Albuquerque budget will be of US$1.4 million for fiscal year 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed a $1.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2023, which, includes no tax increases and focuses on fully funding public safety departments and programs, quality of life improvements and opportunities for working families.

“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,” the mayor said.

This year, the budget includes a significant increase in non-recurring money, due to prudent financial management during the pandemic and higher-than-estimated revenues in FY22. It also provides for investments in priority areas, but cannot be used for ongoing hiring or projects.

“I think we have achieved a balanced outcome of the mayor’s priorities and the priorities of each of our districts. A lot of people have worked hard to help us get here, for which we are very grateful,” said Councilmember Brook Bassan.

The budget includes funding from the CNM Academy to expand APD’s ability to bring in new recruits; create safe neighborhoods with funding for nuisance abatement, code enforcement, the ADAPT program; $500,000 for the “park ranger” program dedicated to the safety and cleanup of city open space and trails; $615,000 for needed improvements to Animal Welfare facilities; and an additional $350,000 for the spay/neuter program.

Also provided is $18.8 million for supportive housing vouchers; $100 thousand for emergency housing vouchers for victims of intimate partner violence; $1.3 million for a medical respite center; $10.6 million for the operation of the Gateway Center; $500 thousand for the development of a technology system to enable the city and providers to coordinate the delivery of services to the homeless and mentally ill.

In addition, a $5 million Investment in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund is projected; $1.2 million for process improvements, new technology and staffing in the Planning Department to streamline the development process. Expanded sustainability efforts housed in the Environmental Health Department, including oversight of ongoing capital investments, as well as a savings of over $600K through the Solar Direct program, to name a few contemplated projects.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff