Steve

Kagi AI Summary:

UNM Health has decided not to endorse the Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver Act, which is set for consideration during the upcoming legislative session in New Mexico. This legislation aims to allocate $1.1 million for providing housing and care to individuals with severe mental health issues, substance use disorders, and brain injuries, who are at risk of institutionalization or incarceration. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tara L. Lujan, has garnered support from various groups, including the Bernalillo County Commission and the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC).

The absence of a position from UNM Health has caused frustration among council members, as they seek to vote on the matter before the legislative session begins. UNM Health's spokesperson clarified that the decision not to take a stance is unrelated to the bill's merits; rather, it reflects the organization's relationship with the New Mexico Healthcare Authority. The proposed legislation requires the authority to apply for the waiver, which is modeled after a similar program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Attorney Peter Cubra, a key advocate for the initiative, emphasized the potential cost-effectiveness of the waiver, noting that it could alleviate the strain on public resources caused by individuals cycling through various facilities without receiving adequate services. If approved, the initial funding would support consulting, training, and engagement with provider agencies, with the process expected to take two to three years for final approvals.

Kagi AI Summary:

Albuquerque is taking steps to enhance safety for bicycle commuters, responding to its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists and pedestrians. Following the Vision Zero pledge in 2019, the city aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Recent infrastructure improvements include the addition of buffered bike lanes and multi-use trails, particularly in underserved areas. However, local cyclists express concerns that the quality of cycling infrastructure varies, with many still exposed to vehicle traffic. Reports indicate a decline in bicycle-related accidents, yet aggressive driving remains a significant issue. Projects like the Albuquerque Rail Trail aim to further connect neighborhoods and improve access for cyclists. Despite progress, advocates argue that more robust protective measures are needed, as current solutions often fall short against motor vehicles. The city plans to continue investing in cyclist-friendly infrastructure, acknowledging both financial constraints and the need for more comprehensive safety measures. Overall, Albuquerque's initiatives reflect a broader struggle across Southwestern cities to create safer environments for biking.

Kagi AI Summary:

The article from City Desk ABQ outlines three unique ways for Albuquerque residents to assist the homeless community. First, it highlights the need for volunteers to participate in the annual point-in-time (PIT) count, which helps gather data essential for securing federal funding. This year's count will take place from January 23 to January 29, with a call for volunteers to assist in various capacities.

Second, the Homeless Coordinating Council (HCC) is seeking community members to join newly formed subcommittees focused on different aspects of homelessness, including data-sharing and prevention efforts. City Councilor Nichole Rogers emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tackling homelessness effectively.

Lastly, the article discusses the New Mexico Circular Sanitation Project, which aims to provide composting toilets as a solution to public health issues related to outdoor sanitation. Led by Tawnya Mullen, this initiative has garnered support from a diverse group of volunteers and professionals. The article encourages readers to engage with these efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.

Kagi AI Summery:

The Albuquerque City Council has approved a new vacant property ordinance aimed at revitalizing downtown, which has been perceived as dangerous and neglected. Councilor Joaquín Baca emphasized the need to change the negative narrative surrounding the area, citing the long-term vacancy of properties like the Gizmo Building owned by the Church of Scientology. The ordinance establishes a registry for vacant properties and imposes fees on owners who do not utilize them effectively, passing with a 7-2 vote despite concerns about limitations on asking prices from some councilors. Proponents, including local business owners and community members, argue that the ordinance is essential for economic growth, as vacant buildings hinder job creation and tax revenue. They highlighted that such properties drain public resources while providing no benefits to the community. The fees will be determined based on the duration of vacancy and the size of the properties. The initiative aims to encourage responsible property management and improve the overall safety and economy of Albuquerque's downtown area.

Kagi AI Summary:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled her proposed executive budget for the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing investments in early childhood education, clean energy, infrastructure, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access. The budget reflects a commitment to building a stronger foundation for New Mexicans and aims to foster collaboration with state lawmakers. The Legislative Finance Committee recently indicated that the legislature will have $892 million in new funds available for appropriations, contributing to a total General Fund of $10.944 billion for fiscal year 26, starting July 1, 2025.

