Albuquerque City Councilors Successfully Sponsor Budget Amendments Restoring Funding for Criminal Diversion and Vision Zero Programs

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Today, City Councilors Joaquín Baca, Tammy Fiebelkorn and COW Chair Renée Grout joined their City Council colleagues to pass key amendments to Fiscal Year 2027 Budget legislation, R-26-17, successfully securing critical funding to restore Albuquerque’s Legal Services Diversion Program and reauthorize crucial traffic safety initiatives.

The primary amendment strategically reallocates resources to bring back half of the original proposed funding for the vital diversion program. To fund the $200,000 increase for Legal Services, the amendment utilizes a balanced approach:

• A $100,000 reduction in the Neighborhood Policing line item.
• The allocation of $100,000 from the city’s Available Fund Balance.

Additionally, the City Council approved a critical amendment that $2,474,000 was restored to the City's Vision Zero initiative. This amendment explicitly places the traffic safety funding within the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to streamline enforcement and infrastructure coordination aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.

City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, District 7, highlighted how the Council’s approval of the amendment enhances both the diversion programs and pedestrian infrastructure:

"Reinvesting in the Legal Services Diversion Program is a compassionate, proven way to reduce recidivism and keep our justice system functioning equitably. Combined with our success in saving and reauthorizing $2,474,000 for Vision Zero traffic safety initiatives, we are taking a massive step forward in protecting vulnerable road users and ensuring our streets are safe for every pedestrian, cyclist, and driver."

City Councilor Joaquín Baca Council District 2 commented on the Council’s approach to restoring the funding:

"True community safety requires a multi-faceted approach. By restoring the Legal Services Diversion Program, we are ensuring that our justice system has the tools it needs to guide individuals toward productive paths. Furthermore, by reauthorizing Vision Zero funding and housing it within the Albuquerque Police Department, we are putting real teeth behind our commitment to safer streets. These amendments represent smart, fiscally responsible decisions that protect our neighborhoods and invest in proven strategies that benefit all of Albuquerque."

District 9 City Councilor Renee Grout, Chair of the Committee of the Whole Budget, emphasized the importance of these community resources:

"As Chair, my priority is ensuring our city budget balances fiscal prudence with the real, immediate needs of our community. This budget package reflects a strong, collaborative effort to protect taxpayer dollars while keeping our commitment to essential community services intact. By leveraging the available fund balance and making targeted adjustments, we are delivering a stronger, safer Albuquerque."

The restoration of these funds ensures the Legal Services Diversion Program can continue its essential work, while the Vision Zero relocation strengthens the City's unified approach to traffic and pedestrian safety. Both adjustments will take effect immediately upon the final passage of the budget resolution, R-26-17