Albuquerque Mayor Proposes $1.47B Budget with Job Cuts

Keller administration cites rising costs and uncertainty with federal funding as reasons for 247 position eliminations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:34am

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Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has released a proposed $1.47 billion city budget that includes $35 million in spending cuts and the elimination of 247 jobs, nearly all of which were vacant. The budget prioritizes public safety, homelessness, and improving city services, with plans to divert funds to hire 100 police service aides and double staffing for the Albuquerque Community Safety program.

Why it matters

Albuquerque, like many cities, is facing budgetary pressures due to rising costs and uncertainty around federal funding. The mayor's proposed cuts and reallocations aim to maintain core services while finding efficiencies, though the changes will likely face scrutiny from the city council before final approval.

The details

Mayor Keller's administration cited rising costs and uncertainty with federal funding as contributing to the need for a $35 million budget reduction. The proposal includes "deactivating" 247 positions, nearly all of which were vacant, including 8 command staff roles at the Albuquerque Police Department. The city plans to use those savings to fund 100 police service aides, doubling staffing for the Albuquerque Community Safety program, and reallocating funds for motel vouchers and behavioral health services.

  • Mayor Keller released the proposed $1.47 billion budget on April 2, 2026.
  • Albuquerque City Council must approve the budget and send it to the mayor's desk before the end of May 2026.

The players

Tim Keller

The mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who released the proposed $1.47 billion city budget.

Renée Grout

An Albuquerque City Councilor who is the budget chair, reviewing the proposed budget.

Albuquerque Community Safety

A city program that will receive $2 million in additional funding to double its staffing under the proposed budget.

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What they’re saying

“I started just barely started going through the budget, but I am pleased that they did make some cuts. I think it's important that we all tighten our belts and make some much-needed changes.”

— Renée Grout, Albuquerque City Councilor and Budget Chair

What’s next

Albuquerque City Council must sign off on the budget and send it to the mayor's desk before the end of May 2026.

The takeaway

Albuquerque's proposed budget cuts aim to maintain core city services while finding efficiencies, though the changes will likely face scrutiny from the city council as they work to approve a final budget by the end of May.