***
Our City Councilor — Dan Champine
City Councilor Dan Champine represents District 8, Albuquerque’s Far Northeast Heights and Foothills (includes the Oso Grande area) and was elected to the City Council in 2023.
Need help? Contact Councilor Champine. Send us an online request or call his office at 505-768-3100.
***
New Albuquerque Fiber Optic Construction Rules Set to Take Effect
June 26, 2025
The City of Albuquerque is continuing to encourage new high-speed fiber optic internet service providers (ISPs) to bring their super-fast internet connections to the city. But, after hearing several complaints and issuing several fines and stop-work orders for inadequate work, we’ve issued new rules to clarify expectations. The City expects contractors and subcontractors to restore landscaping, concrete, asphalt, and lawns to their original condition after excavation work.
These regulations are designed to hold companies accountable for how they conduct construction work in our neighborhoods and ensure safer, cleaner, and more organized projects. The updated requirements include proof of resident notification prior to the start of work, clearly marked identification on contractor vehicles and outerwear, reduced construction hours, strict timelines for addressing complaints, and stronger enforcement measures—including fines and stop-work orders for violations.
The City’s Departments of Planning and Municipal Development, along with the Broadband Office and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, will continue to monitor and enforce these standards closely. Providers that fail to comply may face fines or stop-work orders until issues are resolved.
The updated requirements include contractors to provide:
● Proof of clear written notice before work begins
● Written materials available in English and Spanish
● Mandatory identification on all contractor vehicles and outer clothing
● Reduced work hours for construction
● A support line monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
● Strict deadlines to resolve complaints
● Stronger enforcement actions including fines and stop-work orders for violations.
Residents are encouraged to report any construction problems directly to the internet providers using the contact numbers listed on project notices. If further help is needed, they can also contact the City’s 311 service.
Provider Contacts:
- Ezee Fiber: 505-539-4848
- Gigapower: 505-420-5195
- Vexus Fiber: 844-512-5022
Together, these steps will help ensure that Albuquerque’s fiber expansion benefits everyone with minimal disruptions to the community.
*****
Installation and Expansion of Fiber Optic Cable in Albuquerque
OGNA is aware of the installation of fiber optic cable that is going on in our Oso Grande area and all across the City. There are actually 3 different fiber companies that will be installing fiber cables: Ezee, Vexus and Gigapower. Each of these fiber optic companies have already received right of way permits and permission to install fiber optic cable in the right of way across private properties from the City Planning Dept and City Broadband Office. The City owns/oversees all right of ways within the City limits, so you as a homeowner are not able to refuse the installation of fiber optic cable across your property – even if you choose not to use the internet and fiber optic services/products. As an example, Comcast Cable TV, CenturyLink, etc. have right of way permits and installed cable for TV and Internet access in most neighborhoods many years ago.
Right-of-way work to install fiber optic cable can occur along roads, sidewalks, property lines, and telephone poles. Each of the 3 fiber companies are required to notify residents in advance of construction via street signage and/or door flyers. Please be assured that these companies are responsible for completing the work and required by the City to restore any impacted areas to their original condition.
For questions or concerns regarding construction, contact the internet service provider/company directly using the phone number that is on the notification you received to ensure personalized service from the provider working in your area.
Ezee Fiber 505-539-4848 support.nm@ezeefiber.com
Gigapower 505-420-5195 contactus@circetusa.com
Vexus Fiber 844-512-5022
Additionally be assured that the City’s Broadband Office is coordinating and meeting on a regular basis with all 3 ISPs to ensure the installation is as smooth a process as possible. For more information, see this info page.
https://www.cabq.gov/
***
Dog Walker Watch Program
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is organizing a new initiative, Dog Walker Watch Program. Developed by the National Association of Town Watch, Dog Walker Watch is a program that encourages those who are active in the community walking their dogs to be an extra set of “eyes and ears” for law enforcement. Dog walkers are trained in observing, recognizing and reporting suspicious activity. For more information, contact Laura Kuehn at: lkuehn@cabq.gov.
