In addition to the survey, the city says it has held focus groups and public forums to get feedback.

Based on feedback so far, leaders with the City of Albuquerque say they are looking at the following priorities from the community:

Visible, Ethical, and Accountable Leadership

The city says community members consistently emphasized the need for a Police Chief who is highly visible, engaged, and accessible. They are looking for someone who leads from the front, is present in neighborhoods, and communicates openly with the public. Integrity, transparency, and accountability were cited as essential traits, along with a commitment to restoring and maintaining public trust.

2. Strong Community-Centered Policing and Trust-Building

The city says residents called for a Chief who prioritizes service-oriented policing rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and collaboration. This includes proactive engagement with neighborhoods, advocacy groups, and community leaders, as well as a balanced, humane approach to enforcement. This was particularly in regards to interacting with youth, vulnerable populations, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

3. Improved Responsiveness, Safety, and Operational Effectiveness

The city says residents want improved police responses to calls for service, more visible patrols in high-need areas, and effective deployment of resources. Key concerns included Downtown and transit-area safety, follow-up on serious complaints, fair and consistent treatment across communities, and the use of data-driven strategies.

The City of Albuquerque Chief of Police position is currently posted nationally.

Interested candidates may apply through the City’s job posting at:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5175374/city-of-albuquerque-chief-of-police-un.

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

City of Albuquerque sees more than 1,000 people weigh in on police chief search – KOB.com

https://www.koat.com/article/submitted-applications-albuquerque-police-chief-job/70282016

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/city-of-albuquerque-begins-search-for-new-albuquerque-police-chief/

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Mayor Tim Keller has the very unique opportunity to completely reshape and reorganize the Albquerquerqu Police Department (APD) for a third time with a new generation of leaders and a new generation of police officers to address the city’s crime efforts. Mayor Keller needs to replace the entire Chief’s command staff and completely reorganize the department for a new generation of leadership.

For the last 16 years, APD recruitment has been stagnant, and the department has not been able to keep up with retirements. As it stands, there are only 351sworn police officers, out of a total of 913 sworn police officers, assigned to the six area commands broken down into 3 shifts and patrolling the streets and responding to hundreds of thousands of calls for service a year. APD cannot deal with the city’s high crime rates because of the low number of sworn personnel.

INTERIM CHIEF CECILY BARKER’S ANNOUNCED DEPUTY CHIEF APPOINTMENTS AND REORGANIZATION

On January 9, APD Interim Chief Cecily Barker announced a reorganization of the APD. The reorganization includes new executive appointments and the elimination of 12 command staff positions, many of which were vacant positions. The 12 command staff positions that are being eliminated are a combination of sworn personnel, such as Deputy Commanders for both Internal Affairs division, and professional employees, such as the Director of Analytics.

Interim Chief Barker announced the following changes as part of her new executive team:

Major Luke Languit was named Interim Deputy Chief of Field
Medina’s former Chief of Staff Miker Hernandez was named Interim Deputy Chief of Support Services.
Commander Aaron Jones was named Interim Chief of Staff.
Deputy Chief George Vega will continue as Deputy Chief of the Investigations Bureau.
Deputy Chief Josh Brown will continue as Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau.

Chief Barker said this in part about her announced appointments and the reorganization:

“We have an experienced team in place to lead the department forward , while we transition into a new era of public safety in Albuquerque. We are experiencing new challenges in law enforcement , especially in response to the national political climate. We want our community to be assured that APD is prepared.”

“Many of these executive positions were created to help manage important initiatives as we navigated the final push to complete the settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. We no longer need the same level of management. We need to prioritize our resources to maintain the cities reduction in crime.”

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

https://citydesk.org/2026/01/09/apd-interim-chief-reorganizes-department-eliminates-12-command-positions/

The link to review the most current APD organization chart that was updated on January 9, 2026 consisting of 9 pages is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/police/documents/apd-division-org-chart-1-7-26-draft-pdf.pdf

The link to review the one page “Department Summary: Sworn Personnel” which was replaced and updated as recently as January 23, 2026 is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/police/documents/apd-staffing-numbers-2026.pdf

Examination and analysis of the APD Organization Chart and the Summary of APD’s personnel reflects a law enforcement agency that is clearly top heavy and bloated with management in need of a major reorganization, deletion of positions, reassignment of personnel and the recruitment of a new generation of police officers.

INTERIM CHIEF BARKER’S DEPUTY CHIEF APPOINTENTS AND REORGANIZATION REPRESENTS STATUS QUO

It is extremely disappointing that Interim Chief Barker essentially reappointed virtually all of former APD Chief Harold Medina’s Deputy Chief’s and retained the same command staff with the reorganization having very little substance in scope over a department of 950 sworn police. Mayor Keller should replace the entire Chief’s command staff and completely reorganize the department with a new generation of leadership. If the entire command staff that Chief Medina put in is not replaced, including all the Deputy Chiefs, there is little to no chance APD will change. Medina’s heavy handed management policies and management style will remain. APD will revert back to the old ways that brought on the Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decree that lasted for 10 years with the city paying millions of taxpayer dollars to institute constitutional policing practices.

APD is still reeling from 10 years of a DOJ consent decree and a DWI bribery dismissal scandal where 20 cops from 3 agencies have been implicated and 9 APD Officers have plead guilty and are still awaiting sentencing. What Mayor Keller should consider doing to restore confidence in APD and restoring its reputation is appointing a new APD Chief and two, perhaps 3 Deputy Chief’s, who would be recruited from outside of APD ranks and hired at the same time as a whole new management team. They would be brought in together to assume command of APD. This would ensure a new era of command staff to restore confidence and faith in APD and new ideas on how to run a department that has been run into the ground the last 16 years by Mayors Berry and Keller.

APD is top heavy with mid management. APD must do better to increase the number of police patrolling the streets of Albuquerque. Simply put, APD needs far more than one new Chief. It needs a whole new generation and management team of top command staff of Chief and Deputy Chiefs that need to be recruited. It needs a complete reorganization and realignment of staffing to get more sworn police onto the street to patrol.

