Albuquerque City Council Advances Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque City Council approved the City’s Capital Improvement budget unanimously at their April 7 Council Meeting.  The resolution R-25-117, funds critical projects and the City’s infrastructure work for the 2025-2034 Decade Plan for Capital Improvements, including the 2025 Two-Year Capital Budget. This resolution, now approved by the Council, will be presented to the voters to approve the projects in the November municipal election.

The resolution adheres to the requirements outlined in 2-12-1 ROA 1994, and details a comprehensive plan that includes a Two-Year Capital Budget and long-term planning elements for four, six, eight, and ten years. The plan defines and encompasses detailed requirements for specific program development, project scopes, scheduling and  budget requirements.

“The generalized CIP budget we received from the Mayor did not list any specific projects,” said Councilor Renée Grout, District 9 Councilor and Chairwoman of the Committee of the Whole Budget. “This was highly unusual and unfair to the taxpayers. The Council remade this budget from scratch, and I am so proud of my colleagues for coming together to do this work.”

A component of the proposed plan is the 2025 General Obligation (GO) Bond program. Following the successful approval of $200 million General Obligation (GO) bonds by voters in 2023, the Council is proposing a $180 million GO bond package for the 2025 ballot.

Historically, the GO bond program focuses on the renovation and rehabilitation of existing city facilities. Recognizing the importance of these assets, the Council has prioritized funding for these essential projects.

The City Council has identified 115 specific projects across various sectors, including public safety, libraries, streets, and senior centers. This detailed approach contrasts with the Mayor's proposed program, which featured fewer projects and larger, generically named funding buckets.

While the Council has prioritized specific projects, it has also retained a few generic program titles to provide the administration with flexibility to address unexpected needs.

Key Highlights of the 2025-2034 Decade Plan:

• $180 Million GO Bond Program: Focused on renovation and rehabilitation of existing city facilities.
• Specific Projects: Identified across various sectors, including public safety, libraries, streets, and senior centers.
• Increased Funding for Maintenance: Prioritizes the upkeep of existing streets, parks, and community centers.
• Transparency and Accountability: Provides voters with clear project details and locations.
• Fiscal Responsibility: If all the bonds pass, property taxes do not go up.
• Flexibility for Unexpected Needs: Retains generic program titles to address emerging priorities.