Ordinance Introduced to Curb Criminal Activity at Problematic Motels
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, a new bill was submitted for introduction to City Council that helps the City ensure problematic motels provide legitimate lodging services and do not serve as havens for criminal activity.
The Hotel/Motel Accountability Ordinance (0-25-75) was put forth by the Keller administration and sponsored by Council President Brook Bassan. It establishes enhanced operational requirements for problematic hotels and motels to ensure safety for the occupants and surrounding neighborhoods.
In a series of recent operations, the City has been cracking down on recurring criminal activity and code violations at establishments like the Tewa Lodge, Loma Verde Motel, and the Bow and Arrow Lodge.
“This legislation ensures better oversight for hot spots that foster criminal behavior and endanger residents,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It gives us the tools we need to ensure public safety in neighborhoods that have been disrupted by illegal activity facilitated by negligent motels.”
“This ordinance is about taking real action to protect our neighborhoods from the ongoing issues caused by problematic motels,” said City Council President Brook Bassan. “By increasing oversight and holding these businesses accountable, we are ensuring they operate responsibly and do not serve as hubs for criminal activity. Albuquerque residents deserve safe communities, and this legislation is a critical step toward that goal.”
The Hotel/Motel Accountability Ordinance requires enhanced guest identification and recording keeping, monthly reporting of Lodger’s Tax, and imposes fines or occupancy restrictions on non-compliant hotels and motels.
“Our city’s safety, for both residents and visitors, is a responsibility we take seriously and we’ll take every action to uphold it,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “With this new law, we can hold motels accountable, preventing them from profiting off crime and ensuring they serve their intended purpose.”
The ordinance is on the Letter of Introduction at City Council today, Monday, March 3 2025.