Lujan Grisham's proposal includes reserves of $3.33 billion, representing 30.4% of the budget, and outlines significant allocations across various departments: $4.56 billion for Public Education, $2.2 billion for Health Care, and $1.4 billion for Higher Education, among others. Additionally, the budget proposes $172 million for state employee pay raises, inclusive of educators. The early release of the budget is intended to promote transparency and trust, allowing ample time for public review before the legislative session begins on January 21.

Kagi AI Summary:
Strong Towns ABQ, an anti-sprawl advocacy group, reflects on its inaugural year marked by both achievements and disappointments, primarily citing the Albuquerque City Council's failure to effectively tackle the affordable housing crisis. Brandi Thompson, the group's committee coordination chair, expresses frustration with councilors' resistance to zoning changes, which the group believes are essential for addressing housing shortages. The organization has gained traction since its launch in November 2023, increasing its presence at City Council meetings and hosting public events focused on community-building initiatives.

Thompson highlights the disappointment over the defeat of a duplex bill and the council's lack of action regarding homelessness, criticizing councilors for prioritizing political gain over addressing community needs. Despite these setbacks, the group celebrates its success in engaging a diverse audience in civic discussions, encouraging participation from younger generations and various backgrounds.

For 2025, Strong Towns ABQ plans to continue advocating for five key campaigns, including incremental housing solutions, halting highway expansion, and promoting transparent local governance. Additionally, the group aims to pursue nonprofit status to enhance its outreach and funding opportunities.

To my mind, Ban has always meant permanent.
"You're banned from this place! You'll never be allowed in again!"

While I've always thought of Suspend as being temporary.
"You're being suspended from school for 1 week, over fighting."

Ban:

1. to prohibit especially by legal means
2. bar entry

Suspend:

1. to debar temporarily especially from a privilege, office, or function
2. a: to cause to stop temporarily
   b: to set aside or make temporarily inoperative
3. to defer to a later time on specified conditions
4. to hold in an undetermined or undecided state awaiting further information

When I hear someone mention they were banned my reaction is: "Holy shit! WTF did you do to earn that!" Then I find out it was only for a day or three: "Oh... That's not a Ban! That's minor. Go touch grass. You'll be fine."

I've been banned from subreddits and communities a few times. At least once I never even noticed because it was so short.

How is it a Ban if I didn't even notice?

Why did Ban in online forums and games, come to mean temporary?

Is it simply an example of the intensification of language? To make something mundane, seem more severe than it is?

Does it bother anyone else? Or am I alone here?

I'm genuinely curious about peoples thoughts on this.

It made sense for a while. But the branding change was 16 months ago. The URI change was 3 months ago. Everybody knows now what X is. Yet for some reason, I still see in news stories today:
"... on X — formerly known as Twitter — and said ..."
I really don't think that's needed anymore. But I'm always one to want changes as fast and painless as possible.

So what do you think would be an appropriate amount of time to keep reminding everyone that Twitter is now X?
Months?
Years?
How many?

New Mexico’s Open Meetings Act requires public bodies to conduct their business out in the open. But after watching this week’s City Council meeting, reporter Elizabeth McCall discovered councilors may have violated that law when discussing a potential lawsuit. Find out more about what a local transparency expert has to say about all of it and what the council was actually discussing behind closed doors in today’s featured story.

With election season underway, Bernalillo County voters are being asked to consider six bond questions that could lead to $40.5 million in capital projects.

It then goes on about what many of them are.

Alex Bukoski, a spokesperson for the department, told City Desk ABQ there are nearly 2,000 outstanding requests for either residential trash can repairs or replacements.

“The problem is certainly there and we acknowledge it, but there are a lot of plans in place for not only building back our supply, but also building up the team of how we’re going to be more efficient and work on that,” Bukoski said.

Complicating things is the 4,500 trash cans and 1,300 trash can lids Bukoski said are on backorder from a manufacturer. He said the order should be in by early November.

Amid passionate public objections to a proposal to put more pressure on vacant property owners and ban sitting or lying on sidewalks in Downtown Albuquerque, city councilors voted down the bill almost unanimously Monday night.