Envision ABQ

City Councillor Dan Lewis introduced two ordinances and two memorials that will harm neighbourhood associations and coalitions. Council President Klarissa Peña allowed these bills (O-26-60, O-26-61, M-26-01, and M-26-02) to bypass the normal committee process. The legislation will be heard on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the regular council meeting.

O-26-60 increases fees to file an administrative appeal for an approved application to $1000 compared to $300 for appeal of a denied application.

O-26-61 rewrites the NARO to eliminate recognition for neighbourhood coalitions, HOAs, and some NAs, among other things.

M-26-01 asks the state legislature to change the definition of “aggrieved” as a basis for standing to file an appeal.

M-26-2 asks the state to remove the requirement for the local jurisdiction to provide an administrative appeal pathway and to shield the local jurisdiction from producing a record of the case. Appeals would go directly to district court.

Take action! Please contact your city councillor and ask her or him to OPPOSE O-26-60, O-26-61, M-26-01, and M-26-02. You can sign up for public comment at https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/public-comments/public-comment-sign-up-oct-5-2026-council-meeting

Send written comments also:https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/contact-all-councilors PLEASE ACT BY EARLY AFTERNOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026. Thank you.

One of the proposed amendments to the IDO is to eliminate the R-1 zone district and replace it with R-L that allows for duplexes and triplexes alongside single-family homes. This city-wide zoning change could put homeowners at risk of tax lightning, as properties would have to be re-assessed. The next hearing is at the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning (LUPZ) committee on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 5:00 p. m. in the council chambers. Sign up for public comment or give written comment by 3:00 p. m. Here is the link: https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/public-comments/public-comment-sign-up-january-28-2026-land-use-planning-zoning-committee-meeting

Just as some of us suspected would happen, people within Bernalillo County’s Planning Department have taken aim at Neighborhood Associations in the same manner as ABQ City Council did with the NARO. The first hearing is at the Planning Commission meeting, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 9:00 a. m. It is item #10 on the agenda. We encourage you to make public comment against approval (link below). Neighborhood input was not broadly solicited for review of the code prior to the department marking proposed changes.

https://www.bernco.gov/boards-commissions/speak-at-a-meeting/

The Special Hearing on October 28 on the IDO Update was continued to the regular meeting on November 20, 2025. Several EPC recommendations made at the first hearing have been collected in a 122-page document.

Community members spoke about their concerns regarding proposed changes likely to be harmful to established neighborhoods. For all of the written information related to the first meeting, check the EPC page.

Once again, the IDO update process turns the notion of stability in the zoning code on its head. The CoA Planning Department offers a series of Zoom meetings to learn about the dozens of amendments proposed for this year’s update. Here is the info:

Monday, October 6, 5:30 – 7:00 pm – Presentation + Q&A

Wednesday, October 8, 12:00 – 1:30 pm – Q&A 

Tuesday, October 14, 12:00 – 1:30 pm – Presentation + Q&A

Zoom Link

Phone: (669) 444-9171  Meeting ID: 841 0361 3555

Contact abctoz@cabq.gov for more information. There is a lot of information on the project web site.

Communities across the country face challenges to protect historic areas. Gentrification is often a threat. Here is a story from Georgia describing one situation: https://apnews.com/article/gullah-geechee-sapelo-island-georgia-court-zoning-13efe2a82ff718c9b04ee9394146697a.

Proposed amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance were published on September 15.

First glance gave pause to community members that between Planning staff, the Mayor, and Council members, there are amendments to dress the upzoning in residential neighborhoods in a different outfit. Contact us if you want to get involved in protecting the character of your neighborhood.

Important zoning decisions often lack adequate media coverage unless it can be presented as a political power battle. Here is a recent article covering the recent decision to change the corridor designation for parts of Rio Grande Blvd., Indian School, and Menaul.

Martineztown is not for sale!

¡No se vende Martíneztown!

Please e-mail City Council and ask City Council to vote NO on R-25-175.  https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/contact-all-councilors

SBMTNA, other neighborhoods, coalitions, and leaders of non-profit groups request a NO vote on R-25-175. The legislation would change Menaul Boulevard to a Major Transit Corridor and further erode the character of the existing neighborhoods from mostly single-family homes to high-rise apartments to help developers and investors increase the rents.  Menaul at this time has sufficient bus service.  There is no plan at this time in this area for high-rise apartments.