***
Bernalillo County Hosting Free Spay & Neuter Clinic June 27 – 29, 2025
Bernalillo County’s Animal Services Department is hosting a free spay and neuter clinic Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 19. Appointment is required! Get your dog or cat spayed or neutered at this event. Please note the following requirements:
- No pets over 100 lbs are allowed
- Pets must be owned and not strays
- No brachycephalic animals (flat faced such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, shih tzu, etc)
- No feral cats
- Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be leashed
To sign your dog or cat up and for more information, visit: https://www.bernco.gov/
***
City Launches Public Restroom Map
The City recently launched an online public restroom map directing the public to locations where they can use the restroom facilities. Parks, libraries and transit centers are among the 89 locations where you can find safe and clean restrooms throughout Albuquerque. To view the map, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/public-restrooms
***
Updates from Albuquerque Police Dept Foothills Command
APD Crime Prevention Unit Seeks Feedback on Proposed Dog Walker Watch Program
The Albuquerque Police Department’s (APD) Crime Prevention Unit is considering starting a Dog Walker Watch Program and seeks feedback from residents on this suggested idea. Dog Walker Watch is a crime prevention and awareness program, similar to Neighborhood Watch, that encourages neighbors out walking their dogs to be extra “eyes and ears” for law enforcement. Dog owners and walkers are trained on how to effectively observe and report suspicious behavior, while enhancing the partnership between the police and community. For more information on this proposed initiative, contact Laura Kuehn at: lkuehn@cabq.gov
APD…. ensuring safety and security
There several ongoing operations in the Northeast Area Command designed to enhance safety and security in our community. First, we are actively addressing issues related to speeding and racing activity in our area. Our officers are conducting targeted operations to curb these dangerous behaviors and ensure that our roads remain safe for all users. Additionally there is an increased presence of our bike officers on local trails, such as the Embudo Trail and along the diversion channels. These officers are dedicated to patrolling these areas to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who use them.
Foothills APD Newsletter: April 2025 https://mailchi.mp/cabq/april-newsletter-4gasruruge
***
ABQ RIDE Connect Microtransit Service Makes Getting Around Easier
Get a free ride in electric vans to your errands, appointments, activities, and more by using ABQ RIDE’s microtransit service in the Rio Grande and Southwest Mesa areas of Albuquerque. Get started and hail free rides by downloading the ABQ RIDE Connect app, which easily integrates with the Transit app. This is a pilot program that provides convenient community resources to connect riders with fixed-route bus service across the city. To learn more, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/transit/services/abq-ride-connect
*****
News from the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
Yard Watering Restrictions in Effect for April 1 – October 31, 2025
Time-of-day watering restrictions start April 1 and are in effect through Oct. 31. Please water plants and trees in your yard in the early morning or the evening to reduce water loss to evaporation and wind!
June 18, 2025 Update: New Mexico and Albuquerque is in the grip of extreme drought. The dry conditions are a reminder to do all we can to save water. You can do your part by following the Three Steps to Landscape Success:
- Service — Service your irrigation system by walking the line monthly to check for leaks, misalignments and other issues.
- Settings — Check your irrigation controller to ensure you are following our water-by-the-seasons guidelines.
- Selection — Select plants that are well-suited to the high desert and consider transforming that thirsty lawn into a desert friendly landscape.
For more information about efficient watering and native plant recommentations see: https://www.505outside.com/
***
505 Outside Water Authority Newsletter
These warm days have us dreaming about our spring gardens. Did you know we will give you $3 for every square foot of grass you remove and replace with desert friendly landscape? Perhaps this is the year you refresh your yard! We’re here to help and we’re sharing a fun landscape design template you can use to get started. The official start of spring is later this month. Prep now by clearing up around the plants you tucked in for the winter, aerating your lawns, and cleaning up your outdoor living spaces. Then after the last chance of freezing temperatures has passed (typically late March), it’s time to turn on your irrigation system.
Learn how here: https://www.505outside.
Monthly Service Tips and Watering Recommendations
By following the Water Authority’s helpful tips, you can keep your water use down, your irrigation system running smoothly and your landscape looking great. https://www.505outside.
Spring Landscape Cleanup: https://www.
Pollen Counts
The Air Quality Program uses PollenSense, an automated pollen monitoring system. Hourly pollen data is available by using the PollenWise mobile app, available for IOS and Android. Sign up to receive air alerts.
