City Grant Helping Business Owners Recover Vandalism Costs
ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque’s grant program to assist local businesses affected by vandalism has helped 36 businesses replace and repair 66 broken windows. With more than $89,000 in grants distributed or held for applicants, the program is alleviating the financial burden of vandalism-related damages for local business owners. There is $110,982.83 in funding still available.
The initiative is a partnership between the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and the Economic Development Department's Small Business Office. Since launching, the grant has helped 3 restaurants, 21 retail shops, 6 offices, 1 daycare, 1 co-working space, 1 manufacturing facility, 2 non-profit organizations, and 1 church with funding for window damages.
Local business owners say they’re thankful the city is taking action to help them prevent financial losses. Owners that have used the grant say the funding has been timely and has helped prevent losses in business traffic.
“This program is one way we can help businesses that might otherwise struggle to bounce back from vandalism,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s part of our broader effort to ensure Albuquerque is a safe and supportive place to do business.”
The window grant reimburses up to 80% of the total cost of window replacement or repair, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per business. An additional $1,000 is available for businesses incorporating environmentally sustainable “green” glass or security glass into their repairs.
"This has been a big help for small businesses like mine," said Gabriel Jaureguiberry, owner of Ace Barbershop. "I'm really thankful the City was there to help cover the cost of my broken window."
Of the businesses that have already benefited, 25 have completed the APD Business Crime Prevention Security Survey, with 9 more surveys scheduled. The Real Time Crime Center is helping authorities track down criminals with more than 10,000 cameras across the city while officers are making a concerted effort to step up proactive patrols for areas with higher vandalism rates.
Eligible businesses include brick-and-mortar establishments with 25 or fewer employees, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations, and educational entities within the City of Albuquerque boundaries. Incidents must have occurred on or after July 1, 2024, with documentation such as a police report and photos of damage and repairs.
Applications can be submitted via the City’s website. For more information, visit cabq.gov/windowgrant or contact the City of Albuquerque’s Small Business Office.
Participating businesses:
Abq Burrito & Burger
6300 Montano LLC
Dan's Place
Leal Family Properties, LLC
El Rey Liquor
Fox Executive Offices
Gorman Professional Building
24/7 Minimart
American Legion Post 13
CPR Cell Phone Repair
Chello Grill
Qstation
Grey Dog Trading
Masha Manufacturing
Coronado Boot & Shoe Repair
Awards Etc
Creative C, LLC
ABC Cake Shop and Bakery
Counting Blessings
Rude Boy Cookies
A Cut Above
High Desert Healing
Highland Baptist Church
Laru Ni Hati Salon
Evolution Body Piercing
L & L Auto Sales
Ice Crafters by Dakine
Which Wich
Franklin Management Corp
Blaze Smoke and Accessories
Nina Nail, LLC
Flowers by Zach-Low
Ace Barbershop
Andy & Edie
American Legion Post 95
Waves Salon