CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY FIFTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. M-23-9 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Klarissa Peña
MEMORIAL
title
Urging The New Mexico State Legislature To Consider Adoption Of The Lowrider As The Official State Car In The 2024 State Legislative Session (Peña)
body
URGING THE NEW MEXICO STATE LEGISLATURE TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE LOWRIDER AS THE OFFICIAL STATE CAR IN THE 2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
WHEREAS, lowriding is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Southwest and woven into the cultural fabric and heritage of the State of New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, lowriders serve as a catalyst for embracing and valuing the cultural diversity and history of the State of New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, lowriders deserve recognition as not only a unique mode of transportation but as beautiful pieces of art and self-expression; and
WHEREAS, lowriders are a cultural heirloom of Hispanic and Chicano traditions and long lines of families; and
WHEREAS, communities located along the Historic Route 66 like Albuquerque and Santa Fe have a rich lowrider history and Espanola is often considered as the Lowrider Capital of the World; and
WHEREAS, lowriders have served the City of Albuquerque as a bridge between the local lowrider community, law enforcement, youth, and community at large; and
WHEREAS, the lowrider is a symbol and sets an example of slow, safe, and responsible driving; and
WHEREAS, lowriders have the power to serve the State of New Mexico as a literal and figurative vehicle for change; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque has taken legislative measures to embrace lowrider culture and activate economic development opportunities that would have otherwise not been fully realized; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Mexico has also embraced lowrider culture for its contribution to the State’s tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, State of New Mexico does not have an official car; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a state symbol is accomplished by an act of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, Senator Michael Padilla and Representative Art De La Cruz have already agreed to sponsor legislation designating the lowrider as the State of New Mexico’s official car.
BE IT MEMORIALIZED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1. The Albuquerque City Council urges the New Mexico State Legislature to consider adoption of the lowrider as the official state car.
SECTION 2. The City Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this Memorial to the City of Albuquerque State Legislative Delegation, the New Mexico Legislature, the New Mexico Tourism Department, the Governor of New Mexico, and other appropriate state agencies.
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