City Profiles Albuquerque, NM, USA Climate Resilient Cities 47799 A Primer on Reducing Vulnerabilities to Disasters I/ CIty DesCrIptIon To reduce global warming, Albuquerque has initiated a set of programs with specified targets and designed to engage partners in the community, private sector, and technical centers in informing opportunities for making the city more resilient and efficient. The city strives to make the best use of its technical, financial, and human resources in this process. Coordination, information-sharing, and resource management are given high priority. In addition, infrastructure investments are designed to maximize resources by looking for opportunities to address both mitigation and adaptation goals. While the specificsof thecity'sprogramsaretailoredtoitscontext,theconceptsandprocessesmay present some useful insights to assist local governments in East Asia in translating theory into practice. This Profile is adapted, or in some instances drawn directly, from "AlbuquerqueGreen," the city's official environmental website (http://www.cabq.gov/albuquerquegreen). Population In 1990, Albuquerque's total population was 384,736. By 2000, the population had grown to 448,607, an increase of more than 16.6 percent. The population of Albu- Albuquerque has a priority querque in 2006 was 507,789 and is estimated to grow to 535,239 in 2010. Albuquer- que is endowed with a wealth of unique and very diverse cultures and was founded to create open-space lands through contributions by various ethnic groups: Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, Anglos, and Asians. According to the 1990 U.S. Census data, the popula- to preserve a high quality tion breakdown was as follows: 132,706 (34.5 percent) Hispanic; 224,374 Anglo (58.3 percent); 10,067 Native American (2.6 percent); 10,346 African American (2.7 per- of life; steps in that cent); and 6,112 Asian (1.6 percent). The average household income in 2005 was esti- mated to be US$59,829, and the median household income in 2006 was estimated to direction have made its be US$43,021. The median grew by 19 percent over the past 2 years to $49,000. Bosque Park area safe and Location Albuquerque is a high desert community located in the Central Rio Grand Valley. green, created carbon sinks, Water is a critical resource that requires constant attention, especially in regard to the impact of climate change. Albuquerque sits at an altitude of 5,326 feet and cov- and beautified the city. ers an area of 187.76 square miles with the Sandia Mountains as its eastern border, which causes the city expansion to be westward. The Sandia Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain chain and exert a major influence on the local weather. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery City Profiles Albuquerque's latitude and altitude combine to give it featured adobe construction, which naturally maintains a pleasant year-round climate. Albuquerque is just far interior temperatures at a comfortable level. True adobe enough south to be spared many of the storms that of- construction, however, is more expensive, and builders ten touch northern New Mexico, as well as to be spared often focus on the popular "adobe look," which doesn't the heat of Phoenix and other lower-altitude cities in the confer the same climate control advantages. same latitude. Albuquerque became an important urban area in the region during World War II. The valley areas were al- ready settled; as a result, development occurred in the The Office of Emergency Preparedness western and eastern mesa areas of the city. From the early 1920s to the early 1980s, development took place and its Office of Emergency Management on the east mesa in the form of single-family and multi- family dwellings, and strip commercial development and at the Emergency Operations Center are shopping malls. This pattern of low-rise development of the city led to sprawl and increased the overall built separate from the Economic Development area of the city, which explains the suburban automobile patterns that now dominate the area of the city known and Sustainability Office. Coordination as the Heights. By contrast, densification coupled with transit-oriented development tends to be more compact between the two offices and the and land-efficient, and also promotes less traffic-related emissions and building insulation. implementation of investment programs Economic Base and climate change initiatives would The principal employers in Albuquerque and its metro- politanareahistoricallyincludemajordefensecontractors benefit from a close working relationship. and high-tech related industries that have contributed to thecreationof astrongprofessional/technicalworkforce. The University of New Mexico, Sandia National Labo- The Built Environment ratories, Kirkland Air Force Base, Presbyterian