Mayor Keller’s Continued Commitment to Youth and Families Reflected in 2nd State of the Summer Report
November 7, 2019
Mayor Tim Keller has released the State of the Summer Report for 2019. The report provides an overview of results and future trends of City of Albuquerque youth programs and events and shows substantial growth and expansion since the Mayor’s first State of the Summer Report released in 2018.
“We set high goals and got to work providing more and better opportunities for our youth,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “The results are paying off – now, and for the future of our City - as our next generations are learning new skills and staying involved.”
The report shows an overall increase in youth participation and expansion of programs and events provided for summer 2019 compared to summer 2018, including:
- 71 percent overall increase in attendance
- 48,537 more meals served, totaling 385,556
- 3,098 more youth registration, totaling 30,302
- 274,971 more youth attendance, totaling 658,775
- 142 more programs, totaling 261
- 1,500 more free summer youth bus passes distributed, totaling 3,000
- 10,000 more free pool passes distributed, totaling 80,000
- 276 percent increase in participation in Teen Nights
- 16 percent increase in summer youth employees
- 20 percent increase in swim lessons
- 9 percent increase in community center enrollment
- 60 more participants at multigenerational centers
- 40 more participants in open space explorer camp
“The 2019 State of the Summer report shows that we are meeting a clear need that spans across the community and serves families from all walks of life,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Whether it’s swimming lessons for the little ones, a meal to keep up with nutrition, a bus pass to get around town, gaining skills at an internship or by volunteering, earning a paycheck through a job with us at the City, or a night of fun at Teen Nights, we are ensuring our youth have more access to safe, fun experiences over the summer.”
During his first year in office, Mayor Keller created One ABQ: Youth Connect to expand and create new opportunities for youth and families and worked with City Council to pass a budget that included an additional $1 million to expand after-school and summer youth programs.
Additional programing this year includes expanded pool hours and dates, more Teen Nights including a hike and a paint night, expanded use of youth bus passes, two additional summer sites at public schools, and an increase in inter-department and private organization collaboration including Explora!, New Mexico United, local artists, and vendors.
To view the full State of Summer 2019 report click here, or to learn about all City of Albuquerque youth opportunities available visit cabq.gov/youth-connect.