Albuquerque Submits Focused Legislative Priorities to Tackle Public Safety and Homelessness

Jan. 13, 2020

As the start of the 60-day legislative session approaches, Mayor Tim Keller and the City of Albuquerque will be focused on matching funding for three initiatives across two of Albuquerque’s biggest priorities: public safety and homelessness.

Specifically, the administration is advocating for the legislature to support initiatives that have already seen significant investment from the City, leveraging local funding sources with matching investments to make them go even further for local residents.

“Now more than ever, folks are counting on government to help hard-working families with their big concerns. We’re already investing in a safer Albuquerque at the local level, tackling crime and homelessness in new ways. This session we’re asking the legislature to meet us half way, matching our commitment with funding that will help our crime-fighting technology and homelessness solutions go even further,” said Mayor Tim Keller.

The Albuquerque City Council co-signed the City’s legislative requests in a resolution sponsored by Councilor Klarissa Peña.

City Councilor Klarissa Peña said, “The Council and administration are going to the legislature with a set of unified priorities. From construction on major public and community spaces to finding solutions to the growing problem of homelessness, our legislative focus is on projects that will make a difference for the whole region.”

The City’s top priorities this session are:                    

Public Safety:

• $4.5 million to extend the City’s investments in a larger crime center that combines the Real Time Crime Center and the Regional Traffic Management Center, a joint operation of the City, State and County.
• $500,000 to leverage the City’s initial investment in shot-spotter gunshot detection equipment.

Homelessness:

• $10 million in matching funds for multi-site Gateway and Crisis Centers to provide on-site behavioral health services, access to permanent housing, as well as emergency shelter.

In addition to these top priorities, the City will also be looking for matching funds from the legislature for general long-term quality of life investments including roads, parks and more.

The full funding priorities document can be viewed here.