To check hourly Air Quality Index updates throughout the day, visit AirNow.govThe Daily Air Quality Update is posted on this website and emailed to individuals who have signed up to receive air quality alerts. The Air Quality Program issues health alerts if ambient air conditions may adversely affect individuals with respiratory conditions due to elevated levels of dust, smoke or ozone. Sign up to receive daily updates and other air alerts.
Senior Services Information
Bear Canyon Senior Center, 4645 Pitt NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 : https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/senior-multigenerational-centers/bear-canyon-senior-center
Center Activities List Spring 2025
Bear Canyon Senior Center Spring 2024 Senior Activities https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/documents/bcsc-april-2024-activity-list.pdf
Free Senior Lunch Options
The City of Albuquerque Dept of Senior Affairs continues to serve Senior lunches for persons 60 yrs and older. Lunches are distributed between 11:30 am – 1 pm, Monday – Friday and are available at local Senior and Multigenerational Centers — including Bear Canyon Sr Center. Seniors must make reservations for their free lunch with the Senior Center 24 hours in advance. Contact https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/senior-services/senior-meals.
Senior Services in Bernalillo County
Transportation Assistance: Learn about curb-to-curb van transportation within Bernalillo County provided to individuals age 60 and older.
Home Services and Assistance: Home Services are available to seniors ages 60 and older to promote safe, independent living. Services include chores, repairs, and retrofit.
***
The 311 Community Contact Center provides our community with speedy and easy access to City of Albuquerque information and services with exceptional customer care. City agents answer your questions and respond to your requests for service from any department or division at the City. Typical city related issues include: non-functioning Traffic signs and lights, abandoned vehicles, l
Click here for more information https://www.cabq.gov/311/abq311/
For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) : https://www.cabq.gov/municipaldevelopment/frequently-asked-questions
***
Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Dept
If you or someone you know needs help with a behavioral health crisis, call 9-1-1 for an ACS response.
ACS Second Anniversary Report https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/documents/redefining-public-safety_acs-2-year-anniversary.pdf
The mission of ACS is to provide Albuquerque with a holistic, empathetic, and informed response to behavioral and mental health-related 911 calls. Responses are personalized to the needs of the individual, family, and community so that ACS can bring the right response at the right time. ACS allows 911 dispatch to send trained professionals with backgrounds in behavioral and mental health and social services to non-violent and non-medical calls.
***
Apply to Serve on a CABQ Board or Commission
If you are interested in serving on a City of Albuquerque Board or Commission, apply via the online application. The application works for all boards and commissions and will remain active for one calendar year from the date submitted. For a list of opportunities see: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/boards-commissions
Civilian Police Oversight Board Seeks New Members
The City of Albuquerque is seeking dedicated residents to serve on the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB). This five-member board plays a crucial role in reviewing and investigating community concerns regarding the Albuquerque Police Department and ensuring accountability and transparency. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.cabq.gov/cpoa/police-oversight-board
***
Teeniors Offers Free Tech Help
Teeniors is a non-profit organization that matches tech-savvy teens with senior citizens to help them navigate computers, cell phones, and smartphone apps. Teeniors offers several free help clinics that are open to all community members. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about how to better and more efficiently use technology, visit: www.teniors.com
***
City of Albuquerque Comprehensive Plan Update:
The City of Albuquerque committed to updating the Comprehensive Plan to bring in current data, policies and actions that have been created since 2017. The 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update will take place on January 18, 2024 @ 8:40am via Zoom: https://cabq.zoom.us/j/
Newsletter: Comp Plan Update, Central ABQ CPA Assessment & NW Mesa Escarpment VPO @ EPC (mailchi.mp)
The Oso Grande area is in the Foothills Community Planning Assessment area that is scheduled to begin March 2026
City of Albuquerque Constructive Conversations Report
In Spring 2024, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors met for “Constructive Conversations,” a series of community meetings fostering dialogue between residents and city leaders to shape the future of the built environment in Albuquerque. The series featured nine sessions in each Council district across Albuquerque. There was significant attendance and interaction between community members and the Mayor’s Office, City Councilors and City Department leaders including Planning, Parks and Recreation, Municipal Development, Community Safety and more. The below Constructive Conversations report summarizes key facts related to the Constructive Conversations as well as feedback received on community hopes and needs. View the report