Albuquerque City Council Approves YDI Contract for Young Adult Shelter Services

The Albuquerque City Council convened on September 3, 2025, for its thirty-seventh meeting, focusing on critical issues surrounding youth services and homelessness in the city. The meeting began with a motion to approve a contract for the Senior Director of Shelters and Outreach, which passed with a vote of seven to two.

The council then moved to discuss a significant agenda item, EC 25428, which sought authorization to establish a professional service agreement with Youth Development Incorporated (YDI). This agreement aims to provide sheltering, case management, and housing navigation services for young adults aged 18 to 24. The motion received strong support from council members, with a second motion made to proceed to public comment.

Several community members spoke in favor of the YDI initiative. Dr. Lisa Kristofferson expressed gratitude for YDI's past contributions, highlighting their role in supporting youth who have faced challenges within the Child Youth and Families Department (CYFD). She emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable young people and criticized the perceived gender bias in questioning during the meeting.

Diana Lopez, Vice President of YDI, detailed the organization's long-standing commitment to youth services, noting their successful track record in providing shelter and support. She urged the council to approve the funding, emphasizing the critical need for such services in the community.

Robert Chavez, CEO of YDI, reinforced the necessity of the proposed agreement, stating it would fill a significant gap in emergency shelter services for young adults. He highlighted YDI's extensive experience and readiness to implement the program effectively.

Council members expressed their enthusiasm for the project, with Councilor Grout sharing her excitement about the contract's approval, which she has advocated for over three years. Other councilors echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing support and resources to young people facing homelessness.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among council members on the need for the YDI initiative, marking a significant step forward in addressing youth homelessness in Albuquerque. The council's commitment to this project reflects a broader strategy to enhance support services for vulnerable populations in the city.