Albuquerque city council expected to vote on new rules for vacant buildings, food truck permit fees

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – City councilors are expected to vote on new resolutions during Monday’s meeting that stirred up controversy last month after droves of people raised concerns. Those resolutions have since been amended.

“I’ve met with property owners, residents, developers, unhoused advocates,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca last month during a city council meeting. “I held a town hall for input, reached out to the media, and even tonight, we’re adding several reasonable amendments.”

Several resolutions are in front of the council this week. They would change how the city addresses vacant and dilapidated buildings, possible rules about how the city can utilize AI technology, and how much food truck owners will pay for permit fees.

“Just recently, we found out that our environmental health permit is being increased from 150 dollars to 900 dollars,” said Skylar Wallace last month, who is a food truck owner in Albuquerque.

One proposed rule looks to give some relief to food truck owners after the city tried to raise those fees to six times more than it was in the past. The amended version expected to be voted on Monday would reduce permit fees for food trucks – making it so they 1/4 of the costs.

The vacant building resolution, sponsored by Councilor Joaquin Baca would add penalties to owners of vacant or rundown buildings in the city of not addresses. The amended version removed portions that would have made it illegal to sleep, kneel, or crouch along sidewalks. It also removed language that would have made it illegal to form a line with banners or signs, which some may see as protesting.

“Everyone should be able to protest,” Councilor Baca explained in an interview last month.

The city is also looking to bring new regulations on how they can use AI technology. If approved, it would create a group responsible for overseeing the development of those policies. But what that will look like is still up in the air.

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“I mean, it’s hard to say because AI is changing so quickly, and we know there are some really good opportunities to use it,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn last month.

If approved, the group would have about six months to come up with policies. City council would then vote to pass them. According to the city, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) has already started using AI technology to make 911 calls more efficient.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. on Monday.

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