Kate Alderete

Key discussions included the review and approval of the current agenda and previous meeting minutes. A public comment was made regarding a fatal traffic incident, urging greater committee involvement in relevant projects. The committee proceeded with the nomination and voting for the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair roles. Staff reports detailed updates on various projects, including the Louisiana Blvd Mid Block Crossing Project bid opening, the MLK separated bike lane pilot project, the status of multiple trail developments (Juan Tabo Trail, North Diversion Channel Rehab, Alameda Drain Trail), a trails assessment initiative, senior transit training, the upcoming Near North Valley CPA Resource Fair, news regarding automated parking enforcement (safety stick), and Bernalillo County's adoption of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda for February 19, 2026, and the minutes from the January 22, 2026 session. Key actions included the unanimous approval to designate an area in Near Heights, consisting of approximately 67 lots (36 acres), as blighted and to include it in the Near Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Area and Plan. The Commission also unanimously approved an Ordinance for Mantis Space Inc. pursuant to the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA), which is expected to create 186 new jobs. Furthermore, a recommendation was made to the Albuquerque City Council to approve the Encuentro Capital Development Agreement, which aims to pilot a new Capital Outlay Development Support program. The session concluded with an update on ongoing projects and initiatives.

The key discussions during the meeting focused on the 2026 Board Chair and Vice Chair Elections, where Jack Champagne was nominated and accepted as chair, and Chair Dass nominated herself as Vice Chair. The Board also consulted on reorganizing subcommittees into two distinct groups: the Accountability & Community Engagement Subcommittee and the Research, Investigation & Policy Subcommittee, with specific 2026 goals outlined for each. The Board discussed the need for a secure cloud-based file storage system, which Member Champagne will research. Finally, the Board approved the annual resolution, HRB Resolution No. 2025-99. Updates were provided regarding previous resolutions, noting that encampment data is publicly available, Metro Security training materials were shared with noted areas for improvement, and the Mayor's Human Rights Day proclamation now includes acknowledgment of the Nakba.

The meeting included the establishment of a quorum and the approval of the agenda. Key actions involved thanking a former Vendor Representative and introducing and approving the new Vendor Representative, Denise Pepin. Following this, nominations resulted in Dee Clary being unanimously voted as the new Chair and Denise Pepin as the new Vice Chair. Board reminders included forthcoming meeting dates and a discussion about potentially holding an additional meeting if the City Council amends the Ordinance. The staff presented a contingency plan for vendor relocation. Parliamentary Rules Training was postponed. Old business discussions involved leaving the Vendor Representative election process with Community Events Staff, reviewing ADA policies before discussing the Doctor's notes policy, noting the update and online availability of Complaint Forms for vendors, and a motion to follow up with the Landmarks Commission. New business involved discussing items for the next agenda, and an agreement for a representative to update the Public Safety Proposal. Public comments addressed blanket checks, weekend reassignment, and the nomination process. The meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.

The meeting focused on mobilizing cold weather shelter and safety resources as temperatures are dropping. Key discussions included the continued use of a technology-based shelter dashboard showing real-time bed counts, and the activation of an emergency winter alert banner on the city website when dangerous weather thresholds are met, which includes a number for transportation assistance. Updates were provided on the renovation of Gateway West shelter dormitories, which will expand capacity. Department directors detailed specific cold weather responses: Health, Housing, Homelessness (HHH) highlighted resource distribution like coats, socks, and hygiene products; Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) detailed overnight shelter transportation services, noting over 4,500 transports last year; Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) stressed home heating safety (smoke/CO detectors) and addressed an expected increase in structure and illegal outside fires, noting partnership for offering shelter transport or direct aid (blankets/coats) to those refusing shelter, and also mentioned the pediatric bronchilitis follow-up program and fall prevention efforts. Albuquerque Police Department (APD) detailed increased patrolling by Public Service Aids to assist with transport notifications and collaboration with AFR on fire monitoring. Albuquerque Animal Welfare (AAW) outlined measures to keep pets warm, including ensuring shelter HVAC systems are functional, increasing patrols for stray animals, distributing pet jackets/blankets, and advising owners on proper outdoor shelter insulation with straw. The discussion concluded with a review of necessary donation items, emphasizing socks, hygiene kits, coats, and blankets.