Health The city was founded in 1706, and its historic district along Care Services, and Intel Corporation are the principal the banks of the Rio Grande has become a prime tourist employers, along with services and a small manufactur- destination. Its geography and cultural boundaries limit ing sector. Since 1990, manufacturing employment in and direct its growth--the Sandia Mountains to the east, Albuquerque in the high-tech sector increased due to the the Pueblo of Isleta boundary to the south, and the Pueblo massive expansion of Intel's computer chip fabrication of Sandiatothenorth.Growththustakesplacetothewest, plant and related investments in the Albuquerque area. andwillcontinuetodoso.Areasof environmentalconcern that have come to the fore because of the city's growth in- Governance Structure cludesustainabilityandqualityof thewatersupply,wildfires The Mayor of Albuquerque and the City Council are inthecity'sgreenareas,andairqualityassprawlhasmoved elected to four-year terms. Current Mayor Martin J. into the western areas. Transportation is automobile-de- Chávezisservinghisthirdterm,andthetenureof hispo- pendent and thus contributes to Albuquerque's sprawling sition has contributed to the continuity of the programs growth pattern, which the city would like to counteract. that have been initiated. Consistency and continuity are important to change and program implementation. Development density is an issue, as are the materials of which buildings are constructed. Traditional architecture The Office of Emergency Preparedness and its Office of 2 Albuquerque, NM, USA Emergency Management at the Emergency Operations fire from tourism and camping as well as lightning strikes Center are separate from the Economic Development and other natural causes of fire. Human behavior is the and Sustainability Office. Coordination between the two principal source of accidental fires. offices and the implementation of investment programs and climate change initiatives would benefit from a close working relationship. The city's Environmental Health Department manages and monitors air and water qual- ity. The Albuquerque­Bernalillo County Air Quality Water is the number one issue. Control Board has the authority and responsibility to prevent or abate air pollution in Bernalillo County. The supply of drinking water is Making "green" purchasing decisions is a city priority. vulnerable. Wildfires are the second issue. In 2006, the Mayor signed an executive order requiring that purchases of motor vehicles be limited to "alterna- tive fuel vehicles." The city hopes that its green purchas- Vulnerable Populations ing policies will influence and stimulate markets as well According to 2000 U.S. Census data, more than 11,200 as serve as an example for expanding the use of clean families, 10 percent of all families in the city, had in- energy fuels, innovative transport technologies, waste-to- comes below the poverty level. More than 15 percent of energy innovations, and green building products. all families with children had incomes below the poverty level. Nearly 20 percent of families with children under 5 years old had incomes under the poverty level. II/ prIorIty HazarDs/VulnerabIlItIes In terms of age, in 2000, 6.9 percent of the population The city of Albuquerque has identified priority hazards was under 5 years old, 20.0 percent was 5­18, 62.3 per- and its vulnerability to a variety of natural and/or tech- cent was 19­64, and 11.9 percent was 65 years old or nologically caused disasters or emergency situations. Wa- older. Approximately 36 percent of all families with chil- ter is the number one issue of concern to the City. The drenwereheadedbyasingleparent,andthevastmajority supply of drinking wateris vulnerable. Past efforts to deal of those were single mothers. Families headed by a single with this challenge include the San Juan­Chama proj- mother made up 27 percent of all families with children. ect, which diverts water from the San Juan River into the Chama River to increase the water supply for domestic Vulnerable Assets use. The development process for this project has been a Historic districts, including Old Town and rural adobe long one--20 years in the making--with details still be structures, have been put on the Historic Landmarks worked out. Survey of Albuquerque. Urban renewal was responsible for past destruction of historic downtown buildings and Wildfires are the second issue. The city fire department created an awareness of the need to preserve the remain- has begun to adapt to the new conditions and initiated ing old buildings. Increasing transportation costs have mitigation activities to address the fire hazard by clear- also fostered interest in the older areas for their advan- ing underbrush and dry material from the forest areas tages of location, walkability, and proximity