Albuquerque, NM

Kagi AI Summary:

UNM Health has decided not to endorse the Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver Act, which is set for consideration during the upcoming legislative session in New Mexico. This legislation aims to allocate $1.1 million for providing housing and care to individuals with severe mental health issues, substance use disorders, and brain injuries, who are at risk of institutionalization or incarceration. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tara L. Lujan, has garnered support from various groups, including the Bernalillo County Commission and the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC).

The absence of a position from UNM Health has caused frustration among council members, as they seek to vote on the matter before the legislative session begins. UNM Health's spokesperson clarified that the decision not to take a stance is unrelated to the bill's merits; rather, it reflects the organization's relationship with the New Mexico Healthcare Authority. The proposed legislation requires the authority to apply for the waiver, which is modeled after a similar program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Attorney Peter Cubra, a key advocate for the initiative, emphasized the potential cost-effectiveness of the waiver, noting that it could alleviate the strain on public resources caused by individuals cycling through various facilities without receiving adequate services. If approved, the initial funding would support consulting, training, and engagement with provider agencies, with the process expected to take two to three years for final approvals.

Kagi AI Summary:

Albuquerque is taking steps to enhance safety for bicycle commuters, responding to its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists and pedestrians. Following the Vision Zero pledge in 2019, the city aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Recent infrastructure improvements include the addition of buffered bike lanes and multi-use trails, particularly in underserved areas. However, local cyclists express concerns that the quality of cycling infrastructure varies, with many still exposed to vehicle traffic. Reports indicate a decline in bicycle-related accidents, yet aggressive driving remains a significant issue. Projects like the Albuquerque Rail Trail aim to further connect neighborhoods and improve access for cyclists. Despite progress, advocates argue that more robust protective measures are needed, as current solutions often fall short against motor vehicles. The city plans to continue investing in cyclist-friendly infrastructure, acknowledging both financial constraints and the need for more comprehensive safety measures. Overall, Albuquerque's initiatives reflect a broader struggle across Southwestern cities to create safer environments for biking.

Kagi AI Summary:

The article from City Desk ABQ outlines three unique ways for Albuquerque residents to assist the homeless community. First, it highlights the need for volunteers to participate in the annual point-in-time (PIT) count, which helps gather data essential for securing federal funding. This year's count will take place from January 23 to January 29, with a call for volunteers to assist in various capacities.

Second, the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC) is seeking community members to join newly formed subcommittees focused on different aspects of homelessness, including data-sharing and prevention efforts. City Councilor Nichole Rogers emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tackling homelessness effectively.

Lastly, the article discusses the New Mexico Circular Sanitation Project, which aims to provide composting toilets as a solution to public health issues related to outdoor sanitation. Led by Tawnya Mullen, this initiative has garnered support from a diverse group of volunteers and professionals. The article encourages readers to engage with these efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.

Kagi AI Summery:

The Albuquerque City Council has approved a new vacant property ordinance aimed at revitalizing downtown, which has been perceived as dangerous and neglected. Councilor Joaquín Baca emphasized the need to change the negative narrative surrounding the area, citing the long-term vacancy of properties like the Gizmo Building owned by the Church of Scientology. The ordinance establishes a registry for vacant properties and imposes fees on owners who do not utilize them effectively, passing with a 7-2 vote despite concerns about limitations on asking prices from some councilors. Proponents, including local business owners and community members, argue that the ordinance is essential for economic growth, as vacant buildings hinder job creation and tax revenue. They highlighted that such properties drain public resources while providing no benefits to the community. The fees will be determined based on the duration of vacancy and the size of the properties. The initiative aims to encourage responsible property management and improve the overall safety and economy of Albuquerque's downtown area.

Kagi AI Summary:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled her proposed executive budget for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing investments in early childhood education, clean energy, infrastructure, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access. The budget reflects a commitment to building a stronger foundation for New Mexicans and aims to foster collaboration with state lawmakers. The Legislative Finance Committee recently indicated that the legislature will have $892 million in new funds available for appropriations, contributing to a total General Fund of $10.944 billion for fiscal year 26, starting July 1, 2025.

Lujan Grisham's proposal includes reserves of $3.33 billion, representing 30.4% of the budget, and outlines significant allocations across various departments: $4.56 billion for Public Education, $2.2 billion for Health Care, and $1.4 billion for Higher Education, among others. Additionally, the budget proposes $172 million for state employee pay raises, inclusive of educators. The early release of the budget is intended to promote transparency and trust, allowing ample time for public review before the legislative session begins on January 21.

Kagi AI Summary:
Strong Towns ABQ, an anti-sprawl advocacy group, reflects on its inaugural year marked by both achievements and disappointments, primarily citing the Albuquerque City Council's failure to effectively tackle the affordable housing crisis. Brandi Thompson, the group's committee coordination chair, expresses frustration with councilors' resistance to zoning changes, which the group believes are essential for addressing housing shortages. The organization has gained traction since its launch in November 2023, increasing its presence at City Council meetings and hosting public events focused on community-building initiatives.

