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 R-22-56, Establishing a moratorium for safe outdoor spaces as regulated in the integrated development Ordinance for a period of 12 months or until the integrated development ordinance is amended, which ever occurrs first (bassan) |
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date: |
August 26, 2022 |
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title
Veto of R-22-56, Establishing A Moratorium For Safe Outdoor Spaces As Regulated In The Integrated Development Ordinance For A Period Of 12 Months Or Until The Integrated Development Ordinance Is Amended, Which Ever Occurs First (Bassan)
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Like most major American cities, over the past several years we have seen an increase in the number of unhoused individuals on our streets. Although this problem is not unique to Albuquerque, it is clear that we must find innovative solutions to address this challenge. We must work together as elected officials to provide needed services, temporary shelter for individuals and families and permanent housing for all, while keeping our neighborhoods, our parks, and our businesses safe.
Currently across our country, there is no singular idea that seems to be having a material impact in this area. What has been shown is that cities need the flexibility and availability of a wide range of options to be able to match the wide range of situations we find in our unsheltered population. My administration is committed to considering every tool to provide solutions to homelessness, including working with local business and faith-based partners, supporting the efforts of the multiple city departments working on addressing the causes and effects of homelessness, such as fully funding and staffing the Gateway Center, supporting resources and services for the vulnerable and the unhoused, and acquiring and developing more transitional, supportive, affordable and long-term housing options.
Our obligation as elected officials is to work together to respond to the needs of our community with open minds and intentional leadership. We simply cannot limit our options for addressing the needs of our most vulnerable residents. We need every tool at our disposal to confront the unhoused crisis and we need to be willing to act courageously.
Lastly, it is my Administration’s intent to work to make policies effective for stakeholders that engage with our government. As a former state Senator, I understand there are times when new policies need to be changed based on new information or after re-evaluating tested policies. However, reasonable time, testing and piloting has not been allowed in this short two month time frame. With several Safe Outdoor Spaces permitted or pending, I am also not encouraged by the likelihood of exposing the City and the community to prolonged legal issues.
For these reasons, I am exercising my veto authority for R-22-56. I have consistently advocated for an all-of-the-above approach to address homelessness in Albuquerque. I look forward to working with City Council, the community, and local business, faith and community partners to thoughtfully consider and implement realistic, effective, and compassionate solutions in the future.