to work and and parks. Bernalillo County, of which Albuquerque is cultural amenities. Additional study of the historic build- a part, has prepared a Hazard Mitigation Plan in which ing stock is required to determine structural safety and the issue of maintenance of wooded areas is dealt with. retrofit requirements in response to the potential hazard Areas are being set aside from public access to control the of extreme climatic events, including heavy snow, wind, accidental fires that have recently occurred, and volun- and fire. teer groups are patrolling the areas to control accidental 3 City Profiles Business and economic vulnerabilities relate to the de- of a four-year effort by a team of planning, engineer- pendence on government contracts to maintain the ing, legal, and finance consultants together with key city research and military manufacturing in the area. Loca- and county staff, was adopted into law through four bills. tion is not an issue since floodplains have not been over- The major goal of the Planned Growth Strategy is to developed, but flash floods do represent a hazard. create an efficient and resilient built environment, espe- cially addressing land use in Albuquerque. The Strat- egy comprises an urban growth land use plan, zoning III/ MItIgatIon Measures and design guidelines using Traditional Neighborhood Development principles, and financial requirements for The discussion below identifies a path for local govern- infrastructure to address needs for rehabilitation, main- ments to follow as they begin to engage in climate change tenance, and growth. The Strategy also states that it will programs. Selected examples presented in the text were assess development impact fees and provide guidance to adapted or drawn directly from extensive material avail- ensure that adequate infrastructure and community fa- able on the city's website, www.cabq.gov. cilities, including parks and schools, are available to sup- port new development; transportation linkages; housing Making Commitments affordability; legally defined planned communities in the Albuquerque participates in plans and agreements that comprehensive plan reserve and rural areas; joint city­ commit it to addressing global warming and climate county coordination; and regionalisms. change impacts through better urban management. By making commitments, the city puts its citizens on notice resolution 329 that the local government is serious about the changes Resolution 329 establishes a citywide renewable energy that are to come, and sets benchmarks and targets as source. The resolution substantiates the city's commit- well. Illustrative examples of the city's intent include the ment to energy efficiency and the actions required for following: results. the u.s. Conference of Mayors Climate protection land use agreement In 1993 the New Mexico legislature passed the Develop- At the annual meeting of the New Mexico Municipal ment Fees Act, which allows municipalities and counties League in August 2006, Mayor Chávez encouraged to enact impact fees, but which also requires the genera- 103 other New Mexico mayors to join Albuquerque in tion or compilation of data related to population growth signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protec- forecasts. In late 1994, the city council adopted the land- tion Agreement. The group voted unanimously to sup- use assumptions that had been developed as a part of the port the agreement for climate protection and reduced process of studying and projecting development impact greenhouse gas emissions. The mayor is also a member fees. and co-chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Urban Water Council and was part of a group of mayors from alternative Fuels In 1994, the city of Albuquerque joined with the Depart- across the country who issued the bi-partisan Mayors ment of Energy Clean Cities Program, which develops Statement on Global Warming. public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels the 2030 Challenge, energy Conservation Code, and and vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, green building standards and idling reduction. In 2006, the US. Conference of Mayors approved a resolution, cosponsored by Mayor Chávez, to adopt the planned growth strategy 2030 Challenge.1 The 2030 Challenge calls for an im- Albuquerque, together with Bernalillo County, issued mediate 50 percent reduction in fossil fuel energy con- the Planned Growth Strategy. The Strategy, the result sumption in new and renovated buildings, and challenges 4 Albuquerque, NM, USA the construction industry to become carbon-neutral by gies to reduce global warming and the hazards it may 2030. In 2007, Albuquerque adopted a revised Energy effect. Albuquerque's program and priorities include the Conservation Code that aims to reduce greenhouse gas following: (GHG) emissions by requiring new buildings, and exist- ing buildings undergoing alterations, to be more energy efforts to secure a safe Water supply efficient. Through an Executive Order Albuquerque es- In a high desert environment, secure and safe water is tablishedhigh-performancegreenbuildingstandardsfor among the most important issues facing society. The city projects. This was the first step in creating a Green quantity and quality of the water provided is to be as- Path Program. sured, as is the use of that water and the support of citi- zen behavior change to become responsible water users. greenhouse gas reduction Mayor Chávez encouraged 103 other Albuquerque is part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors New Mexico mayors to join Albuquerque Climate Protection Agreement, which commits to reduc- ing greenhouse gas emissions to levels 7 percent below in signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors 1990 levels as a start. Climate Protection Agreement. renewable energy and biofuels Thecityiscommittedtosaveenergyandeducatecitizens and employees in managing energy. Leadership directed Promoting Learning that the city function in a new way, one that operates to The City Council and the Mayor's office have invested make services energy efficient and run by other than fos- time, energy, and resources in promoting learning about sil fuels. One example is the near-term, effective, and vis- climate change. The learning curve included technical ible change that has retrofitted traffic signals by replacing support to establish an information base for policy and incandescent fixtures with light-emitting diodes (LED). program development, outreach to new partners and The LED lighting in traffic signals uses 90 percent less structured consultations to inform and be informed. energy, lasts more than ten times as long (100,000 hours), Learning through local associations, such as the New and shines brighter.7 Mexico Municipal League, is a potent tool for scaling up awareness and creating new partners for action. Events urban Forestry sponsored by the City include the following: Albuquerque has a priority to create open-space lands to preserve a high quality of life; steps in that direction n The first-ever regional air quality stakeholders' have made its Bosque Park area safe and green, created summit and an "Air Knows No Bounds" cam- carbon sinks, and beautified the city. This, combined paign; with the landscaping mandate for plants that are local n Albuquerque's first Technology Summit to pro- and require little water, is both reducing global warming mote innovation and economic development; and and working to create a water secure city. n The Sustainable Energy Town Hall. alternative transportation Setting Priorities Transportation options influence land use, facilitate a Albuquerque has identified a set of priorities based on healthy economy, clean the air, and reduce traffic. The its learning and its association with local, national, and city has invested in alternative energy fuels for bus ser- international organizations to determine a way forward. vice, created bike paths, and encouraged public modes The city sets an example of change and identifies the re- of transport to limit the use of fossil fuels. Albuquerque, sources needed to build in efficiencies and new technolo- with support from planners and community groups, has 5 City Profiles made the connection between good planning and the nesses to build green. Green building is the practice of community's health, creating and maintaining safe, at- increasing the efficiency of new buildings and reduc- tractive, and accessible walking environments. ing their impact on human health and the environment through better site location, design, construction, opera- Waste reduction and recycling tion, maintenance, and removal. These priorities were The city of Albuquerque initiated user-friendly recycling established through understanding and consensus with activities to educate the public on why recycling is impor- the public. tant and how easy it can be to recycle. The city has set up a residential curbside recycling program and created three drop-off convenience centers for recycling. The re- cycling effort is part of a plan to limit landfills and the The LED lighting in traffic signals methane gas that landfills produce. Methane is a signifi- cant contributor to global warming. uses 90 percent less energy, lasts more Waste has a direct impact on global warming. Organic than ten times as long (100,000 hours), materials slowly decompose and release methane gas, a global warming pollutant 21 times more powerful than and shines brighter. carbon dioxide. Municipal solid waste landfills account formorethanone-thirdof human-relatedmethaneemis- sions in the United States. Cities can limit their need for Partnerships