Bank On Burque Connects Thousands of Families to Financial Empowerment Tools

Today, the Bank On Burque initiative gathered local leaders, partner institutions, and members of the community to kick off Financial Empowerment Month and share more about the resources available to help people obtain financial independence. Bank On Burque’s mission is to connect people to safe and affordable bank accounts, helping them take control and better understand their finances without being victimized by predatory practices or unnecessary fees. View the full press conference.

In 2019, Mayor Tim Keller announced the Bank On Burque Blueprint for Financial Empowerment, and since then, the initiative’s efforts have reduced the rate of unbanked households in Albuquerque from 8.8% to 4%, below the national average of 4.5%. The initiative continues to connect with families across our city through the Bank On Burque Coalition, a partnership between local governments and federal governments, financial institutions, and community organizations that work together to bring resources to more people. Bank On Burque currently has 11 Bank and Credit Union partners who offer certified accounts with low or now fees and low barriers to open. Bank On Burque also expanded its services last year to offer the first certified bank accounts for the City’s youth employees, helping young people get educated early and start on the path to financial responsibility.

“Through our strong coalition of partners, we’ve been able to meet our communities where they are and help folks get equal access to safe, affordable bank accounts,” said Flora Lucero, Financial Empowerment Programs Manager. “We continue to grow and adapt so that we can continue to reach more families and provide with the tools they need to be educated and in control of their finances.”

“Equal access to financial tools and resources is a critical step in building healthy, stable communities,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “While some of us probably take these tools for granted, there are families across our city who need help taking that first step to controlling their finances, and through this work, we have been able to reach those people and get them on the path to financial empowerment.”

Throughout Financial Empowerment Month, there will be various events across the city where Bank On Burque and its partners will be connecting with people and sharing more about the safe, affordable banking options available to them.

Affordable Banking Events

• April 13 10am - 2pm. Office of African American Affairs Family Fun Fest & Resource Fair African American Performing Arts Center
  310, San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
• April 16 9am - 2:30pm, Hispano Chamber of Commerce Youth Summit and Future's Fair Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
• April 18 10am - 2pm, APS File Your Taxes Event Helen Fox Complex 1730 University Blvd SE 87106
• April 19 8:30am - 12pm, City of Albuquerque Senior Tech Fair Manzano Mesa Multigen Center 501 Elizabeth SE 87123
• April 25 - 27 time varies Gathering of Nations (tabling with Wells Fargo), Tingley Coliseum 300 San Pedro Dr NE 87102
• April 28 noon- 4 p.m. Bernalillo County South Valley Pride Day, Westside Community Center 1250 Isleta Blvd SW 87105

If you or someone you know needs access to safe, secure banking, please call 505-768-4588 or email [email protected].