APPOINTMENT OF PERMANENT CHIEF

When APD Chief Medina retired, he advocated for one of his appointed Deputy Chief’s to take his place and he said this: “I hope that I left a strong bench for mayor to look at and choose.” . Interim Chief Cecily Barker is considered the strongest Medina loyalist. It is common knowledge within APD personnel that Medina groomed Interim Chief Barker to replace him. Her ties to Medina underscores the need to do a national search for a new APD Chief and Deputy Chiefs so that the department can change and grow in a new direction.

Speculation runs rampant amongst City Hall and APD observers that despite Mayor Keller’s public announcement that he will do a national search for a new Chief, he has already made up his mind and will appoint and make Interim Chief Barker permanent. The major reason people feel that Keller will make Barker permanent is that he is following the identical pattern he has followed with his appointments in the past: appoint an interim chief, announce a national search, going through the motions of accepting applications, having extensive public input, and doing interviews only to appoint his interim permanent saying the most qualified person for the job “was right in front of our eyes all along who has been interim chief”.

After 8 years being Mayor and after appointing two APD Chief’s, Keller likely has no doubt what he is looking for in an APD Chief. One nagging rumor is that Mayor Keller is “champing at the bit” to appoint the first female chief of police thereby making Barker his favored choice. It’s clear that based upon her background, resume and over 20 years with APD, Interim Chief Cecily Barker is qualified to be APD Chief. The blunt reality Barker was former Chief Medina’s biggest supporter and “Medina enabler” defending his management decisions. She represents nothing more than a continuation of Medina’s disastrous policies and management style.

Now that Mayor Keller has had the city hire a private firm to the tune of $100,000 to help with a national search, he should go forward himself, along with his Chief Administrative Officer and the City Attorney and do the interviews himself. Mayor Keller needs to decide sooner rather than later who to appoint Chief. If in fact Interim Chief Barker is who he really wants, he should avoid wasting people’s time and the politcal sham of doing a national search and just go ahead and appoint Barker.

_________________________________________

POSTSCRIPT

City of Albuquerque Chief of Police UN

Class Title

City of Albuquerque Chief of Police UN

Class Code

U00205

Salary

$0.00 Annually

Position Summary

The Chief of Police is responsible for transformational leadership of the Albuquerque Police Department, which has approximately 1,500 employees and an annual budget of about $186 million. The position is responsible for overseeing and directing activities to reduce crime, implement constitutional community policing, recruit police officers to bring the Department to full strength, and build strong morale. The Chief of Police is expected to exercise sound judgment, expertise and innovation in establishing and administering Department operations. The Chief of Police must demonstrate and promote high ethical standards within the Department. The Department is under a court-approved settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice, relating to use of force and other issues. The Chief of Police must provide strong reform-minded leadership as the Department works to achieve and maintain compliance with the agreement. The unclassified at-will position reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

This is an unclassified at-will position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Department. Oversee crime reduction, violence intervention, crime prevention, and community policing programs designed to maintenance and improve public safety and ensure the highest possible quality of life for residents and visitors.
Promote a strong community policing program in accordance with the most current thinking on the six pillars developed by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing; effectuate the culture change within the Department necessary to carry out effective community policing; establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with property owners, community groups, business districts, and the public; represent the Department and the City at community and civic events; advocate accessibility and responsiveness to the City’s diverse communities.
Ensure that the Department is communicating effectively with all parts of our diverse community through outreach, media, and other avenues regarding its initiatives, recruiting efforts and overall presence in the community.
Ensure the most efficient, effective and business-like use of staffing and resources; administer the overall operations of the Department, including administrative operations, policing activities and community relations; collaborate with other departments to resolve City-wide problems.
Confer with legal advisors and other City officials regarding law enforcement issues.
Build cohesive and collaborative departmental working relationships with officers of all rank, union representatives and civilian staff; maintain accountability and consistent discipline throughout the Department; ensure consistent application of City personnel policies and employee agreements.
Demonstrate exceptional stewardship of public funds; direct the preparation and administration of the Department budget.
Participate actively in proceedings and activities related to the court-approved settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice; ensure cross-divisional cooperation to achieve compliance; advocate for resources necessary for compliance; meet with U.S. Department of Justice and Court Monitor representatives.
Ensure that Department efforts to come up to speed with modern-day policing technology are supported, funded and integrated into all facets of operations.
Build strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and stakeholders.
Identify weaknesses in training or capacity in the Department and proactively work to fill those gaps.
Support efforts to incorporate equity and anti-racism into all aspects of policing.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in criminal justice or related field preferred; and
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement management and supervision is preferred, with experience in a major metropolitan law enforcement agency at or above the rank of Captain, Commander, or an equivalent command-level position also preferred.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
Ability to obtain a New Mexico Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain a New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification: Must currently hold a law enforcement certification and be eligible to qualify for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification by Waiver course (Non-NM applicants).
Master’s degree in related field is preferred

Preferred Knowledge

Completion of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command or the FBI National Academy.
Functional knowledge of U.S. Department of Justice settlement agreements.
Advanced knowledge of crime prevention and law enforcement strategies.
Knowledge and experience utilizing a centralized technology center (e.g., Real Time Crime Center) to direct proactive, predictive, and preemptive policing concepts.
Principles and practices of quality victim services; understanding of specific challenges related to mental health, homelessness and victims of interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
Understanding of the needs of businesses and the tourism-based community and its impact on public safety.
Principles and practices of organizational management and leadership of a large law enforcement agency.
Applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and experience in managing a unionized workforce (sworn and civilian).