and Collaboration and use of landfills by recycling waste and thereby limit- Albuquerque recognizes its advantage in creating and ing the amount being sent to landfills and by using the continuing working partner relationships to accomplish methane gas as a fuel. Technologies now exist to make goals of mutual interest; for example: effective and commercially viable use of methane gas. n The city has established management systems To provide a sense of scale, according to the U.S. Envi- that support improvement processes by develop- ronmental Protection Agency, there are more than 395 ing community partnerships with the Albuquer- landfill gas capture projects in the country and nearly que community at large and oversight agencies; 600 municipal landfills that could qualify for a methane n The Mayor's E-Team enhances implementation capture retrofit. The potential for electricity production of sustainability initiatives within the city govern- at the remaining landfills would be sufficient to provide ment and the community; power to 900,000 homes. n Albuquerque is an active member of the U.S. De- partment of Energy's Clean Cities program; energy Conservation n The Office of Economic Development carried Saving energy means converting old technology and be- out a Sustainable Legacy Plan to implement and ing smart in how the city manages itself. It is the city track the programs proposed to assure success of that once again will set the tone for the business com- the Sustainable Resource Analysis; munity and the domestic use of energy-efficient devices n The city coordinates with the Indicators Progress by converting to efficient-energy lightbulbs, heating and Commission to report on citywide sustainability air conditioning, solar inputs and natural light solutions, measures; among others, to reduce energy consumption. n The city also coordinates with the Energy Coun- cil on energy conservation initiatives; green building n Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Air Quality City government will also lead the way in setting green Control Board oversees air quality issues; and standards and providing financial incentives for busi- n Ground-Water Protection Advisory Board over- 6 Albuquerque, NM, USA sees implementation of the Albuquerque/Ber- based, on-going programs in Albuquerque. The roles of nalillo County Ground-Water Protection Plan. the Medical Reserve Corps and the Community Emer- gency Response Team in the city's Climate Change Pro- emergency operations and Disaster risk grams could be even larger since their outreach activities Management are a critical part of their work. To date the city's Cli- Albuquerque's hazards include floods, fires, water se- mate Change Initiatives have not made use of the com- curity, drought, and extreme weather events, including munity groups. ice storms, heavy snows, and flash floods. To confront these hazards the Office of Emergency Management The Community Emergency Response Team and was established. The local government structure could Medical Reserve Corps are part of the Emergency seek to build closer relations with the Sustainability Management training program. The Community Emer- Office and the programs it manages for the city to re- gency Response Team has 200 members who have gone duce global warning. The climate change impacts may through CERT training. The CERT programs feature create more frequent and more intense events such as training-of-trainers for its members. The Emergency wildfires and flash floods, harsher winters with more Operations Center has a clear message: "In the face of a snow, and erratic precipitation patterns that will affect major disaster or climate event Government will not be water security. there for you. You are the first responders."3 Perhaps the most interesting example of the priorities Financing Activities established in Albuquerque for emergency management In setting its priorities, Albuquerque looks to its domes- is the role of the community and the neighbor-helping- tic capital market for financing its programs and its ser- neighbor approach. This is a critical part of the all- vices to supplement and complement its budget derived hazards approach the Office of Emergency Manage- from taxes, user fees, and national and state grants for ment carries out to deal with the city's hazards.2 targeted projects. This provides the opportunity for lo- cal government to better plan and implement because it Community Volunteers and responsibilities can count on a reliable and consistent resource stream. Community participation is an important part of the This Primer strongly suggests that local governments Emergency Management program. How local govern- learn more about municipal finance and develop the ments perceive their citizens is an evolving image. From capacity to prepare and implement "commercially