Hello Albuquerque,
This has been a great start to 2023. From celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day to cheering on the Lobos at the Pit, there have been many opportunities for Burqueños of all ages to come together, and there’s more on the way. In February, the City will be hosting several events in honor of Black History Month, holding the annual Youth Job & Volunteer Fair, and more. Stay tuned for details.
As we move toward the future, the 60-day legislative session is of great importance for our community. This is our opportunity as New Mexicans to implement policies to keep our communities safe and vibrant and to make investments that spur the change we want to see. For us at the City, this means we’re advocating for funding to create more housing and advance landmark projects like the Gateway Center, which is already offering services including emergency beds during these winter months. We’re on track to open phase one of the Gateway this spring thanks to public and private investments, and we need to take this momentum with us to the Roundhouse and secure resources to create more pathways to housing.
We’re also moving full steam ahead on this year’s Metro Crime Initiative (MCI). Coming off of last session’s successes, MCI offers a comprehensive package of policies that tackle gun violence, the fentanyl crisis, domestic violence, and more. Our number one priority is addressing the dangerous warrant backlog. Right now in Bernalillo county, there are nearly 5,000 outstanding felony warrants, 800 of those are violent, repeat, and recent offenders. APD and our partners in law enforcement have a plan for overtime operations to go after these drivers of crime and make our streets safer. With funding from the State, we are ready to carry out that plan.
We are committed as ever to protecting our communities, and we want you to join us. Make your voice heard, and learn how you can get involved with MCI.
Sincerely,
Mayor Tim Keller
