Albuquerque daily local headlines: Tax proposal, new advisory board, UNM alert

Top local headlines

1) Proposed city tax increase heads to Council

A new City Council proposal would raise Albuquerque’s municipal gross receipts tax by 0.4875%, a change supporters estimate could bring in about $119 million. The measure lays out a mix of uses, from buildings, infrastructure and equipment to ongoing facility operations, debt payments, and efforts to close employee pay gaps identified in a compensation study.

The proposal is expected to get a hearing at the March 16 City Council meeting, setting up weeks of debate over how the money would be spent and what the added tax rate would mean for households and small businesses.

2) City Council OKs permanent African American Advisory Board

Councilors unanimously approved creating a permanent African American Advisory Board, designed to provide structured guidance to the Mayor and City Council on policies affecting Albuquerque’s African diaspora communities. The board is set up with 17 voting members and a focus on economic mobility, health outcomes, civic engagement, cultural heritage, and support for families affected by violence.

During the same meeting, councilors also reviewed public-safety operations updates, including quarterly reports and staffing-related actions tied to emergency response.

3) UNM issues campus safety advisory after reported shooting with projectile

The University of New Mexico shared a timely warning about a late-night incident near University Boulevard NE in which occupants of an SUV reportedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm and fired, striking a victim with what was described as an airsoft-type projectile. University police said the case remains under investigation.

Quick note: breezy, dry conditions

Forecasters flagged another windy, low-humidity stretch across parts of New Mexico this week, a pattern that can raise fire-weather concerns and make for a dusty commute. In Albuquerque, that often translates into gusty afternoons and rapidly changing temperatures, so it’s a good day to secure outdoor items and keep an eye on local alerts.

Sources

• https://citydesk.org/2026/03/03/albuquerque-councilors-propose-tax-hike-to-raise-over-100-million-for-new-projects-staff-pay/
• https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-city-council-african-american-advisory-board/70585808
• https://news.unm.edu/categories/advisories/timely-warning-3-1-26
• https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/breezy-warm-tuesday-for-new-mexico/
• https://govonestop.com/alert/fire-weather-watch-03032026-1013-new-mexico