Defend ABQ: City Launches Public Dashboard to Track Threats and Action
As the Trump administration continues its attacks on local government funding and essential services, Mayor Tim Keller and the City of Albuquerque are taking bold steps to defend Albuquerque families and protect critical city programs. Building on his commitment to transparency and action, Mayor Keller today announced the launch of a new public dashboard that will track threats to City resources and outline steps the City is taking to push back.
“Cities are once again in the crosshairs of Trump’s reckless cuts, but we are not backing down,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our new dashboard will show exactly what’s at stake, from law enforcement funding to programs for seniors and children, and how we’re fighting back to protect our community. We are making it clear that Albuquerque will not stand by while Washington tries to tear apart the services our families depend on.”
The dashboard, which is available on the City’s website, will provide real-time updates on impacted programs, the funding at risk, and the actions the City is taking to mitigate damage. This includes securing alternative funding, legal challenges, and working with state and county partners to backfill essential programs.
One of the threats shared in the dashboard is a February 5 DOJ memo that it intends to end or limit funding to immigrant friendly communities. If this funding is reduced, the impact on public safety would be severe. Over 50 Albuquerque Police Department officer positions, along with victim advocates, outreach staff, and cold case resources, would be at risk. Sexual assault investigations would face delays, drug trafficking and fugitive apprehension efforts would stall, and APD’s Crime Lab would struggle to process critical evidence or replace outdated equipment, hindering investigations.
Albuquerque faces more than $200 million in potential cuts from over 100 grants, including funding for law enforcement, infrastructure, small business support, and community assistance programs. These cuts threaten vital resources such as:
- Public Safety: Funding for 50 police officers, crime lab equipment, drug enforcement, sexual assault kit processing, and victim support programs.
- Early Childhood and Family Services: Programs for 900 children, including preschool, nutrition, and family support services.
- Infrastructure Projects: Transit and housing initiatives, including the Uptown Connect project and the Rail Trail, which are vital for sustainable urban development.
- Senior and Community Support: AmeriCorps funding for senior engagement, local food assistance, and environmental sustainability programs.
Another example of current attempts to cut vital programming is a letter received by the Senior Affairs Department. The letter stated that unless the department immediately removed the terms 'diversity, equity, and DEI' from its programming, its AmeriCorps volunteer funding would be revoked—jeopardizing opportunities for 800 seniors to stay engaged and contribute to the community. The department responded within hours, meeting the deadline and preserving the funding. The new dashboard will track impacted services and similar threats.
To fight back, the City is ramping up legal action against unjust cuts and seeking state and county emergency funds, working with partners across the public and private sectors, and reallocating local resources to fund essential programs.