Mayor Keller Signs Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

Today, Mayor Tim Keller signed the budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The $1.4 billion budget includes no tax increases and focuses on fully funding public safety departments and programs, quality of life improvements and opportunities for working families, and continued economic invigoration.

“Our city is moving in the right direction on multiple fronts and this budget will help keep the momentum going by creating safer streets, providing more resources to vulnerable communities and bringing more opportunities to our workforce,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The priorities of our residents are reflected in the pages of this document and the investments we are making to drive forward on our toughest challenges and pave the way to a better, stronger Albuquerque continue into the new fiscal year today.” 

This year, the budget includes a significant increase in one-time non-recurring money thanks to prudent financial management during the pandemic and higher than estimated revenues in FY’22.

This budget included smart investments in priority areas for this one-time money, but it cannot be used for hiring or ongoing projects like the budget’s recurring funds can.

“It’s great to be here at the finish line of this collaborative effort,” said Councilor Brook Bassan. “I think we achieved a balanced result of the Mayor’s priorities and the priorities of each of our districts. A lot of people worked hard to help us get here, for which we’re very thankful.”

Key investments in this year’s budget include:

Advancing Public Safety

Public safety is a top priority of the Keller Administration. Targeted funding aims to support not only law enforcement goals, but build a comprehensive, community-based approach to preventing and reducing crime.

• Funding for the CNM Academy to expand APD’s capacity to bring on new recruits
• Support for the Office of the Superintendent, Independent Monitoring Team, and External Force Investigation Team so that APD can reach reform goals
• $11.55 million for raises and retention at APD in accordance with the APOA contract
• Funding for 29 more firefighter positions, including $1.4 million to send current Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) employees to paramedic school to meet demand
• Creating safe neighborhoods with funding for nuisance abatement, Code Enforcement, the ADAPT program
• $500,000 for “park ranger” program dedicated to the safety and cleanliness of City parks, open space and trails
• $615,000 for necessary improvements to Animal Welfare facilities, and an additional $350,000 for the successful spay and neuter program
• Full funding for emergency board-up activities and the Block-by-Block program
• $1.8 million to develop Albuquerque’s only youth sobering center
• Full funding for the Violence Intervention Program, including the first phase of School-Based VIP
• $736,000 to fully fund the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program
• $730,000 for a medical sobering center at Gibson Health Hub (GHH)
• Full funding for service contracts for mental health, addiction, domestic violence, early intervention, and other health and social services
• Full funding for the Automated Speed Enforcement program

Addressing Homelessness

• $18.8 million in funding for supportive housing vouchers
• $100,000 for emergency housing vouchers for victims of intimate partner violence
• $1.3 million for a medical respite facility at GHH
• $10.6 million to operate the Gateway Center at GHH, including emergency shelter services, first responder drop-off, facility and program operations
• Full funding for the Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC)
• $750,000 for the first phase of Safe Outdoor Spaces if approved by Council, and $200,000 for developing other sanctioned encampment programs
• $500,000 for development of a technology system that enables the City and providers to coordinate provision of services to people experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges
• $500,000 to fund Albuquerque Street Connect

Supporting and Diversifying the Economy

• $5 million investment in the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund
• $1.2 million for process improvements, new technology, and staffing in the Planning Department to streamline the development process
• Reserve of $12 million to provide a local 4 to 1 match if the City is awarded a federal grant to create a “Space Valley” downtown
• $1 million for the next phase of Job Training Albuquerque
• $547,000 for the City’s hosting of sporting events like the USATF meet, tennis, pickleball, cycling, and running events
• Funding for the next cohort of Tipping Points for Creatives
• Full funding for the Small Business Office

Workforce Support through Youth Programs

• Fully funding the general fund support to the Head Start program
• Funding to sustain successful Youth Connect system

Pursuing Sustainability Goals

• Expansion of sustainability efforts housed in the Environmental Health Department, including the oversight of ongoing capital investments
• Continued progress toward achieving the goals set out in the American Climate Cities Challenge
• $298,000 to continue the development of cumulative impacts regulations
• Phasing in of electric vehicles in the Transit Department
• Newly established General Services Department (GSD) will further efforts at energy efficiency and carbon reduction in City buildings
• Expected savings of over $600,000 as the Solar Direct program, located on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, is expected to come online and significantly expand the City’s use of renewable energy