🌱 City Passes New Bill For Transit Security + Pushback On Rental Bill

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 50 Low: 26.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. The Albuquerque City Council voted on Monday to pass a new bill that would grant $1 million to the city's public transit system to increase security. The new bill would require the city to make short-term and long-term plans on how to address current security issues. To pass the bill, councilors compromised by removing an element that would have removed the zero-fares-for-all pilot. (Subscription: Albuquerque Journal)
2. Proposed legislation currently under review by the Albuquerque City Council to limit short-term rentals is facing pushback from councilors opposed to the plan as well as short-term rental owners. The proposed legislation would put several limits on short-term rentals in the city in hopes of increasing the availability of affordable housing. Opponents of the bill said it would harm small business owners and local investors in the city as well as reduce the availability of short-term rentals, which are often used by people coming to the city who are not just tourists. (KRQE News 13)
3. ABQ Ride is partnering with Papa Murphy's to give out coupons for free pizza in honor of 2023 Rider Appreciation Day. Members of ABQ Ride will be riding around the city today, Feb. 8, to hand out coupons and encourage others to use the transit system. (KRQE News 13)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• PHCC Zumba At Paradise Hills Community Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters! Check out this roundup of recently-listed properties and upcoming open houses in the Albuquerque area, including a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for $229,990. (Albuquerque Patch)
• According to a new Bumper.com study, New Mexico ranked No. 5 in the nation for driver fatality rates at 27.02 percent — the highest among states that use automated traffic enforcement cameras. See how we stack up against the rest of the country in the report. (Bumper.com)
• The Albuquerque Animal Welfare shelters are in need of blankets to help keep the pets warm! Donations can be dropped off at the Eastside Shelter or the Westside Shelter. (Albuquerque Animal Welfare via Facebook)
• Come join the Albuquerque Police Department for its next Coffee with a Cop event! Come chat with the Northeast Area Command officers and enjoy a hot cup of coffee on Feb. 10 at 11:30 am. at the AT&T Store on 6500 Holly NE. (City of Albuquerque via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— 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.