Timothy M. Keller, Mayor
City of Albuquerque
Office of the Mayor/ chief administrative office
Interoffice Memorandum
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to: |
City COUncil |
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from: |
Timothy M. Keller, Mayor |
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subject: |
veto of O-22-33, Amending §14-16 the integrated deveopment ordinance to remove all references to safe outdoor spaces (bassan) |
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date: |
December 16, 2022 |
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title
Veto Of O-22-33, Amending §14-16 The Integrated Development Ordinance To Remove All References To Safe Outdoor Spaces
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This action marks the third time this year I have received similar legislation designed to remove a small tool from the city’s options for helping our unsheltered population and making our community safer. The case has never been made that Safe Outdoor Spaces would be an overall solution to homelessness, rather, that Albuquerque does need the flexibility to try every tool that can make a difference, improve safety, and help the most vulnerable among us.
I hope that this corresponding third veto, will be an opportunity for Council to move on from this old, and repetitive debate that has been an unfortunate diversion from needed discussion on meaningful ways we can move our city forward. Our Albuquerque community urgently wants solutions, not roadblocks and repetitive debate.
The fact remains that there are a small number of Safe Outdoor Spaces that have been granted permits to operate in our city. As I mentioned in my veto of R-22-65, which sought to redirect funding for administrative oversight for Safe Outdoor Spaces, we must retain the ability to ensure appropriate security and staffing levels at these locations. Similarly, we must ensure that the Integrated Development Ordinance, which governs our land use and zoning policy, is reflective of our current priorities. For these reasons, I am exercising my veto authority for O-22-33. My administration has been consistent in our commitment to asking for an all-of-the-above approach to fighting homelessness. In the coming year, I hope to work with City Council to reduce barriers to additional housing and bring the Gateway Center fully on-line to address the needs of unhoused residents. No mayor can solve these challenges on their own and I trust that Council will be a partner in our future attempts to address homelessness in our city.