Strong Towns ABQ Pulse Check

Proposed Legislation affecting Downtown Albuquerque

O-24-42 is a large bill with a few sections. The full text can be found here, but we will provide an easy to read version below.

The leadership team believes this may be a step in the right direction for downtown redevelopment and encourage the success of the Business Improvement District (BID). However, the bill is moving fast and we'd love to hear suggestions about how to approach this bill.

The bill went up for discussion and introduction on Wednesday 9/4, with a possible vote Monday 9/16

O-24-42

Sections 1 & 2: 

• Creates a specific vacant registration process for properties within the downtown center

• Process creates larger fees with the goal to incentivize property owners to occupy their structure or sell it

• Fee table and equations can be found on Page 8 of the PDF

Sections 3 & 4:

• Intensifies language around dilapidated buildings in Downtown

• Increases code enforcement through an annual survey

• Working with people/businesses to create a plan to get their building out of a dilapidated state

Section 5:

• Creates "No Obstruction Zones"

• No Obstruction Zones allow for increased enforcement of obstructing sidewalks, delineated with signage and paint

• Obstructions include: Signage, unpermitted patios, people sleeping or laying on sidewalks or leaning against building facades

Section 6:

• Allows parking to be automated, because right now parking tickets must be physically placed on vehicles

• Would also help enforce loading zones, which will be important with the new Central Ave. redesign

Other Sections:

• Detail requirements for the administration. Includes proper notification, administering the survey, and requiring them to put in the "no obstruction zones" from 1st to 8th and Copper to Silver streets

ACTION ITEM

After reviewing the details and objectives of this proposed legislation, please fill out this short survey to let us know how you feel about it. Doing so will help us get a pulse as to how we should or should not advocate for this bill. 

Homework

Don't forget to complete the homework assigned at our last meeting! 

• Observe and find something in your neighborhood that you can fix and… Fix it! (Or, call 3-1-1). 

• Complete the “Pulse Check” Survey for City Bill O-24-42

  • Survey link Here!

Some Upcoming Meetings and Task Forces

As of now, we have the above opportunities to meet up with Strong Towns Members to learn, advocate, socialize, and build community together. Stay tuned as more information is made available! As always, our calendar contains many useful, entertaining, educational, or important events happening around our city! 

NAIOP NM Events

Our friends at NAIOP-NM have a calendar of events as well and will be having an event titled “Dirt to Down Payment” exploring what goes into the process of developing a dream home from raw dirt. The event aims to guide you through the process of building a home through each stage of construction, from breaking ground to finishing touches as well as how to navigate the challenges of today’s building environment. If this sounds interesting to you, follow the link to buy tickets and find other NAIOP events that will appeal to you!