vi- the usual "beneficiary" position that had made "victims" able" climate change and hazard management capital of all affected families, the new position is one that is projects. In introducing the 2007 General Obligation now creating partnerships with and offering training and Bond Program and the 2007­2016 Decade Plan, Albu- support to community groups able and willing to take on querque goes to great lengths to educate its population response, education, and recovery responsibilities. Vol- as to what a bond is, why it is useful, and the purposes to unteer groups are being recognized only now as essential which it will be applied.4 to overall response and the 72-hour period of response just after an event. The financial incentives in the form of rebates are an- other means of encouraging the public to "Go Green" in Local government partnerships with their communities Albuquerque. Water rebates for water efficiency, as well are excellent opportunities to build a working relation- as facilitated building permits for green building projects, ship with their citizens, get information out on climate represent money to the builder. Water rebates, given for change and disaster impacts and issues, and gain cov- converting to modern, efficient appliances and fixtures, erage for response and recovery activities. The Medical would cover low-flow toilets, low-water use washing ma- Reserve Corps and Community Emergency Response chines, hot water recirculating systems, rainwater har- Team (CERT) programs are two effective community- vesting barrels, and multi-setting sprinkler timers. 7 City Profiles IV/ outCoMe anD IMpaCt ternative fuel vehicles, effective March 1, 2006. n Upgraded the entire city fleet including buses, po- The city government has taken a leadership position lice cars, fire trucks, and maintenance vehicles to as the example for the community to initiate change at use alternative fuels. Forty-five percent of all city home and for the business community to engage in and vehicles are alternative-fuel ready: practice green building practices and behavior change. ­ 1,200 vehicles are capable of using biodiesel, ThefollowingaccomplishmentsrepresentAlbuquerque's ­ 364 vehicles are capable of using E85 ethanol, actions taken to advance the city's agenda. ­ over 100 light vehicles use compressed natural gas (CNG), Efforts to Secure a Safe Water Supply ­ 34 hybrid light vehicles are in use, Accomplishments include the following: ­ 84 CNG buses and 12 diesel electric hybrid buses are part of the ABQ Ride bus fleet, n Securedasustainablewatersupply by implement- ­ airport rental car shuttles use CNG. ing the San Juan­Chama water project in 2003. n Established four city fueling stations to dispense Since1963,city leaders andwatercustomers have CNG. invested more than $50 million in the San Juan- n Mandated that all main fueling stations for the Chama water project to ensure a sustainable wa- city dispense B-20 biodiesel. ter supply for Albuquerque. n Instituted the use of Segway Personal Transport- n Exceeded goal of reducing water usage in Albu- ers by city Police, city Security, and Parking Divi- querque by 30 percent in 10 years. The Southside sion. Water Reclamation Plant is treating and recycling n Instituted the use of CNG Honda Civics. wastewater for irrigation. The Rio Grande Zoo is n PartneredintheMillionSolarRoofsprogramand supplied with recycled water, and older parks now received a Best Progress award from the Depart- have water meters to better manage the irrigation ment of Energy in 2005. of plants and green areas. n Implemented a program to convert landfill gas n In a water-scarce region, the city took the lead in to energy at Los Angeles landfill in Albuquerque. starting a xeriscaping rebate program for homes Excess electric power is sold to local utility com- and businesses (including golf courses). In xeri- pany. scaping, only plants with low water-use require- n Implemented a program at the Southside Water ments are used. Reclamation Plant to use anaerobic digesters to n Started a low-flow appliance rebate program. convert organic waste removed during the sewage Low-flow fixtures have been installed in commu- treatment process into fuel (methane gas). This nity Centers and nearly 300 public housing units. has resultedin an estimatedsavings of $2,000,000 per year in avoided electricity purchases. Renewable Energy and Biofuels Planting and Maintaining Trees The goal of the effort is to reduce Albuquerque's depen- Since 1983, the Open Space Division has planted over dence on petroleum-based fuels like gasoline. The use 23,000 cottonwood and willow trees in the Rio Grande of biofuels, ethanol, and electricity to power city mass Bosque (forest). Accomplishments include: transit and service vehicles is now mandated by the city. Accomplishments include: n Albuquerque has