Preferred Skills and Ability

Apply experience in constitutional community policing, reducing uses of force, implementing procedural justice, and building strong community relationships, in a manner tailored to our City.
Effectively direct, plan and organize the activities of a large police department.
Critically analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Effectively implement, facilitate and expand community policing initiatives.
Promote collaboration and innovation.
Exhibit exceptional communication skills.
Weigh risks and consequences and make clear decisions.
Equitably interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Diffuse conflict and gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Motivate, select, supervise and evaluate personnel with integrity and accountability.
Promote fiscal responsibility in administering a departmental budget.
Develop and uphold professional standards for police; deliver quality training.
Develop and maintain effective partnerships with community groups.
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work effectively with the chiefs and directors of other City departments and City administration.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/classspecs/1220034

The links to relied upon or quoted articles are here:

APD Interim Chief Barker Announces Appointment Of New Deputy Chiefs, Staffing Cuts And Re-Organization; Commentary and Analysis: Barker APD Re-Organization Pathetically Inadequate; APD Top Heavy With Management; Keller Needs To Replace Entire APD Upper Command, Recruit More Sworn Officers To Deal With City’s Crime

Here’s how you can shape the search for Albuquerque’s next police chief

2026 Legislative Update: KRQE Report “Legislative Session Comes To End With Multiple Bills Headed To Governor’s Desk”

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

KRQE HEADLINE: “Legislative Session Comes To End With Multiple Bills Headed To Governor’s Desk”

On February 18, KRQE news staff reporter Jessica Barron reported as follows:

Lawmakers and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham are celebrating the end of what they’re calling a productive 30-day session, while also highlighting what didn’t make it through. This session was dominated by changes to healthcare law, universal childcare funding, and crime bills. “Thank you for being here today as we conclude what I believe is one of the most consequential legislative sessions in my time of ten years here in the roundhouse,” said Speaker of the House and Representative Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque).

On healthcare, Democrats are celebrating medical compacts, allowing professionals with licenses in other states to more easily work in New Mexico. While eight compacts, including ones for counselors and emergency medical services, didn’t make it. However, Senate and House Democrats said they plan to bring them back during the next session. Two compacts affecting physicians and social workers passed, along with other medical-related tax credits.

“A $10,000 income tax credit for doctors, the highest in the country, also our healthcare loan professional repayment program goes form $75,000 over three years to $300,000 over four years,” said Majority Floor Leader and Senator Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe).

The governor is also expected to sign malpractice reform, limiting punitive damages in lawsuits. The governor’s universal childcare program is also continuing, with a bill making a path for funding that includes requiring higher-earning families to provide co-pays if state funds can’t cover costs. “We’re the only state in America to deliver that promise to families, we’re the only state in America that focused in on affordability,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-New Mexico).

The governor said she’s disappointed with some failed efforts, including stalled juvenile justice reform. “You see states that are overwhelmingly too aggressive on trying juveniles as adults, without really doing the right work. We shouldn’t, for murder, we should be doing more there,” said Governor Lujan Grisham.

On the other side, Republicans highlighted a failed gun bill as a win.

“One of the most, maybe the most unconstitutional bills ever to come before us, which was Senate bill 17, the gun control bill, was also defeated,” said Minority Floor Leader and Senator William E. Sharer (R-Farmington).

Republicans are also criticizing the expected job loss with the Immigrant Safety Act, which is now law, which bars detention facilities from contracting with ICE. Lawmakers also passed a budget worth $11.1 billion and a resolution that will allow voters to decide if legislators should receive a salary. That resolution does not need the governor’s signature and will be on the ballot in the fall.

The governor has until March 11 to sign the bills passed this session. If she does not sign them, they are pocket vetoed.

The link to the quoted or relied upon the KRQE News report is here:

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/legislature/legislative-session-comes-to-an-end-with-multiple-bills-headed-to-the-governors-desk/

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

With the passage of universal child care and amendments to the medical malpractice act, the governor has said there will be no need for a special session. Both measures enacted will be her enduring legacy as she begins to make her final plans to leave office in 10 months. Thanks for a job well done!

2026 Legislative Update: Major Changes To Medical Malpractice Act Passes Senate 40-2; Heads To Governor MLG For Signature; Only Time Will Tell If Successful

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

On February 17, the New Mexico Senate voted overwhelmingly 40-2 in favor of House Bill 99 known as the Medical Malpractice Act, but only after it had been stripped of amendments that had been added by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier in the day. The amendments would likely have complicated its passage into law. HB 99 was the subject of weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations between lawmakers, the Governor’s Office, attorneys, hospital representatives and physicians.

The House approved House Bill 99 on January by a vote of 66-3, sending the measure to the Senate for consideration. The bill limits punitive damages in medical malpractice cases for the first time in New Mexico’s history. House Bill 99 now goes to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham who is expected to sign it into law having voiced her support for the measure. If Lujan Grisham signs the bill as expected, HB 99 goes into effect May 20.

CAPS ENACTED BY LEGISLATION

Currently, under the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act, there are no caps on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded. HB 99 as enacted puts caps on the amount of punitive damages juries can award in malpractice cases. Proponents said the caps are a critical step to reverse severe doctor shortages. Opponents argued it would leave malpractice victims with no path to justice without improving the state’s supply of providers.

Under the enacted HB 99, punitive damages would be limited to around $900,000 for independent doctors, $1 million for independent outpatient clinics and $6 million for locally owned and operated hospitals. These are the same caps set for most compensatory damages in medical malpractice cases. HB 99 creates a higher tier for claims against large hospitals and hospital-controlled outpatient facilities, capping punitive damages at two and a half times the limits the bill establishes for local hospitals.

PROBLEMATIC AMENDMENTS REMOVED

On February 16 and 17, extensive hearings lasting hours were held on House Bill 99 by the Senate Judiciary committee which is chaired by Senator Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces.

