Mayor Vetoes Fund Shift, Backs Rail Trail Amid Community Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Mayor Tim Keller exercised his line-item veto on February 20, 2025, to restore funding for the Rail Trail project after City Councilors attempted to redirect $500,000 to a planned sports complex. The Rail Trail is designed to connect neighborhoods and provide safe pedestrian and biking routes across the city.

The City Council’s decision to transfer funds was met with considerable community backlash, prompting Keller’s swift action. “I do not support taking funding away from a project already under construction,” Mayor Keller said. “I stand with our community and am exercising my line-item veto authority to keep Rail Trail progress on track.”

The Rail Trail, currently under construction at the Central crossing and Sawmill district, aims to create an urban pathway that embodies the city’s history through its design. Community members have rallied behind the project, expressing concerns over the funding shift. A rally, titled “Rally for the Rail Trail,” is scheduled for February 23 at the Sawmill site to support the initiative.

Residents voiced their opinions in a City Council meeting on February 3, where the funding transfer was initially approved. Albuquerque resident Andrew Keleher noted the importance of proper funding allocation for both youth sports and community projects, reflecting a need for balanced prioritization. “I hope you continue to have an open mind and consider options to backtrack that decision,” Keleher said to the councilors. He highlighted that community projects should not be pitted against one another.

Deputy Director of Council Services Mark Motsko clarified that the funding reallocation came from a gross receipts tax bond and stated, “We moved a half a million from the Rail Trail to the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Complex.” This shift raised concerns about the future financing of the Rail Trail, which is intended to be a multi-phase, multi-year project.

Mayor Keller reiterated his commitment to both the Rail Trail and the Indoor Sports Complex, a project he has supported since he took office. In his veto message, he stressed that all projects should move forward together, rather than competing for funds. “I oppose the City Council’s decision to redirect half a million dollars from the Rail Trail,” he stated, emphasizing the need for collaboration.

City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn was the only council member to oppose the funding shift, asserting it set a dangerous precedent for future projects. “I hope we do not see this again,” Fiebelkorn remarked while questioning the administration’s assertion that funding for the Rail Trail was secured.

Supporters of the Rail Trail project believe it is crucial for urban development and enhancing quality of life in Albuquerque. Further discussions are planned between the Mayor and the City Council to explore funding possibilities for both projects moving forward.