Mayor Tim Keller Outlines Priorities for 2019 Legislative Session

December 3, 2018

Today, Mayor Tim Keller outlined his administration’s legislative priorities for the 2019 New Mexico Legislative Session. The legislative agenda focuses on public safety, standing up for kids, addressing homelessness, and economic development to create jobs.

“We know that as New Mexico’s largest city Albuquerque has the potential to impact the rest of the state,” said Mayor Keller. “With this legislative agenda, our city can help lift up the entire state by tackling crime from all sides, increasing economic opportunity, addressing homelessness and stepping up for our kids. We’re setting our sights on tangible projects that can make a real difference in our communities.”

Throughout the year, Mayor Tim Keller has outlined steps to tackle Albuquerque’s challenges and focused on using resources efficiently to tackle crime and improve the quality of life for Albuquerque residents. The City continues to work with partners to get the work done, and Mayor Tim Keller looks to the State as a meaningful partner in getting New Mexico’s largest city back on track.

Public Safety

• Radio conversion technology for better coordination between all emergency service providers in Albuquerque and the surrounding area, including UNM Security, the Bernalillo County Sherriff’s Department, APS Security and Albuquerque Ambulance.
• DNA processing automation to help resolve the rape kit backlog and ensure timely processing in the future.
• Create a dedicated fund to help support public safety and infrastructure and equipment needs throughout the state.
• Funding for electronic gunshot detection to address violent crime.
• Supplemental support for the APD Gun Intelligence Center to solve gun related crimes.
• Updates to the APD Academy to better equip police officers for community policing.
• Anti-auto theft technology funding to decrease auto theft and solve auto theft crimes.
• Bunker gear to prevent risk of contracting cancer among first responders.

Addressing Homelessness

• Operating funds for expanded hours of operation for a 24/7 emergency shelter with crisis triage support.
• Construction of two centrally located shelter facilities with onsite supportive services to help those struggling with homelessness obtain long-term housing.

Stepping up for our kids

• Funding for two new child development centers on the Westside.
• Additional support for Pre-K programs to expand free early childhood learning opportunities.
• Public library in the International District to support education and job opportunities and build community.

Economy

• First phase of redevelopment at the Rail Yards that will lay the ground work for productive use of the space.
• Adding Railrunner stop at Balloon Fiesta Park to make Albuquerque more visitor-friendly and reduce traffic during Balloon Fiesta.
• Roadway improvements at Central and Unser to prepare for growth on the Westside.
• Increasing job training funding for the film industry through JTIP.
• KiMo Theater repairs to support Albuquerque’s creative economy.
• Full funding for Local Economic Development Act, so that the City can expand economic opportunities.

Inclusive Albuquerque

• ADA updates to sidewalks and intersections throughout Albuquerque.
• Animal welfare upgrades to keep animals in the City’s care safe and healthy, so they can find permanent homes.