City to take public input and recommend a local firm following voter approval of center to connect people experiencing homelessness to services and permanent housing

Funding for the new homeless shelter passed in the last election. The city is asking where to put it. And if we have concerns. Here is your opportunity, included is a link to register you concerns.

cabq.gov/family/services/homeless-services/community-feedback-gateway-center

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M —After a broad majority of voters approved the City of Albuquerque’s proposal to build a gateway center to connect people experiencing homelessness to resources, services and to help them transition into permanent housing, the project took two major steps forward this week.

Mayor Tim Keller’s administration will hold a public information and input session on December 14, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The session will give the public an opportunity to weigh in on criteria for consideration in the design and function of the center, including siting, services offered, and neighborhood impacts.

“Voters gave the project a mandate and the next critical step is continuing our public input process on siting and services,” said Mayor Keller. “Starting Monday, the public will have the opportunity to comment online over the next two weeks or in person on December 14.”

The Mayor has also sent a formal recommendation to the City Council on an architect to design the project: local Albuquerque firm Mullen Heller Architecture, PC.

“It’s important to select an architect now so they can be involved in the design at an early stage and get the input from public comment sessions. Input from the community is critical and must be a component of the design by the chosen architect,” said Family and Community Services Director Carol Pierce.

The executive communication will be heard by the City Council at its December 16 meeting, where the public will also have the ability to comment.

The public is asked to register in advance for the public session by clicking here or calling Constituent Services at (505) 768-3000.