N.M. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION UNVEILS RECOVERY PACKAGE RESOURCE GUIDE

WASHINGTON – The New Mexico congressional delegation today unveiled a resource guide designed to help ensure that New Mexico can make the most of the economic recovery package enacted into law last month.

U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, and Representatives Martin Heinrich, Ben Ray Luján and Harry Teague said the guide contains necessary contact information and other key resources New Mexicans will need to tap into recovery funds.

“Our top priority is to help get our economy back on track. That is why we worked to improve and pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a historic $787 billion economic recovery package that will invest over $1.8 billion in New Mexico. For our state, this funding could not come at a more critical moment. Unemployment is rising. Home prices are declining. New Mexico communities, struggling to maintain critical jobs and services, are faced with nearly $575 million in state revenue shortfalls this year alone. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is intended to help reduce the length and severity of this recession for New Mexico families,” the delegation said.

Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last month, and President Obama signed it into law February 17. New Mexico will receive nearly $2 billion in formula funding, unemployment insurance, and Medicaid. The state also is eligible to apply for competitive grant funding.

“It is imperative that our families, businesses and municipalities have the information they need to access these funds as quickly as possible. To assist in this effort, and to provide information about the programs and funding opportunities available to individuals, communities and businesses in New Mexico, we have assembled this resource guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” the delegation said.

The guide is available at:

Bingaman.senate.gov
TomUdall.senate.gov
Heinrich.house.gov
Lujan.house.gov
Teague.house.gov

International District Press Conference

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 5th at 10:45 am, at the Talin Market, Mayor Martin Chavez will be having a press conference alongside City Councilor Rey Garduño to mark the Mayors signing of R-09-203 which recognizes the International District.

R-09-203, sponsored by Councilor Garduño, recognizes the area in and around Louisiana Blvd. between Central Ave. and Zuni Ave. as the “International District.”

This area includes the communities of La Mesa, Trumbull, South San Pedro, Elder Homestead, Fair West, and the surrounding areas.

If you are able, please come show your support of the International District.

ABQ RIDE Introduces New Rapid Ride Route

Join ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne as he encourages public comment about the new Rapid Ride "Green Line" -- service from Downtown to Tramway and Central.















Public Meetings

1. Singing Arrow Community Center - 13001 Singing Arrow Ave SE
March 3, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm

2. Highland Senior Center - 131 Monroe NE
March 4, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm

3. Alvarado Transportation Center - 100 1st Street SW
March 5, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Interantional District Passed the City Council Unanimously

R-09-203 was officially passed at the February 18th City Council Meeting. This resolution recognizes the area in and around Louisiana and Central and the surrounding areas as the International District.

Now that the County of Bernalillo and the City of Albuquerque are recognizing the International District, (click this link to view City Council Meeting, bill is heard at 2:49:00) the State in next. Senator Tim Keller has introduced a Joint-Memorial that recognizes the International District.

Next Thursday, February 26th the Memorial will be heard on the Senate Floor at 10:30am. Afterward, Senator Keller will be hosting District 17 Day, from 2pm to 4pm, which will celebrate the International District.

Join us in Santa Fe for District 17 Day and celebrate the International District, it's the IN thing to do!

R-09-203, Recogninzing the INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT

At the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 18th City Councilor Rey Garduño will be introducing R-09-203, which recognizes the area in and around Louisiana Blvd. between Central Ave. and Zuni Ave. as the “International District.”

The area in and around the International Marketplace at Louisiana Blvd. between Central and Zuni, which includes the communities of La Mesa, Trumbull, South San Pedro, Elder Homestead, Fair West, and the surrounding areas.

Throughout the years, these neighborhoods have had a disparaging name for their communities. Now, through community voice and the beginning of redevelopment in the area, residents are ready for a fresh start.

The discussion of the “International District” begun nearly six years ago and has taken place in Neighborhood Association Meetings, Health Coalition Meetings, and every community meeting in SE Heights. They have culminated in two Town Hall Meetings with Senator Tim Keller and Councilor Rey Garduño, where the community settled on a unified name.

“The population is the most diverse in the City, and possibly the State. Native Americans and New Mexicans whose families have been in New Mexico for hundreds of years live alongside recent immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and many other countries” said Councilor Garduño. “The many cultures, customs, and faiths are represented in this diverse and vibrant part of the city.”

Councilor Garduño is sponsoring R-09-203 simultaneously with State Senator Tim Keller, who is sponsoring Senate Joint Memorial 24 at the State Legislature, to have this area of Albuquerque no longer labeled by a derogatory term and ensure that community members have the right to name and create their own identity in their community.

Councilor Garduño is encouraging community members to come to the City Council Meeting and speak to the City Council, before their vote, about their community and their support for the “International District.” The Council Meeting begins at 5:00 pm at the Vincent E. Griego Chambers at One Civic Plaza NW.