The lawyers on the Senate Judiciary Committee started their discussion on HB 99 with their disclosures that they are attorneys. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe disclosed that he serves as a personal representative in wrongful death cases and handles wrongful death cases in his mediation practice. Both Senators Cervantes and Katy Duhigg said they work directly in field of medical malpractice law. Sen. Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, said he has worked as a lawyer for nearly 30 years and is a member of the New Mexico. Trial Lawyers Association historically has opposed all efforts to change the state’s medical malpractice law.

All four attorneys made it clear that they had no cases where the legislation would benefit or impact them financially and saying they had no conflicts of interest and that they intended to vote for the bill.

Senator Cervantes said this:

“I can’t see any way in which this particular legislation as it’s being proposed right now directly benefits me with any cases I have right now or any outcomes that I would have right now. ”

Senator Duhigg said this:

“There’s no direct pecuniary benefit to me voting on this bill, so I’ll be voting on it as well.”

Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth said this:

“As a court appointed personal representative, I am paid by the hour. Any statewide changes to medical malpractice law and punitive damages law do not in any way change my fee in a pending or future case.”

On Tuesday afternoon, February 17, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 8-1 to advance House Bill 99 to the Senate floor but only after amendments were offered by Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Joseph Cervantes. The Judiciary Committee’s amendments left intact the key feature of House Bill 99 that would limit punitive damage awards for the first time in New Mexico.

Senator Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque cast the lone vote against the do-pass recommendation by the Judiciary Committee. Senatore Duhigg and others argued insurance premium costs would not decline if HB 99 was signed into law. Duhigg said this during a Senate Judiciary Committee debate:

“We are lying to our health care providers, and we are lying to the public. … We are representing to the public that malpractice insurance premiums will go down, when that is not what history shows, and that access to care will go up, when that is not what history shows. … We are abandoning New Mexicans who have been injured as a result of medical malpractice.”

Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, the bill’s lead sponsor, said after the vote that the Judiciary committee’s actions were “problematic” because they create uncertainty about the value of injuries in medical malpractice cases. Chandler said most of the amendments considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee would have changed provisions previously agreed upon in negotiations and she said “I find that extremely disappointing.”

An amendment offered by committee chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes was approved by a 5-4 vote altered the way medical care is valued in malpractice cases where an insurance company provides compensation to an injured person. Under the original version of House Bill 99, an injured person can recover the actual amount they paid but not the full amount billed. Cervantes said his amendment was intended to prevent constitutional challenges.

Representative Chandler told the Senate Judiciary committee this:

“There is significant potential for windfalls and thereby jacking up the cost for everyone across the state. The patient is entitled to recover damages they actually pay. … We’re trying to keep the cost of health care down and the cost of premiums down. We should be looking at keeping costs down.”

A second amendment, also offered by Cervantes and approved by the committee, altered the definition of “occurrence.” The original bill used a definition that limited each incident of alleged malpractice to one claim. The altered version would have allowed multiple complaints over actions taken by providers in a single incident expanding the number of injuries that can be alleged in a single malpractice claim.

Chandler, a Democrat from Los Alamos, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that at least four provisions of HB 99, including the bill’s definition of “occurrence”, were expected to help reduce insurance premiums. Chandler said the committee’s definition of “occurrence” will not achieve the bill’s goal of reducing premiums.

Cervantes said the original bill would result in lengthy litigation as attorneys in malpractice cases dispute the number of injuries included in a single malpractice claim.

A third amendment adopted by the Judiciary Committee would have changed the way medical costs were calculated in a malpractice claim. Sen. Joseph Cervantes argued the original language of the bill would upset a long-held legal rule and decades of precedent. Cervantes, the committee chair, said this to Rep. Christine Chandler, the bill’s sponsor:

“You and I will disagree about that, but I’m right,”

Chandler said the amendment “creates ambiguities” about the meaning of an occurrence and said this:

“I think there’s going to be more litigation over whether there’s an occurrence or not, not less”.

Senator Cervantes ultimately voted to advance HB 99 to the Senate floor but he voiced concerns the bill will lead to more litigation and said this:

“This will keep a lot of us lawyers busy for a very long time.”

A fourth amendment adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee took aim at the tiered system, but lawmakers argued the change would retain the tiered damage caps while eliminating a separate legal issue.

On the Senate floor, Sen. Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte, led the successful effort to strip the amendments added by the Senate Judiciary Committee. She accused the lawyers on the panel of inserting “poison pills” into the bill and prioritizing the interests of trial lawyers over patients. Brantley said the attorneys knew the amended bill would “keep them rich by passing it or keep them rich by not passing it” and said this:

“Today’s Senate Judiciary Committee was not a hearing. … It was a hijacking. … Unfortunately, a small group of plaintiffs’ attorneys are now holding over 2 million New Mexicans hostage.”

The full Senate removed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s amendments in a vote of 25-17. The full Senate went on to enact the legislation voting 40-2 for its passage. Senators Linda López, D-Albuquerque, and Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi, cast the lone “no” votes.

REACTION TO PASSAGE

Dr. Robert Underwood, President of the New Mexico Medical Society said this in a statement:

“[HB 99] is vital step toward restoring stability to New Mexico’s medical liability environment, making this a state where physicians want to both move and stay. For years, our medical liability climate has pushed doctors out of the state and placed patient care at risk. This bill represents real, meaningful reform and is a critical step in stabilizing our healthcare system.”

State Senate Republicans issued the following statement celebrating its passage:

“Today, New Mexico finally heeded our advice to put the needs of patients and our healthcare providers above the greedy desires of trial attorneys who have taken advantage of a previously broken system for their own financial benefit. It is a successful restoration of balance and common sense. This legislation ensures a fairer environment for medical providers to practice in New Mexico while maintaining accountability for patients who may have experienced negligent care.”

Links to quoted ore relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/senate-passes-medical-malpractice-bill/2982910

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/new-mexico-senate-sends-hard-fought-medical-malpractice-bill-to-governor/article_2353f534-9017-4ef1-84de-749792ebd541.html

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

House Bill 99 was the most closely watched and most contentious measure of the 30-day session. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports the proposal, insisted she would call a special session if the Legislature failed to pass a substantial overhaul to the malpractice law. There is no doubt she will sign the measure sooner rather than later.

