Bernalillo County says housing, parks and roads poised for funding after legislative session

Bernalillo County officials said the work of turning this year’s legislative wins into on-the-ground projects is only beginning, with housing, parks, public safety and roads identified as priorities.

"The legislative session may have ended, but for Bernalillo County, the work is just getting started," said Kristen, who opened the county’s brief update. She said legislative partners secured backing for several county priorities and that county staff will begin follow-up once bill language is finalized and the governor acts.

County officials flagged housing as a major focus. "Housing ... will see a significant amount of investment," Kristen said, calling housing an important statewide issue and a local priority.

The county also highlighted parks and recreation spending, including continued investment for the Mesa Del Sol Soccer Complex. "What I really appreciate about that complex is that it gives so many young people the opportunity to do something that is productive and constructive," an agency official said, praising the complex and broader youth programming such as the "rec and roll" park initiative noted by Kristen.

On public safety, Kristen said the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office would receive upgrades in technology and training. The agency official added that the county serves as a "regional training academy," providing training support to other law-enforcement agencies.

Road and transportation needs were also emphasized. A meeting participant described North Valley streets as deteriorating: "Through the North Valley, both 2nd and 4th Street, the roads are just old and deteriorating," the participant said, noting those thoroughfares are relied on by both city and county traffic. Kristen said transportation was a major session focus, with "significant bonding capacity aimed at infrastructure" for interstates, state highways, counties and municipalities.

Kristen cautioned that final outcomes depend on the governor’s actions: "The governor has until March 11 to sign these bills into law," she said, and the county will confirm which measures "make the cut" after staff completes follow-through. She closed by asking listeners to follow county channels for updates.

The update did not specify dollar amounts, bill numbers, or an implementation timetable; those details will depend on final enacted language and subsequent county planning.