ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque is supporting a proposed ordinance, relaxing the rules to set up sanctioned encampments known as Safe Outdoor Spaces. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s administration, working with Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers, is looking to tweak the rules for organizations applying to host one of these sites.
Pastor Jesse Harden is one of those operators, hosting a site that opened in April at New Creation Church. He said some of the current rules can be prohibitive, like requiring 24/7 security.
The proposal would give operators more latitude to define their own security needs. “If you pay someone minimum wage to be there 24/7, it’s over $100k a year, so that right there eliminates 99% of people who try to do it,” said Harden.
Other changes would relax the requirement for permanent, 24/7 bathrooms and showers, instead allowing alternatives like mobile trailers. It also allows for mobile case management and other services, instead of requiring them to be permanently on site.