As is the case with any legislation as complicated and as contentious as the major changes to Medical Malpractice Act were, it will likely be years before its full impact can be gaged. No doubt future litigation will occur and the constitutionality of the caps will be challenged by the trial attorneys.

Success will be measured if insurance premiums in fact go down and if the physicians stop leaving the state. The blunt reality is that the unintended consequences just may wind up being that victims of medical malpractice will in no way be adequately compensated for their life changing injuries and medical malpractice will not be adequately addressed, in which case the legislature will be revisiting and wind up repealing what they have enacted and the state will be back to square one.

2026 Legislative Update By Steve Holman: “Major State-Wide “Upzoning” Bill Usurping Local Government’s Zoning Authority Killed In Senate Committee; ABQ City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn Goes Rogue Asking Legislature To Usurp All Local Government Zoning Authority”; ABQ City Council Will Meet Feb.18 For Final Votes On Integrated Development Ordinance Amendments Rejecting Upzoning; Contact Your City Councilor

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Pete Dinelli

Senate Bill 131 is legislation introduced during the 30-day session of the 2026 New Mexico Legislature that would mandate “upzoning” statewide in all communities in the state. The legislation would have taken away all real property zoning authority and regulation authority from local governments, including all municipal governments and county governments, to allow for more residential development in an effort to increase affordable housing.

“Upzoning is a land-use planning tool that changes existing zoning regulations to permit more intensive development in specific areas already zoned. Zoning laws govern how property can be used, including housing density, minimum lot sizes, building heights, and parking requirements. Upzoning alters these rules to increase permitted density or intensity of use, allowing more units per acre, taller buildings, or different uses like commercial establishments in residential zones. This process does not directly create new housing but removes regulatory barriers, incentivizing new construction.”

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

https://legalclarity.org/what-is-upzoning-and-how-does-the-legal-process-work/

NEW MEXICO SENATE HEALTH AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HEARING

On Monday, February 9^th the New Mexico Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 131. Steve Holman attended the hearing and filed this report. Mr. Holman is a concerned citizen and a homeowner who resides in Albuquerque. He is very concerned about what is in the best interest of his community and state. Mr. Holman has not been compensated for his article with the article published as a public service on www.PeteDinelli.com.

Major State-Wide “Upzoning” Bill Usurping Local Government’s Zoning Authority Killed In Senate Committee; ABQ City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn Goes Rogue Favoring Legislature Usurping All Local Government Zoning Authority

BY Steve Holman, Albuquerque Resident

On Monday, February 9^th the New Mexico State Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 131 (SB-131), sponsored by Senators Antonio “Moe” Maestas and Heather Berghmans, both of Albuquerque. Senate Bill 131 has been characterized by many as the “Developer Handout” bill that would “Upzone” the entire state allowing permissive uses statewide of duplexes, apartments, townhomes and retail on existing residential single family zoning areas.

In zoning law, a “permissive use” is where a property owner has the exclusive right to decide how their property can be developed without government approval nor notice to adjoining property owners for approval. A “conditional use” is where a property owner is required to secure government approval and permits for development of real property and are required to give notice to adjacent property owners with adjacent property owners having rights to object and rights of appeal.

SB-131 would take away zoning powers from municipalities and county governments. It would largely deregulate the housing industry allowing for construction just about anywhere, with the only recourse being filing a lawsuit in State District Court.

HEARING COMMENTS

On February 9^th the New Mexico State Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee convened a hearing that included on its agenda SB-131. The link to view the entire committee video feed is here:

https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20260209/-1/78486

During the February 9^th committee hearing, the opposition to SB-131 consisted of Albuquerque residents and community activists for multi-generational residents. Opponents included Bianca Encinias, a neighborhood activist with the Historic Neighborhood Alliance and Loretta Naranjo Lopez, who is a representative from Envision Albuquerque and who is also a multi-generational resident from Martineztown. Ms. Loretta Naranjo Lopez is the longtime President of the Martineztown-Santa Barbara Neighborhood Association. She is retired from the City of Albuquerque having worked in the Planning Department dealing with city zoning laws and code enforcement. A representative of the State Municipal league also spoke against SB-131.

The opposition to SB-131 pointed out the weakness of the bill in its usurping local zoning powers and giving them to the state, using questionable research methodologies, pointing out that density does not equate to a lower price in housing, how casitas are already legal, how parking mandates aren’t justified due to lack of public transportation, and how there is plenty of inventory but a lack of affordability. Loretta Naranjo Lopez told the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee that all zoning should be left up to the cities and counties under home rule and nothing should be passed without proper notification and review with residents and their elected leaders.

Comments from supporters were delivered by the pro-developer interests such as the ABQ Chamber of Commerce, the CEO of The New Mexico Homebuilders Association, the New Mexico Association of Realtors, NAIOP (a pro-realtor and developer organization), and Associated Builders and Contractors. Supporters managed to get the housing administrator from Las Cruces, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, and the State-wide affordable housing commission to show their support as well.

The biggest surprise was the appearance of District 7 Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. District 7 is the mid heights district and it is highly developed with established residential neighborhoods. District 7 includes the uptown retail business district including the Commons, Winrock and Coronado Shopping Center. The District 7 boundaries are generally Montgomery Boulevard on the North, I-25 on the West, Lomas on the South and Eubank on the East.

City Councilor Fiebelkorn announced to the committee that she “strongly” supported bill SB-131 and said that our state is experiencing a housing crisis at all price points. What Fiebelkorn failed to disclose to the committee is that her own constituents and neighborhood associations within her district strongly oppose her upzoining efforts on the city council and have repeatedly objected to her sponsorship of amendments to the city zoning laws known as the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO). Notwithstanding her constituent’s objections, she repeatedly ignores the desires of her own constituents.

