Dec. 5, 2025 Community Hall Newsletter

Hope you got to crunch through some snow yesterday, Albuquerque!

In addition to managing winter weather, the City is taking bold steps this month to make everyday life more affordable, starting with the most fundamental need: food. No family should have to cross town or depend on giant chains just for healthy, affordable basics. So we launched a new initiative aimed at legalizing small, independent markets – different from convenience stores – in underserved neighborhoods. We are cutting permit fees to zero, reducing red tape, and clearing a path for quality food-focused businesses to open and thrive. Paired with community input through the upcoming ABQ Fresh Forum, this effort aims to support local farmers, new entrepreneurs, and bring fresh, affordable groceries within walking distance for all.

On the public safety front, APD celebrated the graduation of Cadet Class 133, which adds 25 officers to the force, including 10 who came here from other states for the job. This marks 736 officer hires for this administration, nearly double the number hired in the eight years prior. Meanwhile, on Route 66 Fire Station 12 just debuted its brand-new facility, replacing a station that served the area since 1960. The modern three-bay structure will support some of AFR’s busiest units and strengthen service for neighborhoods from Four Hills to the East Central Corridor.

And in education and recreation news, we are blown away by the phenomenal new immersive “Electric Classroom” at Garfield Middle School, part of a pilot partnership with Electric Playhouse, XR Interactive, Warehouse 505, APS, and others. With virtual field trips, gamified learning, and after-school programming on deck, students are already exploring new digital experiences on multiple projection walls. At the same time, Southwest residents are getting closer to a long-awaited neighborhood park: The Crestview Park Project is moving forward and inching us toward our 10-Minute Walk pledge of ensuring everyone citywide is a quick stroll from a rejuvenating green space. From better food access to safer streets and creative learning, Albuquerque is wrapping up the year with incredible progress.

A jolly December to all,

Mayor Tim Keller

This month, Mayor Tim Keller highlighted:

• City Takes Action to Make Food More Affordable
• APD Welcomes 25 New Officers
• Electric Classroom Launches at Garfield Middle School