ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Hundreds gathered across Albuquerque for National Night Out, where residents met neighbors and city leaders to talk about safety and community needs.
Residents met Tuesday at events around the city to connect with neighbors, police and city leaders. City leaders said the gatherings gave people a place to raise concerns and share ideas about their neighborhoods.
For Wells Park resident, Doreen McKnight, the event centered on direct conversations about local changes, including a new park in the area.
“I think since this new park is open, people have concerns that there would be issues in the park, but I have not really heard many reports about that and the city keeps it clean and maintained and it’s been a great asset to the neighborhood,” McKnight said.
Albuquerque Police Department Chief, Cecily Barker, said the gatherings matter because they help neighbors reconnect and help officers build trust with the people they serve before someone needs to call 911.
“I think if we look historically, like when we were all growing up, like I knew who all my neighbors were,” Barker said. “We would have block parties and get together and you don’t see that as often, I think especially since COVID.”
“Get out, know who your neighbors are so that you guys can connect and communicate about what’s going on within your community,” Barker said.
Mayor Tim Keller and Barker visited multiple National Night Out events across Albuquerque. They said people in different parts of the city raised similar concerns, including suspicious activity, speeding and auto theft.
Keller said residents also shared ideas about city services, from park improvements to road repairs and help with rising costs.
“We’re trying to understand things like what areas need more shade structures at a park or what roads need to be repaved,” Keller said. “And then we’re still trying to do what we can to help ease the cost burden on people because inflation, like these are tough times. And so we’re listening to different ideas on how we can make life easier for all of us.”
City leaders said the feedback from National Night Out helps shape planning and improvements across Albuquerque. National Night Out has taken place for more than 40 years and happens each year on the first Tuesday of August.
