What will be discussed at the City Council meeting... Stopping Developer
Subsidies for Sprawling Subdivisions
Councilors will consider legislation sponsored by Councilors
Cadigan, Benton and Garduno that would limit the use of Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) within Albuquerque.
Although originally used to promote urban infill
development, Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs) have been being used
to subsidize sprawling fringe development. TIDDs allow developers to receive up
to 75% percent of the district’s incremental gross receipts and property tax revenues
for up to 25 years, luring jobs, economic activity and homebuyers out of the
existing community and into fringe developments.
If we’re going to reign in our global warming and air
pollution emissions, we need to stop paying developers to sprawl.
Specifically, the bill would permit TIDDs only within the 1979
boundaries of the City, within a metropolitan redevelopment area, and/or in a
Reserve area in which City Council has previously approved a TIDD. TIDDs would
be allowed outside of the 1979 boundaries only if the TIDD were consistent with
the No Net Expense Policy and was limited to non-residential development only.
The bill would also limit the use of property tax money used to pay for TIDDs.
For the agenda and links to the proposed bill and exhibits, go
to: http://daystar2.cabq.gov:81/calendar/
Ending Toxic Mining
on Fragile Lands
Councilor Garduno will be introducing a resolution in
support of the 1872 Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, which the U.S.
House of Representatives has already passed and the Senate will soon consider.
The century-old mining law that is currently on the books allows mining
companies practically unfettered access to our public lands and national
forests. According to the EPA, mining waste has polluted 40 percent of the watersheds
that provide Western communities with drinking water.
This reform is needed to protect our National Parks, our drinking water
and ensure that polluters pay to clean up abandoned mines.
For more information about Environment New Mexico’s mining work, go to: https://www.environmentnewmexico.org/preserving-nm/save-the-grand-canyon-stop-toxic-mining
Protecting New
Mexico’s Limited Water Supply
Councilor Cadigan will be introducing the “Water
Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste” and “Water Conservation Water by
Request” ordinances that would: Promote water
efficiency and conservation by setting strict water
conservation standards for city-owned property and private property (including
low-flow toilet and xeriscaping requirements)
- Promote water
efficiency and conservation by setting strict water
conservation standards for city-owned property and private property (including
low-flow toilet and xeriscaping requirements)
- Remove restrictive covenants that prohibit property
owners from using xeriscape landscaping, efficient irrigation systems and water
harvesting
- Determine irrigation system standards, inspection and
enforcement procedures
- Require restaurants to provide drinking water
only by request and hotels to offer customers the option of not changing sheets
and towels for short stays
These important ordinances would help to safeguard New
Mexico’s limited water
supply by increasing efficiency and eliminating wasteful practices.
For the agenda and links to the proposed bill and exhibits, go
to: http://daystar2.cabq.gov:81/calendar/ | 