County Spotlight At the direction of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Bernalillo County is extending its coronavirus COVID 19 building closures and employee tele-commuting policy to April 30. And, in an effort to maintain normalcy within the employee and county community, all county offices will be closed on Friday, April 10 in observance of the spring holiday, as originally scheduled. Law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel, 911 dispatch, and the Metropolitan Detention Center (no in-person visitation) will continue to work as normal.Bernalillo County and the BernCo Sheriff’s Office are aware of coronavirus (COVID-19) related scams trying to steal personal information from residents. Residents are warned that callers, impersonating healthcare services and providers, are asking for dates of birth, social security numbers, and names. The callers pretend this information is required to receive COVID-19 related test results, treatments, or vaccines. Residents are warned not to give their social security numbers over the phone. Healthcare services and providers in Bernalillo County are not asking for SSNs on the phone. If a caller claiming to be a healthcare service or provider asks for a SSN, it is likely a scam.Residents in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Census 2020 count have topped 41% in response to the Census 2020 questionnaire. According to national census data, the response rate, to date, in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County is 41.3%. That compares to a statewide rate of 30.7%.The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) is still hiring and training correctional officers. MDC is an essential government service, is still fully operational, and continues to need and hire correctional officers. For more information about becoming an MDC correctional officer for the academy class starting in May 2020, go to www.mdcrecruiting.com or call 505-839-8999.Following discussions with the State of New Mexico, 2019 second-half property tax payments will remain as scheduled by state statute. Payments must be submitted by email, deposited in the county drop box at Fifth and Marquette, or mailed and postmarked by May 10 to avoid any assessed penalties or interest. The Bernalillo County Treasurer’s Office does accept the postmark as the payment date.The Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health Services understands the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has created not only physical health concerns, but also mental health concerns. It is important that along with taking preventative and precautionary steps to protect ourselves physically, we also take proactive steps to protect our mental health during times of increased fear and anxiety.The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has recommended that the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) go into lockdown status while DOH tests close to 80 inmates for COVID-19. One inmate tested positive for COVID-19 March 29 and is currently quarantined alone in a cell inside a negative pressure room. The Bernalillo County Treasurer’s Office continues services online, by mail, and by drop box while the One Civic Plaza offices are closed. The main concern for Treasurer Nancy Bearce is the health and safety of all New Mexicans.Due to current limitations and circumstances, the Office of the Assessor for Bernalillo County has delayed the annual April 1 mailing of the notices of value (NOV) statements to property owners, to April 29, 2020, with a deadline to appeal or apply for property tax exemptions no later than May 29, 2020.Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca has issued an order suspending the single-use plastic bag ban for 60-days.A Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) inmate has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The jail learned of the positive test on Sunday, March 29. The inmate is isolated at MDC receiving treatment from the jail’s medical team. Inmates in two housing pods where the exposed inmate had been housed are under a 14-day quarantine.Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque are providing informative resources and guidance to local grocery stores on safe operation and minimizing the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. The resources explain the symptoms of COVID-19, how to prevent the spread of illness and outline best practices for grocery stores operators and customers.District 2 County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada has announced that the 27th Annual South Valley Pride Day has been postponed with a new tentative date of Sunday, May 31, 2020. The postponement was needed to comply with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s order banning groups larger than five people meeting together at one time.The Bernalillo County Youth Services Center is suspending all in-person professional visits effective immediately.Bernalillo County, in collaboration with private business partners, generous individual citizens, and the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department continue to help and serve the community in the midst of this historic health crisis. On-going food and household goods donation drives, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals, and boxes of food for families are happening right now. The Metropolitan Detention Center is releasing some inmates who are considered vulnerable to COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines. Inmates who are in custody facing violent charges are ineligible for release. No MDC inmate or staff has tested positive for the coronavirus. Following directives from the State of New Mexico, Bernalillo County has now closed a majority of its facilities to the public until further notice. Bernalillo County will be conducting a majority of its work and public functions through the use of online applications, email, and drop box services. Law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel, 911 dispatch, and the Metropolitan Detention Center (no in-person visitation) will continue to work as normal.BernCo continues to monitor the COVID-19 coronavirus situation and the safety of employees and citizens is the top priority. Effective Monday, March 23 office visits by contractors and customers to the following Public Works Division technical service sections will be by appointment only until further notice.The BernCo Housing Department has issued an order to cease evictions of residents who have reduced income and cannot pay their rents due to COVID-19.New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham mandated changes to the coronavirus (COVID-19) closure and exposure requirements today and in response Bernalillo County is increasing the status of its emergency operations center to level 2.The Metropolitan Detention Center has enabled remote inmate visiting as of Thursday, March 19. Those wishing to use the remote visitation system must go to https://sso.gtlconnect.com/users/sign_up to create an account.Clarification regarding the civil emergency powers to the county manager granted by the county commissioners on March 17.Coronavirus COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center is reminding owners to include pets in their preparedness plans.Officials at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) have put the following guidelines in place to help to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 Virus. MDC has temporarily discontinued all in-person visits to the secure area of the facility. This restriction applies to all non-essential security personnel, including any outside groups and/or volunteers. In addition, visits in the front area of the facility are temporarily discontinued.