The link to view the entire committee video feed that includes Councilor Fiebelkorn’s comments is here:

https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20260209/-1/78486

Feibelkorn cited her own neighborhood’s lower residential housing density now versus the 1950’s as a justification for Upzoning. She made the false presumption that people within her district want to increase density of their neighborhoods and that they can afford it. What was shocking was her saying “As a local government official I welcome the help this would provide to Albuquerque to modernize our zoning code.”

THE COMMITTEE DEBATE ON SB 131

After the opening comments were made, Senator Moe Maestas offered to amend the language of the bill that would have removed height restrictions on buildings. The amendment passed the committee unanimously.

The debate and questions opened with Senator Larry Scott making an astute observation, stating he found it “interesting” that Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn was present and was in favor of a bill that usurps the city’s and her own authority as a city councilor over zoning matters.

Senator Scott asked Senator Maestas what was creating the animosity against the bill? Senator Maestas responded, “This bill does not usurp local control because it is provided by the state.” He went on to further say, “Zoning is a state issue and we’ve just deferred to the local authorities on it for the last 3 or 4 decades.”

Addressing the “animosity” against the bill, Senator Maestas essentially said it was “class warfare”. Maestas disparaged the opposition by stating this:

“We know who shows up to these meetings. They are more housed than the normal population. They are older than the normal population. They are more wealthy than the normal population and they have more time than the normal population, so local elected officials gravitate towards those powerful people who are current property owners. So, it is more difficult to make that adjustment.”

Senator Scott pointed out that single family housing is what property owners bought into and it takes away their real property rights, further questioning the impacts it would have on existing communities. Senator Maestas responded saying that existing communities probably won’t be affected without offering any tangible evidence and ignoring the sweeping changes to zoning laws he was advocating.

Senator Scott then shut down Senators Maestas’ narrative by saying it makes sense that it will be developers who would build using existing infrastructure in established communities because it is cheaper. Senator Scott then said that he could not back the bill.

As the meeting further proceeded, the skepticism of the bill continued because of its removal of power from local governments, municipalities and counties. Senator Maestas tried to cite similar implementation in Minneapolis, MN. This narrative was immediately struck down by Senator Jay Block, further advising that local elected officials are there to do what their constituents ask. Senator Block then requested Senator Maestas to pull the bill and start over.

This triggered a proposal to table the bill, but the committee chair Senator Linda Lopez advised there were still more arguments to be heard. Senator Cindy Nava who worked with HUD and has witnessed and learned from implementations across the country stated, “What works in Albuquerque won’t work in Gallup.” She went on to advise we need tailored approaches to housing, and her community has vast concerns. She warned that with the removal of tools from cities and counties a one size fits all mandate does not work across the state. She also pointed out that SB-131 doesn’t address affordability, infrastructure readiness, and housing outcomes and she couldn’t support the bill.

Senator Harold Pope presented major concerns as well. The issue he had was in doing it state-wide because every town and village are different. He said that even in Albuquerque, you have a variety of communities from the West Side to Nob Hill and their needs all vary.

At this point Senator Maestas indicated that the average age of homebuyers is now 40 years old and the bill deals with affordability by having duplexes, apartments, and town homes while citing simple supply and demand principles would drive down prices. Senator Nava immediately responded advising that the bill does not address everything and is only one tool in a larger equation for housing.

Lastly, committee chair Senator Linda Lopez made her statements. She said in particular how the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), which is all the city’s zoning laws, in Albuquerque has actually helped her community. She went on to say that if we invested in repairing existing homes, it would help with affordability and that demonstrates that there is no single solution. She then concluded, “What it comes down to is local control.”

At this point the committee moved to table the Bill. This passed, but what was shocking was the defiant response from Senator Heather Berghmans stating “Thank you, we will be back.” The committee chairperson Senator Linda Lopez acknowledged her in saying, “Yes, that’s part of the process.”

A motion was made to table SB-131 and the committee voted 7 to 2 to table the bill thereby killing the legislation in committee.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Holman, Albuquerque Resident

DINELLI COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 131 was nothing more that and attempt to mandate and implement upzoning state-wide by Senators Moe Maestas and Heather Berghmans using the New Mexico legislature to do it. It was nothing more than a power play to repeal virtually all zoning laws in the state to the detriment of local interests and contrary to the self-rule authority of local government.

The purpose and concept behind SENATE BILL 131 and the upzoning it represented is very straight forward and based on too many false premises. The idea is that if you allow permissive use of townhomes, apartments, duplexes, and retail within single family zoning, thereby increasing density, it will remove restrictions and allow for increased development that will hopefully lower costs and increase affordable housing. It will not and market forces will prevail as developed properties are sold for the highest value. Upzoning is being touted as a solution to affordable housing, despite no mandate for any affordable housing to be built or any legislation to regulate price speculation.

Studies about Upzoning are still emerging and are limited in scope, but the data released is reflecting that Upzoning actually fosters gentrification. It most often impacts low income and non-white communities. It also has been shown to have little impact on housing inventory and price.

This has been fought in Albuquerque because upzoning utilizes many tools of gentrification as does the Upzoning proposed in Albuquerque’s Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO). Those upzoning tools include:

Allowing zoning changes for higher density
Relaxing regulatory measures
Does not mandate affordable housing of any type
Excludes community involvement/empowerment by lawsuits being their only recourse
Includes amenities like retail
Places no measures against real estate price speculation
Has no anti-displacement measures for existing residents
Removes protections of historic neighborhoods and sites like The Petroglyphs via removal of height restrictions.

In essence, Upzoning is a “deregulatory developers handout” that removes many of the guardrails of zoning allowing developers and speculators to build what they want, however they want and wherever they want.

SB-0131 seeks to implement Upzoning state-wide, but the bill has a massive amount of side effects.

