March 2, 2026 Community Hall Newsletter

Hello Albuquerque,

February was full of energy, creativity, and celebration in our city. Even as winter lingers, our neighborhoods are buzzing with new opportunities and reasons to come together. From honoring cultural milestones to opening new spaces for our residents, there is so much to enjoy this month.

All around town, new things are taking shape. Our Route 66 Remixed program continues to bring Albuquerque’s streets to life, with the latest unveilings transforming the historic corridor through vibrant murals that celebrate our city’s heritage and future. At the Rail Yards, the new sculpture “Predock’s Tumbleweed” stands as a striking tribute to the late Antoine Predock’s love for Albuquerque and his remarkable legacy in shaping our city’s architectural identity. And at the Sunport, travelers and locals alike can now enjoy Sadie’s and other local favorites, creating a true Albuquerque welcome that highlights our culture and creativity. These additions reflect the new energy all around us and the pride we take in sharing our city’s spirit.

On the housing front, new doors are opening at Route 66 Flats, bringing hundreds of homes, many affordable, right into the heart of the city. Projects like this strengthen neighborhoods, add energy to key areas, and help ensure everyone has a fair shot at a great place to live.

February also brings rich cultural celebrations. Alongside our partners at the Chinese Cultural Center, we welcomed the Lunar New Year with traditional performances, art, and family activities. Events like this remind us that diversity is one of Albuquerque’s greatest strengths and that we are always better when we learn from one another.

In honor of Black History Month, we joined the community in celebrating the Ujima Collective’s graduating cohort. Their creativity, leadership, and commitment to positive change inspire us all and show what is possible when we support each other.

We also continued important conversations about community safety and inclusion. I recently joined Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury for a telephone town hall focused on immigration protections and resources for families. It was a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from residents and share how we can continue to make Albuquerque a safe and inclusive home for everyone. We are also welcoming new leadership at City Hall as we build a strong team for this next term. Samantha Sengel will continue serving as chief administrative officer, bringing her background in education and community partnership to help advance our goals of innovation, equity, and safety across all departments. Emily Jaramillo remains chief of Albuquerque Fire Rescue, where her experience and steady leadership guide one of the city’s most essential teams. Carla Martinez has been confirmed as chief financial officer, bringing deep expertise as both a CPA and attorney to oversee the city’s financial strategy and responsible management of public resources. Matthew Whelan is now serving as chief operations officer, drawing on more than a decade of experience managing city services and operations. Together, this leadership team is focused on keeping Albuquerque moving forward with stability, knowledge, and a commitment to public service.

From public art to new housing, cultural happenings and community growth, February is a reminder of how Albuquerque continues to move forward together. Whether you are exploring new murals, welcoming neighbors to Route 66 Flats, shopping local, or joining a community event, there are so many ways to celebrate our city this month.

Here’s to another month of progress and connection,

Mayor Tim Keller

This month, Mayor Tim Keller highlighted:

• Route 66 Flats Opening
• Lunar New Year Celebrations
• Immigration Protection Telephone Town Hall
• Ujima Collective Graduation