County Video Bernalillo County Open Space Supervisor Mari Simbana explains availability and usage of Bernalillo County Open Spaces to the public while the county deals with the Coronavirus pandemic in our community.Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca stresses the importance of taking care of both your mental and physical health during this pandemic. Much of the focus at this point has been on our physical well being, but with all the compounded issues related to the coronavirus, not as much is being said about mental health awareness.Bernalillo County Communication Services explains the importance of social distancing, the State of New Mexico guidelines and why it's critical for all residents of Bernalillo County to observe this etiquette. This will lessen the spread of the Coronavirus help to flatten the curve during the global pandemic here at home.Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca delivers a message to residents to please refrain from hoarding during the COVID-19 pandemic.Bernalillo County has installed portable hand washing stations at a half dozen facilities where employees and customers must wash their hands before going to work or doing business with the county.Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca addresses the current health emergency regarding the coronavirus health crisis.Stand up and be counted in the Census 2020. Your community counts on you.Highlights from the BHI News Conference announcing five new providers who will be providing Education and Training Services for the Behavioral Health Initiative. Speakers include Vice Chair of the Bernalillo County Commission, Charlene Pyskoty, County Manager Julie Morgas Baca, Michelle Harmon, ARCA's Community Living Services Director and Cathryn McGill one of the founders of New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition.The Bernalillo County Public Art program unveils "Living Landscape" by Karen Yank, one of the West's leading public artists. The piece is at the Vista Grande Community Center in the East Mountains. The video has highlights from the ceremony.A step by step guide on how to figure out who your Bernalillo County Commissioner is, in addition to the other elected officials who represent you.
View All EventsUpcoming EventsCounty Meetings Home Page EventsHome Page Description4/8/20204/8/2020 - (CANCELLED) Art Along the Rio Grande: Experience Nature Through the Artists' LensArt Along the Rio Grande: Experience Nature Through the Artists' Lens is a visual exploration of the ecological and cultural richness of the South Valley’s Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge. The exhibit is a joint project of the Refuge, Gutiérrez Hubbell House, Friends of Valle de Oro, Hubbell House Alliance, and Bernalillo County Public Art. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the Southwest’s first urban refuge, located in the South Valley, just a few miles south of downtown Albuquerque. The refuge is in the process of restoring a former dairy farm back to a mosaic of native New Mexico habitats in order to provide an oasis for wildlife as well as an abundance of education and recreation opportunities for the community. The exhibit showcases the work of local artists in diverse mediums. For the past 7 years, photographers of all ages and skill levels have been invited to participate in an annual photo contest hosted by the refuge, to capture images of the refuge's wildlife, landscapes and people. This exhibit will feature the winning images from the 2019 photo contest, highlighting the refuge this past year as it begins restoration. Sketches and images from the Fall 2019 field mural project featuring 5 women muralists will be on display at GHH. The murals can still be seen at the Refuge, while sketches, photos, and other works reflect the goals and processes of the artists. Artwork by local Artist Wren Walraven, will also be featured. Wren’s artwork content comes from her personal experiences with wildlife, her passion for those animals and the magical desert scenery. Join us in this celebration of the South Valley’s environmental beauty, creativity, and community connections.Location:Gutierrez-Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta Blvd. SWTime:4/8/2020 10:00 AM - 4/8/2020 2:00 PM4/8/20204/8/2020 - (CANCELLED) Chair YogaJoin us for chair yoga every Monday and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Alameda Senior Meal Site. Call Jessiva Benavidez at (505) 897-8896 with questions.Location:Alameda Senior Meal Site, 9800 4th St. NWTime:4/8/2020 10:00 AM - 4/8/2020 11:00 AM4/8/20204/8/2020 - Virtual Hiriing WorkshopWe're bringing our workshop to you! Like our previous workshops; this workshop is designed to help you set yourself up for success. Start your Journey today! Text Deputy Maltby for details and how to join the virtual workshop Registration Text: (505) 804-0004 Email: amaltby@bernco.govLocation:Online Class!Time:4/8/2020 5:00 PM 4/9/20204/9/2020 - ABC Community Schools Virtual Board Meeting4/14/20204/14/2020 - Board of County Commissioners - Zoning4/14/20204/14/2020 - Board of County Commissioners - Zoning
View All Elected OfficialsView Commission District MapMeet Your County Commissioners Debbie O'MalleyDistrict 1Steven Michael QuezadaDistrict 2James M. CollieDistrict 3Chair Lonnie C. TalbertDistrict 4Vice Chair Charlene E. PyskotyDistrict 5