THREE MAJOR DOWNSIDES TO SENATE BILL 131

There are three major downsides to Senate Bill 0131 and they are:

FIRST: There would have been the removal of powers from local municipalities by taking away their ability to manage the following:

The height, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures.
The percent a lot may be occupied.
The size of yards, courts, and other open space.
The density of population.
The location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.
The ability to divide the territory under its jurisdiction into districts
Regulate or restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures or land in each district.

If SB-0131 was enacted, the above decisions on zoning would reside with the state instead of local municipalities or counties, removing the ability of individual towns, cities and counties submitted to have any means of self-determination in addressing growth.

SECOND: The enactment of Upzoning by the state would have required all county and state municipalities to:

Accommodate one additional dwelling unit within each lot in a single-family zoning district as permissive use.
Eliminate restrictions on building height and number of stories.
Not prohibit residential apartments in commercial zones.
Not prohibit duplexes and townhouses in residential zones or on mixed-use lots.
Allow residential zone development for small-scale commercial uses that provide neighborhood-scale convenience shopping, food, beverages, indoor entertainment or professional offices, provided that the uses comply with local rules governing traffic and noise.
Not implementing minimum parking mandates (a law, a rule or an ordinance that specifies a minimum number of off-street vehicle parking spaces, including within a garage or other enclosed area)

THIRD: SB-0131 also sought to move all disputes about zoning or complaints to State District Courts instead of using local established means. That means residents and municipalities only have filing a law suit as a response to any issues.

If you compare what SB-0131 enacts to what is currently being attempted in Albuquerque, you can see the desired results line up exactly, but now it removes local municipalities and counties of their autonomy and gives massive new zoning powers for the state to manage.

All of this is being done in the name of “affordable housing,” but it in no way allocates for any measures to address the affordability of homes and instead seeks to use our existing communities as a means for developers and investors to further buy up residential homes. They would have been able to utilize existing infrastructure in established neighborhoods to build what they want wherever they want with market rate prices.

The link to review Senate Bill 0131 is here:

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/26 Regular/bills/senate/SB0131.HTML

SENATORS MAESTA’S AND BERGMAN’S DEFIANT CONDUCT

What was revealing and simultaneously disturbing and downright insulting is the mischaracterization of the opposition against SB-131 by Senator Maestas as being “older wealthy landowners.” He was essentially promoting “class warfare” between the “haves and the have nots.” The opposition present at the hearing were two residents who are multi-generational native New Mexicans and activists for their communities and not wealthy landowners. There were hundreds of petition signers in opposition to Upzoning in Albuquerque submitted who were from zip codes all over the city and who have a variety of ethnic backgrounds and social statuses.

If the majority of the opposition, according to Senator Maestas, has money and time, then why weren’t more people present for a hearing held during the regular working hours for most everyday citizens? What this demonstrates is that Senator Moe Maestas has been very busy working with lobbyist friends, or perhaps even his wife’s clients. His wife is a prominent and influential lobbyist. Ostensibly, Senatore Maestas did not engaged with the community he serves and he was influenced by the real estate development community.

As for Senator Heather Bergmans who co-sponsored the bill, her incredibly unprofessional and threateningly defiant tone towards the committee when she stated “we will be back” is a demonstration of the ruthless nature to push the agendas of lobbyist interests.

ABQ CITY COUNCILOR FIEBELKORN’S QUESITIONABLE CONDUCT

Simply put, the purpose and intent of SB-131 was to undermine any and all opposition to Upzoning in Albuquerque. This was evidenced by the appearance of District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn appearing to speak in support of the passage of SB-131. Fiebelkorn holds herself out as a Progressive Democrat housing advocate and for that reason alone it is shocking that she would support a pro-developer handout bill. She is even willing to usurp her own municipal zoning powers and responsibilities to achieve her misguided goal.

It was downright laughable when Fiebelkorn told the Senate Committee this:

“As a local government official I welcome the help this would provide to Albuquerque to modernize our zoning code.”

The blunt reality is that Tammy Fiebelkorn is ignorant when it comes to zoning laws and urban planning as she holds herself out as some sort of an expert. She has no background nor experience with city zoning matters, zoning code enforcement, before becoming a city councilor. She now holds herself out as some sort of an expert in “modernizing” our zoning laws. SB 131 in no way would help “modernize our zoning code” as Feibelkorn told the committee but would have gutted virtually all zoning laws in the state. SB 131 does not require affordable housing construction of any kind, it does not address price speculation, and it does not address private investment interests.

Fiebelkorn’s blind support should be incredibly concerning to housing advocates. During her 2025 reelection bid, where she prevailed over a last-minute write in candidate who did not appear on the ballot, she called pro-realtor and pro-developer groups out as being “Dark Money” who supported her opponent. She ostensibly does this only when it is inconvenient for her when she is running for reelection as a publicly financed candidate.

There is the troubling question of Councilor Fiebelkorn’s lobbying efforts as an Albuquerque City Councilor and if her lobbying for passage of SB 131 crossed a line and was in violation of any city ethical rules of conduct or procedures. In announcing her presence as a city councilor during the legislative committee meeting, she was clearly using her elective office to gain access and to impress and imply she was present representing the entire Albuquerque City Council, or for that matter the city itself, when she was not.

Feibelkorn’s presence and support for SB-131 reflected her effort to usurp the city’s process of adopting amendments to the city’s zoning laws known as the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) and to carry out a threat. Fiebelkorn became very upset when on January 14 the City Council Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee killed all amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance she was sponsoring for upzoning, so much so that after the votes were taken to kill upzoning amendments she announced she would be going to Santa Fe to lobby the legislature for upzoning during the 2026 New Mexico Legislature.

This also begs the question that as a City Councilor, to what extent did Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn lobby for passage of SB 131? Fiebelkorn should fully disclose and let her constituents know for transparency reasons, especially for a bill that was backed by such powerful monied developer interests.

