August 2019 Community Hall Newsletter
Bringing City Hall to the Community
In this Community Hall, you'll find information on:
- How we're tackling crime challenges from all sides
- Opportunities for kids as they head back to school
- National Night Out
- Great news on new jobs for Albuquerque.
This past month we began before and after school programs for thousands of local children, "stuffed the bus" full of school supplies with the Corporate Volunteer Council of New Mexico, launched OneABQMerch to support the One Albuquerque Housing Fund for those experiencing homelessness, reported that the City hired more than 1,000 people for summer jobs, presented One Albuquerque awards to many deserving recipients, saw success with new needle disposal boxes, and perhaps the most exciting news of the month was that we officially opened the Penguin Chill exhibit at the ABQ BioPark!
Recently we also gave "city update" presentations to local advocacy groups on our efforts to fight crime, solve some of our challenges around homelessness, support the creation of new jobs - including in construction and film, expanded opportunities for young people and more.
And have you heard of NextDoor? We're encouraging Albuquerque residents to sign up for NextDoor, a great way to stay connected to what's happening in your neighborhood and to get up to the minute information from City Hall. Right now there are over 100,000 Burqueños online with NextDoor - join them today!
Thank you for staying up to date with all that's going on in our city. Together, we are One Albuquerque!
-Mayor Tim Keller
P.S. - Residents from all across Albuquerque are stepping up to get more involved in the community. Click below to join these great opportunities!
Mayor Keller is Tackling Crime from All Sides
100 New Officers, 22 Officers on Bikes, 60 New Cadets Headline Busy Month Working to Make Albuquerque Safe
Turning around Albuquerque's unacceptable crime situation won't happen overnight. But each month, Mayor Keller and the City's public safety teams are working nonstop to reduce all types of crime.
Learn More About Mayor Keller's Crime Strategy.
Over 100 New Officers Hit the Streets
All of the hard work to hire qualified new officers is coming to fruition. We have met our first-year goal of 100 new officers, and now, these officers are on the streets of Albuquerque engaging in community-based policing. We know there is a lot of work to do to hire another 300 officers over the next three years, but we are now in a much better position to attack crime from all sides. Learn more.
Keeping Kids Safe
Nearly 800 Albuquerque Police Department personnel have been trained on a CYFD Law Enforcement portal, giving them direct access to a tool that helps bring more information to light as we work to keep kids safe. We’re stepping up and working with our partners so APD officers can be more informed when they are having some of the most critical interactions that they have in our community. Learn more about keeping kids safe.
415 Firearms Turned in as part of APD Gun Buyback
APD hosted a gun buyback event as part of Mayor Keller’s efforts to reduce gun violence. Residents were able to turn in their guns with no questions asked. The event generated an overwhelming response from the public, resulting in 415 firearms that were turned in to police. This is one part of Mayor Keller's multi-pronged effort to reduce gun violence in Albuquerque. This successful gun buyback event gave people a safe way to dispose of unwanted firearms, while taking those guns out of places where they could be stolen or misused. Learn more about the gun buyback.
Bike Officers On Patrol Throughout the City
Having Albuquerque Police Department officers on bikes serves as a crime deterrent and allows them to more easily check in with local businesses and neighbors. The 22 bicycle cops will be spread among each of the city’s six area commands with bicycle patrols as part of an effort to get officers interacting with residents beyond just answering calls for service. Learn more about bike officers.
19 Cadets Graduate into Police Force, New Class of 60 Cadets Begins
Congratulations to the 19 newest members of the Albuquerque Police Department! As they graduate into the police force, we also welcome another class of 60 new cadets. We’re excited to have them in our community attacking crime from all sides.
New Program Focuses on Treatment, not Jail
Recently the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and local law enforcement partners announced a new program for those arrested for low-level, non-violent crimes – like drug possession related to a personal addiction -- called LEAD, or Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion. Officers can choose to direct individuals who may benefit from coordinated services to a detox facility where they receive healthcare, housing assistance and substance abuse treatment. The program allows the agencies to keep resources focused on violent crime and other priorities. Learn more.
Mayor Keller, APD, AFR & Local Leaders Discuss Public Safety at over 100 National Night Out Events
This year Mayor Keller was joined by Congresswoman Debra Haaland for National Night Out, where they visited locally organized events in parks and neighborhoods across Albuquerque, connecting directly with residents about public safety and other priorities. Thank you to all of the folks in Albuquerque who are stepping up and taking responsibility for their block or neighborhood.
Many Opportunities for Local Kids Before and After School
As kids all across the city head back to school this year, we want to remind everyone that before and/or after school programs are available at most of our Community Centers. Registration can be completed by visiting play.cabq.gov from any computer or smartphone. The Before School Program normally starts at 7:30am and runs until school starts; school start times may vary from school to school. The After School Program starts at all community centers when school is released and continues until 5:30pm. Children in Kindergarten (must have proof) through age 15 are eligible to attend these programs, but space is limited. For additional information contact the nearest Community Center in your area. Learn more about before and after school programs.
New Initiatives to Support Those Experiencing Homelessness
Additional Shelter Pickup Location in SE ABQ - First stop in International District for the City’s homeless shelter shuttle
Mayor Tim Keller, the Department of Family and Community Services, and the nonprofit organization God’s Warehouse announced that an additional shuttle stop for the Westside Emergency Housing Center has been added to the current list of drop off and pick up locations. It is the first shuttle stop located in the Southeast, giving people experiencing homelessness better access to the shelter.
In addition to providing a food pantry, soup kitchen and a clothing bank, God’s Warehouse will use their location as a pick up and drop off location for the Westside Emergency Housing Center. Men, women, and families can utilize the free shuttle to the Westside Emergency Housing Center. Learn more.
One Albuquerque Housing Fund in Action
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and supported the One Albuquerque Housing Fund - you are making a difference! Recently we announced that $8,000 of our funds raised helped two formerly homeless individuals get into apartments and receive access to other support services. That is truly the One Albuquerque spirit! Learn more.
Over $17,000 has been raised into the Housing Fund so far through individual donations and from the sale of One Albuquerque Merchandise - purchases which also support our local businesses. Learn more about the One Albuquerque Housing Fund.
New Electric Buses!
At an energy summit, Mayor Keller recently announced the city has received a $2.7 million federal grant to pay for five new electric-powered city buses. The new vehicles will be the first electric buses in the city and will run on Rapid Ride routes (not ART routes). Stay tuned for more announcements as we work to transition our city fleets including trash trucks and other vehicles. Learn more.
Around Town
Over 100 New Jobs & $42m Investment in ABQ
Mayor Tim Keller, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Albuquerque Economic Development announced recently that Jabil, a 3D printing manufacturer, is set to make a $42 million investment in Albuquerque for technology and equipment as it makes the Duke City its "center of excellence" for 3D printing. The company said it plans to hire 120 employees over the next five years. Having Jabil in Albuquerque builds on our assets as a technology hub and creates valuable job opportunities for our young and talented workforce in partnership with the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Learn more about this job investment.
International District's First Economic Development Center Opens Soon
People all over Albuquerque are working together to create jobs in our City. This new economic development center in our International District is a great example of how #OneAlbuquerque is working to build an economy that works for everyone. Watch more from KRQE. Learn more. Learn more about the International District's Economic Development Center.