CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY SEVENTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. R-26-37 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Dan Champine
RESOLUTION
title
Adjusting Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Appropriations For Certain Funds And Programs And Rescinding R-26-36 (Champine)
body
ADJUSTING FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING APPROPRIATIONS FOR
CERTAIN FUNDS AND PROGRAMS AND RESCINDING R-26-36.
WHEREAS, Bands of Enchantment is an Emmy-winning music television
series that is filmed in Albuquerque and celebrates live music performances
across multiple genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, folk, Latinx, and more; and
WHEREAS, the series is available nationally via PBS and internationally through digital streaming platforms such as Tubi, Prime Video, the Roku Channel, and All Arts; and
WHEREAS, Bands of Enchantment has produced multiple seasons featuring local, national, and international musical artists, and has hosted live performance tapings at iconic Albuquerque venues such as the historic KiMo Theatre and the Rail Yards; and
WHEREAS, recent seasons of the series have included a free outdoor Bands of Enchantment Music Festival in downtown Albuquerque, expanding the reach of the television production into large-scale public music experiences that promote community gathering and cultural enrichment; and
WHEREAS, providing free and accessible public music events such as the Bands of Enchantment Music Festival supports community connection, cultural participation, and quality-of-life opportunities for Albuquerque residents across all ages and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts and Culture partners with Bands of Enchantment and its producers to present red carpet premieres and associated events that showcase the City’s creative energy and elevate Albuquerque’s presence in national media; and
WHEREAS, US Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, and became the first all-weather highway connecting the major cities of Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California; and
WHEREAS, as the shortest year-round route linking the Midwest and the Pacific Coast, Route 66 was a bustling artery that gave small towns access to cross-country highway; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico contains the longest continuous drivable stretch of historic Route 66 in the country, spanning roughly 390 to 530 miles depending on the alignment; and
WHEREAS, the Route 66 Centennial in New Mexico celebrates the 100th anniversary of the iconic "Mother Road" (established in 1926); and
WHEREAS, because New Mexico holds one of the longest and most culturally rich stretches of the highway, the state is hosting year-long festivities, traveling exhibits, and public art installations honoring its history; and
WHEREAS, Olga Kern is an internationally acclaimed classical concert pianist and won a historic Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Olga Kern started the first Olga Kern International Piano Competition in 2016 providing a venue for pianists ages 18-32 to develop international careers through a competition that is recognized globally for its value and excellence; and
WHEREAS, according to the World Federation of International Music Competitions, the Olga Kern International Piano Competition provides the New Mexico Philharmonic’s audiences an opportunity to see developing world-class pianists at the beginning of their professional careers; and
WHEREAS, the finalists and winners of the competition will go on to long and acclaimed careers across the globe, performing before diverse audiences on every continent; and
WHEREAS, supporting these events contributes to the City’s arts and cultural economy by promoting Albuquerque as a distinctive cultural hub, attracting audiences and attention to local venues, artists, and creative industries; and
WHEREAS, these events draw visitors and increase tourism-related events, support lodging occupancy and the intended purpose of the Lodgers’ Tax fund to promote tourism and Albuquerque’s hospitality economy; and
WHEREAS, R-26-36, as amended, was passed by a 9-0 vote on May 18, 2026, but pursuant to ROA 1994, § 2-11-15, bills appropriating funding require two City Council hearings before final action.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1. That the following amounts are hereby adjusted and appropriated to the following programs from fund balance:
GENERAL FUND-110
Arts and Culture Department
Community Events 280,000
LODGERS’ TAX FUND-220
Finance and Administrative Services Department
Transfer to Other Funds:
General Fund (110) 280,000
The funding shall be used for tourism-related events, including Bands of Enchantment music television series events with live tapings at City venues KiMo Theatre and the Rail Yards ($100,000), a free outdoor Bands of Enchantment Music Festival in downtown Albuquerque ($100,000), Route 66 Hispanic Culture Events ($71,000), and the Olga Kern International Competition ($9,000).
SECTION 2. R-26-36 is hereby rescinded.
SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase of this Resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Resolution. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Resolution and each section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase thereof irrespective of any provision being declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.
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