🌱 Buttigieg Visits ABQ + ART, Sun Vans Permanently Free

Morning, everybody. I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 51 Low: 30.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 63 Low: 40.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Albuquerque, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Albuquerque on Tuesday to announce a pilot program that aims to reduce traffic collisions with wildlife. Of the pilot program, Buttigieg said, "By launching the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, we are taking an important step to prevent deadly crashes in communities across the country and make America’s roadways safer for everyone who uses them.” On Monday, Albuquerque hosted another member of the president's Cabinet when U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the city to announce $40 million in grant funding for broadband coverage. (Albuquerque Journal)
2. The Albuquerque City Council voted 7-2 on Monday to approve keeping the Central Avenue-based Albuquerque Rapid Transit and the Sun Van paratransit service as permanently free services. Councilmember Tammy Fiebelkorn said of the bill, "I think we should put this in perspective: What this bill says is for about $1 million a year, we are giving free transit to our most disadvantaged neighbors." There is no word yet on the future of the free-fare pilot program for bus service throughout the city. (Albuquerque Journal)
3. The Albuquerque City Council voted on Mar. 10 to approve Albuquerque local Angel Charley as a member of the Albuquerque Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission. Charley, who experienced domestic violence in her family as a child, has served in multiple organizations focused on providing resources and advocating for issues related to violence toward Native Americans. Her career of service includes being the executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, serving on New Mexico's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force, and participating in the Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence. (KOAT New Mexico)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Albuquerque Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Albuquerque Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Wednesday, April 5

• Sculpture Garden Tours At Albuquerque Museum (11:00 AM)
• Baby-Toddler Storytime At San Pedro Branch Library (11:15 AM)

Thursday, April 6

• Preschool Storytime At Lomas Tramway Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Deep Stretch Yoga With Bettina At Bear Canyon Senior Center (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• On the hunt for a new house to call home? To help in your search, here's a roundup of properties that are currently on the market in and around the Albuquerque area. (Albuquerque Patch)
• Are you excited about the 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? Good news! Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9:00 a.m. (KOB 4)
• The Santa Fe Fire Department is hiring! The 20-week Fire/EMS Academy to train cadets for Cadet Class 36 will start in August 2023. Learn more about starting a career as a firefighter/EMT and apply for the academy before Apr. 30 by clicking here. (Santa Fe Fire Department via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.