[Neighbors] Fwd: Weekly Update from Mayor’s Office

Sun Jun 7 10:38:11 MDT 2020

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mayor Keller <mayorkeller at cabq.gov>
Date: Sun, Jun 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Weekly Update from Mayor’s Office
To: <vgweirs at gmail.com>

Updates on city services, police reform and more!
View this email in your browser
<https://mailchi.mp/cabq.gov/weekly-update-june-2020-01?e=caa1a79803>
       We're all in this
       together. We are One.

Fellow Burqueños,

As communities here at home and around the nation grapple with the
coronavirus pandemic, alongside the long legacy of racial injustice that
reached a tipping point with the murder of George Floyd, there is no doubt
this is a pivotal moment for our city, state, and country.

While these challenges are happening all across America and the globe, here
in Albuquerque we are carving out our own path forward.

These crises revealed cracks in the system. In our city, they also revealed
our strengths. We are no stranger to tough challenges, and with our
trademark resilience, several years ago we started down the long road of
equity, inclusion, and reform.

When coronavirus struck, many Burqueños were rightly fearful for their
lives and livelihoods. We quickly ramped up work we’ve been doing for years
to build a safety net for the most vulnerable. The City has delivered over
100,000 meals for seniors, childcare for working families, rental
assistance, and medical care for the homeless. We invested in helping
hundreds of local businesses stay afloat, saving countless jobs.

Albuquerque is a national model in centering equity in regional crisis
response, with our Equity and Inclusion team—who previously helped
thousands of refugees travel legally and with dignity through
Albuquerque--now helping manage our response through the Emergency
Operations Center so no one was left behind. We didn’t wait for others to
figure it out for us. Hand-in-hand with the efforts of the public,
community groups, and the State, these quick actions saved lives.

The disproportionate effects of coronavirus on communities of color were
drastically compounded when America was rocked by the heinous murder of
George Floyd, just weeks after Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Although
these murders took place elsewhere, it does not mean Albuquerque is exempt
from anti-Black and racist behaviors, or a past history of a troubled
relationship between the police department and our people.

Our administration is steering the effort to restore trust between APD and
our community. We know how important that trust is to fighting violent
crime, and just how fragile it can be. It’s not just about all of our work
engaging with neighborhood leaders, business owners, and people in need.
It’s also about how we respond to the events that test our values, progress
and resolve; and about learning from mistakes, and continuing to push for
change.

Rightful pain and anger has poured out of our communities over the last
weeks. Protesting is a constitutional right, and these injustices demand
action. We understand that, and we are listening. APD is fulfilling its
duty to keep the public safe through twin goals of de-escalation to prevent
violence and enforcement when violence is imminent.

Fortunately, so far, protests here are mostly peaceful. APD works hard on
traffic control and other measures to keep protestors, neighborhoods, and
businesses safe. The property damage and shots fired we’ve seen came from
small groups of agitators who distracted from all that protestors are
trying to convey.

Some cities responded by attempting curfews or calling in the National
Guard. In almost all cases, these actions fueled, rather than tempered,
civil unrest. We are evaluating the situation daily and call on the public
to carry forward with peaceful protest.
Many will remember when the Department of Justice stepped in five years ago
to oversee APD.  When our administration came into office, we embraced
reform. That work continues today – even while some law enforcement
agencies still resist commonsense tools like body cameras.

There is so much more to do - there always will be – but we’ve implemented
dozens of meaningful changes. We started by changing APD leadership and a
focus on community policing, created a dedicated compliance bureau,
reformed internal investigations, and overhauled use of force policies.
We’re implementing anti-racism training and participating in diversion
programs. APD’s peer-to-peer ethical training means no officer believes
it’s acceptable to stand by while another officer harms someone, like we
saw in Minneapolis.

Some cities are only now waking up to the need for change. Albuquerque has
a long way to go, but we’re ahead of our peer cities because we dedicated
ourselves to change.

As we both re-open our city and renew our commitment to justice,
Albuquerque is carving out our own path forward. We will do what’s right
for all who live here, for constitutional community policing, for our kids,
and for our local businesses. This journey is long, but we are taking it
together with resolve and passion as one united Albuquerque.