been a leader in Open Space Ac- quisition through legislation leading to the acquisi- n Succeeded in converting 20 percent of city's en- tion and preservation of over 4,000 acres of public ergy to wind power. open space. n Established Executive Order 19, which directs n In 2005, the city spearheaded efforts to save 250 that all city motor vehicles shall be limited to al- 8 Albuquerque, NM, USA acres of land along the Rio Grande Bosque from private development. n Massive restoration effort in the Albuquerque Encouraging the public to "Go Green" in Rio Grande Bosque, including a comprehensive exotic-species eradication to produce a safer and Albuquerque--Water rebates for water healthier Bosque ecosystem. n In 2004, the city launched a major Urban Forest efficiency, as well as facilitated building ImprovementInitiative.Themayorcommissioned the development of the city Urban Forest Master permits for green building projects, Plan, Tree Protection and Technical Manual, and a complete park and median tree inventory. This represent money to the builder. inventory is complete. The initiative includes hav- ing an urban forestry program to regulate and city operates 148 buses and 46 paratransit vehi- manage the city's 160,000 trees; hiring of a full- cles. In July 2005 to July 2006, 8.58 million pas- time city forester; and funding to plant 2,000 trees sengers boarded buses. per year in Albuquerque. n For 10 years now, the city has coordinated an on- going program of "adoption" and volunteer proj- Waste Reduction and Recycling ects to plant native tree and shrubs in the Bosque. A comprehensive recycling program includes curb- This has resulted in tens of thousands of new, suc- side pick-up, centers for drop-off recycling, and bins cessful native trees and shrubs. throughout the city. Each Albuquerque resident throws n Received an award from the National Arbor Day away nearly five pounds of trash every day, or almost one Foundation for tree care efforts by Albuquerque's ton each year. Recycling, along with reducing and reus- Open Space Division. ing the trash is an important component in the effort to preserve natural resources and reduce pollution. In ad- Alternative Transportation dition to recycling at home, Albuquerque encourages its The city has made the following progress to create alter- citizens to be proactive and offers them guidance on how native transportation options in Albuquerque: to recycle so that trash can be processed. n Launched Rapid Ride bus system that operates Energy Conservation twelve 60-ft articulated buses; In 2007, the city adopted a revised Energy Conservation n Launched downtown shuttle bus (D-Ride) that Code, which aims to reduce GHG emissions by requir- connects commuters to RailRunner train and ing new buildings, and existing buildings undergoing al- other bus routes; terations, to be more energy efficient. The code applies n Launched Albuquerque-Rio Rancho connection to commercial buildings, multi-family residential build- to the NM RailRunner; ings such as apartments, and single-family dwellings, and n Launched trolley system from downtown to Old requires the following: Town; n Created Bike & Ride program to encourage cy- n Commercial and multi-family residential build- cling in conjunction with public transportation; ings to be 30 percent more energy efficient than n Created and promoted one of the most extensive in the past; Bike Trail Systems in the country. In 2006, Albu- n Single-family dwellings to use substantially more querque was named one of "The 21 Best Cities insulation, which reduces energy waste by making for Cycling" in America by Bicycling Magazine; and the most of heating and cooling; n Launched Dump the Pump! Ride the Bus! The n Single-family dwellings to use more efficient heat- 9 City Profiles ing, cooling, ventilating, water heating, and light- in five city swimming pools to heat the pools and ing systems; and power the pumps. n Commercial, multi-family, and single-family build- n Methane gas is being collected and used at both ings to pass Thermal Bypass Inspections, which the Cerro Colorado landfill and the Los Angeles are designed to inspect insulation installation and landfill. The collection efforts have resulted in a ensure "tighter" buildings with less air leakage. reduction in GHG emissions. n City facilities already run on 20 percent wind Energy conservation accomplishments include: power. n Converted 575 traffic signals in Albuquerque to LED technology. When conversion is complete, this will result in an energy savings of 12,000,000 Albuquerque is a partner in the Million kilowatt-hoursandafinancialsavingsof $900,000 per year. Solar Roofs program and received a Best n Continued energy audits continue on municipal facilities. Progress award from the Department of n Converted outdated lighting at city hall, parking structures, police