Thompson highlights the disappointment over the defeat of a duplex bill and the council's lack of action regarding homelessness, criticizing councilors for prioritizing political gain over addressing community needs. Despite these setbacks, the group celebrates its success in engaging a diverse audience in civic discussions, encouraging participation from younger generations and various backgrounds.

For 2025, Strong Towns ABQ plans to continue advocating for five key campaigns, including incremental housing solutions, halting highway expansion, and promoting transparent local governance. Additionally, the group aims to pursue nonprofit status to enhance its outreach and funding opportunities.

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/46309524

Trump stiffed the southwestern city to the tune of half a million, complicating his return to New Mexico

Former President Donald Trump had a hard time finding a spot for his Halloween rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico rally, as unpaid bills came back to haunt his campaign.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the campaign’s original plans to use the Albuquerque Convention Center were dashed, due in part to an unpaid bill of nearly $445,000 from a 2019 rally.

“If you’re not going to pay your bills, we’re just not going to entertain you using city facilities, and that’s the way it should be,” Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller told the outlet.

New Mexico’s Open Meetings Act requires public bodies to conduct their business out in the open. But after watching this week’s City Council meeting, reporter Elizabeth McCall discovered councilors may have violated that law when discussing a potential lawsuit. Find out more about what a local transparency expert has to say about all of it and what the council was actually discussing behind closed doors in today’s featured story.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21008754

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A settlement reached by the U.S. government and a Native American tribe in New Mexico signals the end to what has been a yearslong legal fight over claims to the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Government attorneys in a filing Friday asked a federal appeals court to close out the litigation with Jemez Pueblo in light of a settlement being reached after more than a year of negotiation. The case began in 2012 when the pueblo asserted its claims to all of the preserve, which spans nearly 140 square miles (363 square kilometers).

The agreement signed by U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in part recognizes the pueblo’s rights to occupy and use a nearly 5-square-mile (13-square-kilometer) area for traditional cultural and religious purposes. It follows a 2023 ruling by the court that acknowledged the pueblo’s title to what is known as the Banco Bonito area.

Haaland, a member of New Mexico’s Laguna Pueblo and the country’s first Native American Cabinet secretary, said in a statement that the nation’s lands have been central to the cultural and spiritual practices of Indigenous people for generations.

With election season underway, Bernalillo County voters are being asked to consider six bond questions that could lead to $40.5 million in capital projects.

It then goes on about what many of them are.

Shout-out to [email protected] for making me aware of this ✊

Registration is open for 2024 REGISTER TODAY! Presented by Sandia Resort & Casino Save the Dates for Day of the Tread & the Bosque Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder The Gravel Grinder will be on Saturday October 26, 2024 The 4k Walk and Road Cycling Events will be on Sunday October 27, 2024 Day of the…

Alex Bukoski, a spokesperson for the department, told City Desk ABQ there are nearly 2,000 outstanding requests for either residential trash can repairs or replacements.

“The problem is certainly there and we acknowledge it, but there are a lot of plans in place for not only building back our supply, but also building up the team of how we’re going to be more efficient and work on that,” Bukoski said.

Complicating things is the 4,500 trash cans and 1,300 trash can lids Bukoski said are on backorder from a manufacturer. He said the order should be in by early November.

Amid passionate public objections to a proposal to put more pressure on vacant property owners and ban sitting or lying on sidewalks in Downtown Albuquerque, city councilors voted down the bill almost unanimously Monday night.

It's fall mfers that means we'll be serving Polsole every Sunday at Trumbull Park on top of every Saturday we'll be making burritos under the lead bridge. That's right! We're be taking care of your weekend meals all you have to do is show up and yell fuck the police with us. Don't forget to give us a call to tell us to bring cigarettes or something you might need, vent IDC I'll check the voicemails if you leave one.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/20380296

Medina offered two puzzling excuses for leaving his camera off. He "cited intermittent conversations with his wife, who was a passenger in his unmarked patrol vehicle at the time of the collision," Ortiz says. "He claimed there was a right to privileged communication between spouses, which specifically exempted him from mandatory recording requirements." But the relevant policy "does not provide for nonrecording based on spousal privilege."

Even more troubling, Medina said he "purposefully did not record because he was invoking his 5th Amendment right not to self-incriminate." Since "he was involved in a traffic collision," he reasoned, he was "subject to 5th Amendment protections."

For more information on Meshtastic, check out this sweet Hackaday article!

Also be sure to check out NMMDC, which is a similar Meshtastic project with a Matrix chat and a Discord!

A councilor who represents some of the most impoverished areas of the city wants to use recreational-use cannabis tax revenue to implement a basic income program for her constituents.

Guaranteed basic income is essentially a monthly stipend given to a specific community that usually lasts a year. Not to be confused with universal basic income, a cash payment that all people receive regardless of their income.

This is actually a pretty cool idea for the funds.

A proposal to cut wages for certain workers in Albuquerque is stirring up fierce debate in Albuquerque City Council. Some argue it would level the playing field for restaurant workers, while others say, it’s a big step backwards. Councilors are divided over whether employees who receive tips should be allowed to earn a lower base rate, cutting it by more than $4 an hour.

“I did not agree to sponsor this bill to take pay away from workers,” said Councilor Nicole Rogers.