FEIBEKORN HOLDS CONTEMPT FOR HER OWN CONSTITUENTS

City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn’s support of SB-131 and her rogue lobbying efforts before the New Mexico legislature is so very typical of how she has operated as an Albuquerque City Council over the last four years. Her constituents and neighborhood associations have made it known that they oppose her efforts to double and triple density in existing neighborhoods by mandating upzoning residential properties in order to increase affordable housing, but she still persists.

During the four years she has been a City Councilor, Tammy Fiebelkorn has exhibited a pattern of downright hostility towards constituents who oppose or who disagree with her votes on policy and legislation to the point she goes out of her way to offend them. Once elected, she has ignored her constituent’s needs and concerns and advocated her own hidden, personal political agenda over the objections of her constituents.

Fiebelkorn simply does not listen and does what she damn well feels like doing. Her reputation is one of being highly abrasive, engages in personal insults. She is condescending and dismissive with anyone who disagrees with her. She is not at all interested in carrying on with a civil dialog with her constituents.

Although known for attending District 7 Neighborhood Coalition meetings to give updates on what is happening in District 7, she lectures and repeatedly takes issue with those who disagree with her at the meetings and who ask her politely to reconsider positions. Feibelkorn interrupts her constituents and abruptly says “No, I have made up my mind” and simply refuses to change her mind. She goes out of her way to insult and offend those who oppose her policies saying she knows what’s good for the district as she reflects her ignorance.

Now that she has been elected to a second term over a last-minute write in candidate, Fiebelkorn is emboldened to continue with her abrasive ways and personal agenda ignoring the needs and demands of her constituents.

SO CALLED PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS SHOW TRUE COLORS

It’s alarming to find out that a number of supposed progressive democrats in our state, such as Senator’s Moe Maestas and Heather Berghmans are showing their true colors. Sure, they will jump behind a social justice cause and do the bare minimum in passing legislation against ICE or for universal child care, but behind the scenes is where the lobbyists flex their powers over their votes and leave us on our own to fight zoning changes that only help developers, to fight against uranium mining near Mt. Taylor, to fight for water rights, to fight data centers, to fight missile test sites, and fight against the corporate buyout of PNM.

Elected officials concerned about the impacts to their communities are the true progressives. People like Senator Harold Pope, Senator Cindy Nava and Senator Linda Lopez who basically agree that yes, we need housing and ways to address affordability, but a developer handout and a power grab from the state is not the way to achieve these things.

A true elected public servant listens to the will of their constituents and believes in empowering communities instead of taking away their ability to determine their future. The hearings on SB-131 clearly shows the distinction between true public servants and someone fueled by lobbyists and monied interests.

The New Mexico State Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee did the right thing for all of New Mexico in voting to table and thereby killing Senate Bill 131.

A CALL TO ACTION

With the re-election of Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn, a major controversy has emerged where Keller, Fiebelkorn and the City Planning Department want to enact a wave of blanket amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) sponsored by Feibelkorn that would mandate upzoning throughout the entire city and in established neighborhoods. Mayor Keller, Councilor Feibelkorn and the City Planning Department want to double or triple housing density in established neighborhoods as a way to address what they claim is the City’s affordable housing shortage. They erroneously believe that increased density will increase affordable housing as they simply ignore the market forces and the profit motive. They argue that “flooding the market” with more housing than what is needed will result in lower cost of housing and make available more housing for sale and rent. It’s a very false and misleading narrative.

Mayor Tim Keller, Councilor Feibelkorn and the City Planning Department want to allow apartment development or retail business development (i.e. small convenience stores or “bodegas”) on all corner residential lots in all established neighborhoods to benefit developers and to deprive adjacent property owners the right to object and appeal. Such development will no doubt result in magnets for crime and heavy traffic patterns destroying the tranquility, livability and character of established neighborhoods. Such development will result in gentrification as developers and investment speculators force out long term residents. Simply put, the overwhelming majority of homeowners cannot afford nor do they want to remodel their homes to increase footage and density.

On January 18, the City Council’s Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee voted to completely reverse and gutted all the proposed amendments to the IDO mandating upzoning sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn. After the vote, Fiebelkorn proclaimed she would not give up on her efforts to mandate upzoning throughout the city and proclaimed she would go to the New Mexico Legislature to advocate for mandated statewide upzoning, a threat she carried out with her support of SB-131 before the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. The link to a report on January 18 Land Use, Planning and Zoning committee’s action can be found in the postscript.

NOTICE OF HEARING

On Wednesday, February 18, the nine-member Albuquerque City Council will be meeting. On the agenda there will be final votes on some 140 amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance. Included will be the amendments enacted by the City Council’s Land Use, Planning and Zoning committee on January 18 that reversed and gutted all the proposed amendments to the IDO mandating upzoning sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn.

The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers in basement of city hall commencing at 5:00 p.m. You can sign up to speak at the meeting by going to the City Council web page or simply go to the meeting.

Please write to the city council and let them know that Councilor Fiebelkorn’s questionable actions in supporting SB-131 before the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee was wrong and not in the best interests of the city and demand answers and state that Upzoning is not the solution to Albuquerque’s housing needs.

Please contact your city councilor and urge them vote NO on any and all amendments mandating up-zoning in established neighborhoods and to reject City Councilor Tammy Feibelkorn’s efforts to mandate upzoning in the city.

The emails to contact all 9 City Councilors followed by their Policy Analyst to voice your opinions are:

City council emails:

stelles@cabq.gov

stephenchavez@cabq.gov

joaquinbaca@cabq.gov

bacajoaquin9@gmail.com

Below is the link to the petition against the proposed amendments:

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-exclusionary-upzoning-of-mayor-keller-and-councilor-fiebelkorn

The link to a related article is here:

ABQ City Council Will Meet Feb.18 For Final Vote On Integrated Development Ordinance Amendments Including Up Zoning All Residential Properties; Contact Your City Councilor And Tell Them To Vote NO On Residential Up Zoning