substations, fire stations, and Energy in 2005. community centers to modern, more efficient lighting technology. This has resulted in an en- Green Building ergy savings of 5,000,000 kilowatt-hours and a Constructing and maintaining office, government, and financial savings of $375,000 per year. residential buildings requires a significant amount of en- n Enacted legislation to set aside 3 percent of city ergy and produces a significant amount of greenhouse bond revenues for energy conservation and re- gases. The city is committed to building only energy- newables. This legislation passed the City Council efficient buildings in the future. The city's accomplish- in September 2006. The program starts in fiscal ments include: year 2007 and continues through 2011. n Establishedgreenbuildingstandardsforallbuilding Alternative Energy Usage projects funded by the city, including requirements The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign oil by taking to meet or exceed U.S. Green Building Leadership advantage of alternative energy sources like solar power, in Energy and Environmental Design. wind power, and biofuels. Accomplishments include: n In September 2005, directed city agencies to work with private industry to recruit "green building n The city of Albuquerque currently has 84 CNG supply industries" to Albuquerque. buses and 12 diesel electric hybrid buses in its n In June 2006, Albuquerque took a central role in ABQ Ride bus fleet. Resolution No. 50, which urged the U.S. Confer- n By the end of 2006, the city will have 6 new die- ence of Mayors to adopt the 2030 Challenge de- sel electric hybrid Rapid Ride buses. Next year, signed to decrease the amount of fossil fuels used about 35 old diesel buses will be replaced with by the building sector. Their goal is that the build- diesel electric hybrids. ing industry become carbon-neutral by 2030. n All city buses have bicycle racks mounted on front bumpers. Notes n The city provides free parking at city meters to This "City Profile" is part of Climate Resilient Cities: A hybrid vehicles. PrimeronReducingVulnerabilitiestoDisasters,publishedbythe n Installing solar heating and photovoltaic systems WorldBank.Theanalysispresentedhereisbasedondata 10 Albuquerque, NM, USA available at the time of writing. For the latest information The bond was approved for the 2007 General related to the Primer and associated materials, including Obligation Bond Program and 2007­2016 Decade the City Profiles, please visit www.worldbank.org/eap/ Plan capital improvements. The effort to explain climatecities. Suggestions for updating these profiles may the purpose of the bond is essential to the public's be sent to climatecities@worldbank.org. approving the bond issue and taking on the financial 1 http://www.architecture2030.org/2030_challenge/ commitment a bond represents. index.html. The General Obligation Bond Program for 2007 was 2 For more details about the Office of Emergency established by R-06-21; Enactment 2006-039 at a Managementprograms go to www.cabq.gov/emergency. minimum of $142 million, including a $9 million set- aside for Council-Neighborhood­initiated projects. 3 MoreinformationonCommunityEmergencyResponse During the planning period, it was determined that the Team and Medical Reserve Corps is found in the city city's general obligation bond capacity has increased web site. to $160 million, including Council-Neighborhood Set- 4 Albuquerque has had its bond issues rated receiving a Aside;1percentforImpactFeeReductions;3percentfor City Bond rating in 2007 of AA by the Fitch Rating energy conservation; and 1 percent for public art. The Agency. Credit and bond rating are important to not current value of the approved general obligation bond onlyallowaccesstothedomesticcapitalmarketandgive program is $149,387,000. When 1 percent for Public also comfort levels to investors, but the rating activity Art and Council-Neighborhood Set-Aside are added itself identifies areas for a city to improve its financial to the Mayor's recommendation, the total proposed management and project development capacity to be General Obligation program will be $159,973,000. able to raise capital in the bond market. A city cannot Departments submitted approximately $224 million in "fail" a credit rating exercise if it perceives the effort projectrequestsforthegeneralobligationbondprogram. to be one to improve its urban financial management In order to conform to the available funding, many city capacity. projects were reduced or deferred to out-years. © 2009 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. 11 City Profiles Sustainable Development East Asia and Pacific Region 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20433, USA Telephone: 202 473 1000 Facsimile: 202 477 6391 Web Site: www.worldbank.org/eapsd and www.worldbank.org/eapurban