Stay safe, Albuquerque,

Mayor Tim Keller
Mayor Keller, APD, and Police Oversight Leaders Give Update on Reform
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=7d5a548f98&e=caa1a79803>

Mayor Tim Keller, Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair, Civilian Police
Oversight Agency Executive Director Ed Harness, Assistant City Attorney
Lindsay Van Meter, and Albuquerque Police Department Deputy Chief Eric
Garcia held a news conference Friday to give an update on reform, including
the issues in the #8CantWait campaign
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=07795d8767&e=caa1a79803>
.

Within six months of taking office, the Keller administration changed APD
leadership, created a dedicated
compliance bureau, reformed internal affairs investigations, and embraced
data to begin reform efforts at the department.

Acknowledging the recent calls for continuing police reform following the
death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Mayor Keller said, “As your Mayor, I
want to continue to acknowledge that pain. But I also want to make sure we
keep doing something about it. Our administration has been steering the
effort to restore trust between APD and our people. We know how important
that trust is to fighting violent crime, and just how fragile that trust
can be.”

Last year, APD finished a lengthy review and input process on the use of
force policies. It’s an ongoing process, including many policies included
in the eight areas that are highlighted in the #8CantWait campaign
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=b63f8c697e&e=caa1a79803>.
The department took extensive input from the public during that policy
creation process, and will continue to do so. There is so much work still
to be done, there always will be, but in the past two and-a-half years,
dozens of meaningful, lasting changes have been implemented.

Of the eight categories in the #8CantWait campaign
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=fcbb41e2e6&e=caa1a79803>,
APD is ahead of most cities across the country, having already implemented
six of the eight policies.  The department is already in the process of
implementing the other two, and they will continue to refine those policies
as they are coming for the six-month review.

“We want you to know that we are responsive to your concerns regarding
APD’s handling of the protests and the advanced use of force policy which
the public had a great deal of input in formulating,” said Civilian Police
Oversight Agency Executive Director Ed Harness. “APD has made a lot of
progress under the new leadership and there’s still more work to be done.”

The Civilian Police Oversight Agency has voting rights for policies as they
come forward and hold special meetings to collect public comment. The CPOA
encourages the public to get involved in a community policing council to
remain engaged in the department’s reform efforts.
Mayor Keller Announced Human Rights Board Convened Special Meeting on Racism
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=4d3a6cc3b4&e=caa1a79803>

Last week, the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Board, established to give
the public a voice in fighting racism, discrimination and other forms of
prejudice, held a special meeting to discuss the latest developments in the
#BlackLivesMatter protests that are sweeping the nation and the local
community.

You can watch the video from the live meeting on YouTube
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=8f7137fa68&e=caa1a79803>
.
PPE Care Packages Available to Small Businesses
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=375a20fd0c&e=caa1a79803>

City Councilors Klarissa Peña, Don Harris, Cynthia Borrego, and Brook
Bassan with Mayor Tim Keller are partnering with the Albuquerque Hispano
Chamber of Commerce to provide small businesses care packages with Personal
Protective Equipment
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=5d311ef681&e=caa1a79803>
(PPE) and other items they may need to meet state requirements for the
opening of their business.
Locker #505 Comes Through With Last-Minute Clothing Donation
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=ab687172d2&e=caa1a79803>

When the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received a request from a
shelter coordinator asking for clothing for several people as soon as
possible. Locker #505 jumped into action, and within four hours on a
Saturday evening, they had dropped off items for 200 people
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=0e6e35d955&e=caa1a79803>,
including socks, underwear, shirts, and pants in a variety of sizes from
youth to adult.
*City Updates*

Following new guidelines issued by the New Mexico Department of Health and
Governor Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque has reopened a several services and
institutions:

   - Although the ABQ BioPark has been closed to the public since
   mid-March, Zoo project staff have been busy at work making improvements
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=c63e431bcc&e=caa1a79803>
   to the facilities. Zoo patrons can enjoy all of these upgrades when the
   facility reopens.
   - Most branches of the Public Library of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County have
   reopened with modified hours and basic services
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=990c717495&e=caa1a79803>
   since Tuesday, June 2. Locations and hours of operation can be found at
   www.abqlibrary.org
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=06d5dbbfb7&e=caa1a79803>
   or by calling (505) 768-5141. Customers will be able to pick up their
   holds, borrow materials, and get a library card.
   - The Parks and Recreation Department will begin to open City pools
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=8d8f6a4eb7&e=caa1a79803>
   to the public on Monday, June 8. Pools will be open for lap swim and
   private parent-child swim lessons only at this time. Check the website here
   for specific rules and guidelines that must be followed for visiting the
   pools in this phase.
   - The BioPark will be hosting Camp BioPark in a reduced capacity
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=abdee73a7e&e=caa1a79803>
   starting on the week of June 8. Camps will operate in indoor and outdoor
   spaces, will be small and adhere to social distancing guidelines, and
   children will need to wear a mask at all times.

*Civil Rights Information*

Check the website
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=b1ed31ec35&e=caa1a79803>
if you need information about legal and community resources available to
you.

   - To report a hate crime, please contact Albuquerque Police Department:
      - Emergency Calls - 911
      - Non-Emergency Calls - (505) 242-COPS or (505) 242-267
      - https://www.cabq.gov/police/contact-the-police
      <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=8f69381322&e=caa1a79803>
   - To report discrimination, please contact the Office of Civil Rights:
      - 505-768-4595
      - https://www.cabq.gov/civilrights/filing-a-discrimination-complaint
      <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=cfad255c9f&e=caa1a79803>
   - The Office of Civil Rights
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=f7066fe387&e=caa1a79803>
   (OCR) works to protect the community by prohibiting discrimination in areas
   of housing, public accommodation, and employment, providing a mechanism for
   recourse, and providing education to the community. Contact the office via
   email, civilrights at cabq.gov
   <civilrights at cabq.gov?subject=An%20Inquiry%20on%20Civil%20Rights%20from%20the%20Mayor's%20Newsletter>,
   or call 505-768-4595.
   - The Office of Equity and Inclusion
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=aa34aa4b7c&e=caa1a79803>
   works to inspire and equip city government to make Albuquerque a national
   role model of racial equity and social justice. Contact the office via
   email, Michellemelendez at cabq.gov
   <michellemelendez at cabq.gov?subject=An%20Inquiry%20on%20Equity%20from%20the%20Mayor's%20Newsletter>,
   or call 505-768-3307.

*Residents Resources*

   - If you are experiencing symptoms, contact the New Mexico Department of
   Health at 1-855-600-3453.
   - If you need assistance with childcare, food, diapers, and more, check
   the City's *website*
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=052ad9084e&e=caa1a79803>
for
   resources.
   - If you are in an unsafe environment due to domestic violence, contact
   the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the
   Albuquerque Women's Resource Center at 505-242-7033.
   - To get information on Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, click *here*
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=587762b603&e=caa1a79803>,
   or contact 505-266-1900.
   - The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line has counselors available 24/7 to
   speak at 855-662-7474.
   - The Department of Senior Affairs can be reached at 505-764-6400. A
   full list of resources available for seniors can be found *here*
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=54870ee8fe&e=caa1a79803>
   .
   - The Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 505-841-6100.
   - For Adult Protective Services, contact 505-476-4912.
   - The Agora Center is available at 505-277-3013.
   - For information on WiFi on Wheels locations, visit cabq.gov/wifi
   <https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=4a1b392be4&e=caa1a79803>
   or call 311.

*Our mailing address is:*
City of Albuquerque
PO Box 1293
One Civic Plaza Nw 11th Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87103-1293

Add us to your address book
<https://cabq.us18.list-manage.com/vcard?u=57590ee48a0d248f7f0fb64f6&id=b3961e85a1>

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.

-- 
Greg Weirs
505 515 6334 (M)
505 265 9995 (H)
vgweirs at gmail.com
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