The Albuquerque City Council has recently made several significant decisions affecting our community. Here’s a summary of these developments:
Ranked Choice Voting Proposal Rejected
In early April, the Council voted 6-3 against adopting ranked choice voting for municipal elections. This system, already in use in Santa Fe and Las Cruces, allows voters to rank candidates by preference, potentially eliminating the need for runoff elections. Despite support from some council members and community advocates, the proposal did not pass. Read more
Tax Increase Proposal Withdrawn
In March, a proposed gross receipts tax increase intended to fund community projects and employee raises was withdrawn. The measure, which would have raised the city’s gross receipts tax by 0.4875%, faced amendments that reduced the proposed rate, leading to its withdrawal by the sponsoring councilors. Read more
Fire Department Staffing Model Approved
After a year of debate, the Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s staffing model. This model involves placing paramedics on fire trucks and reducing the number of paramedics on ambulances, aiming to improve response times and resource allocation. Read more
Integrated Development Ordinance Update Passed
In February, the Council adopted the 2025 Biennial Update to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO). This update aims to streamline development processes and support the city’s growth and housing needs. Read more
Affordable Housing Development Streamlined
Last August, the Council unanimously passed an ordinance to simplify the process for developing affordable and transitional housing. This measure reduces administrative barriers and accelerates the delivery of much-needed housing in Albuquerque. Read more
These decisions reflect the Council’s ongoing efforts to address key issues in our city, from election processes and taxation to public safety and housing development.