The Albuquerque City Council voted against a bill on Oct. 7 that would have banned obstructing sidewalks by sitting, laying or sleeping in certain areas of Downtown Albuquerque.
Council bill O-24-42 aimed to benefit economic development in Downtown Albuquerque by restricting “visible homelessness” that could deter customers from local businesses, according to City Councilor Joaquín Baca. It would have imposed a $100 fine or community service for obstructing sidewalks.
The bill also aimed to address vacant buildings.
Baca, who sponsored the bill, was the only one to raise his hand when the Council voted on it; the bill failed 1-8.
The City Council previously decided to postpone voting on the bill and amendments at a meeting on Sept. 16, during which public commenters expressed concern for the impacts the bill would have — particularly on the unhoused community.
At the Oct. 7 meeting, the Council voted in favor of an amendment that would remove a portion that prohibits carrying signs and banners on the sidewalks, which initially sparked concerns about First Amendment rights.
Baca told the Daily Lobo that he was not surprised by the outcome of the vote. He said he may consider revising the bill in the future by breaking it into different parts to be voted on separately.
“I would be remiss if I just gave up at this point,” Baca said.
During discussion of amendments, Councilor Louie Sanchez said there would not be enough police to enforce the ordinance if it were enacted.
“We have everything in place that this bill calls for, but it just needs to be enforced,” Sanchez said.
Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn proposed an amendment to strike out the portion of the bill that would have banned sidewalk obstruction.
“There are some good things in this bill, but with this section in, in any way shape or form, I certainly can’t support it,” Fiebelkorn said.
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Ilse Biel is a community organizer who was at the Oct. 7 meeting. She said she was relieved by the 1-8 vote but still has frustrations.
“I have truly grown quite tired of having to go to decision-makers and try and persuade them that displacements simply are not productive,” Biel said.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88
Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @paloma_chapa88
