I am honored to be serving the City of Albuquerque and District 5 as your City Council President in 2021.  There are many issues affecting District 5 that influence the entire westside including our transportation system. I am working to support westside Councilors to develop the Rio’s westside and encourage westside jobs. As the gem of the southwest, Albuquerque is poised to grow and provide economic opportunity for all. As President of the Council, I am also interested in supporting Councilors of our eastside neighborhoods. Together we will pull through the pandemic as a community to shine our cultural, economic, and geographic gifts to the rest of the country.

As the 2021 State Legislature commences, I ask that you contact your state legislators to request their support of District 5 projects, especially the Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center Complex planned for your area. The design of the Multi-Generational Center is underway as is the low-density multi-family housing complex, partially slated for seniors. The entire complex is a priority multi-million-dollar project requiring phased funding for years into the future.

The city has several vacant volunteer committee positions which I would like filled by District 5 residents. These positions include ABQ Bio Park Advisory Board, Albuquerque Museum Board of Trustees, Urban Enhancement Trust Fund Board, Metro Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Greater Albuquerque Recreational Trails Committee (GARTC). Please visit https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/boards-commissions for more information and/or contact my office at 768‑3189.

The nation has begun distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to each state. As of this writing, the State of New Mexico is currently offering vaccinations to people 75 and older. If you have not already done so, contact the State Department of Health to create a profile and register for vaccination at https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/. Registration will put you in the queue for when vaccine is available.

I look forward to a happier and healthier 2021!