Statements From City Councilors On The Passage Of Minimum Wage Increase

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Tonight, the Albuquerque City Council voted to pass O-26-33, increasing the Albuquerque Minimum Wage. The ordinance was proposed in partnership by the Mayor and co-sponsors City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole L. Rogers, and Stephanie Telles.

Statements from Co-Sponsoring City Councilors

“In Albuquerque, the average worker makes 20% less than the national average, but our rents are 25% higher," said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. "Every worker in Albuquerque deserves to be paid enough to live here, and tonight the Council took a meaningful step toward making that a reality. I’m proud we got it across the finish line because this is about dignity, and our workers have earned it.”

"Albuquerque’s working families have been caught between raising costs such as gas prices, and stagnating wages," said City Councilor Joaquín Baca. "We can’t lower gas prices or get funding taken away by the federal administration returned, but we can help by reasonably raising the minimum wage, and ensure our city remains an affordable place to live, work, and thrive."

“While the original bill was amended, I am still so proud that Council supported a policy that puts working people first,” said City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. “This increase recognizes the value of the individuals who keep our city moving every day. For District 6, where many families continue to face significant economic challenges, raising the minimum wage will provide meaningful relief and help more residents build a stable future.”

“Equity isn’t sameness- it means those with the least security shouldn’t be last in line for stability," said City Councilor Stephanie Telles. “Labor isn’t just an operational cost. It’s the person stocking the shelves, serving the food, and spending their paychecks down the street. When businesses absorb rising costs, that's logistics. When they invest in the people who make everything run, that’s closer to obligation. Today’s vote was about recognizing the reality that working people in Albuquerque face every single day. A higher minimum wage means more families can afford rent, groceries, and caregiving, and it strengthens our local economy by putting money back into the hands of the people who spend it here. That’s not just good policy. That’s what it looks like to actually value the people this City runs on.”