Albququerque,NM (KKOB) – Bernalillo County has announced their list of priorities for the upcoming 2026 legislative session which begins on Tuesday in Santa Fe.
In total, Bernalillo County is seeking $72,886,000 in capital outlay funding, in an effort to support countywide initiatives including public safety, housing stability, animal welfare, infrastructure maintenance and youth services while also advancing district-driven projects shaped by commission leadership and community input, the county announced in a press release.
The following list highlights Bernalillo County’s top countywide funding priorities that are being presented to legislators at the upcoming session:
Economic Development and Quality of Life
Bernalillo County is seeking $5 million to continue expansion of the Mesa del Sol Regional Outdoor Sports Complex, making it a regional and national destination for tournaments and youth athletics.
Housing Stability and Community Investment
The county is prioritizing rehabilitation of the El Centro and Seybold Village housing complexes and is seeking $1 million to maintain safe housing for residents with the greatest need and preserve existing affordable housing.
Also, the county is requesting an additional $98.3 million in housing funding from House Bill 2 for its BernCo Builds Communities housing initiative. The proposed funding would support the development of additional housing units, rental assistance vouchers, and rapid rehousing efforts.
In 2025, BernCo was awarded $61.5 million from the State Legislature and Governor Lujan Grisham for housing. As of Jan. 2026, the county has deployed 79% of these funds for affordable housing projects with the remaining amount completely invested by June 2026.
Road and Infrastructure Improvements
Targeted investments in county-maintained roads remain a top priority, focusing on preventative maintenance and surface improvements that enhance safety and extend roadway life. To advance these necessary projects, the county is pursuing legislative funding for $2.5 million.
Youth Services and Juvenile Justice
The county is prioritizing a $2.5 million investment to modernize medical, dental and mental health facilities at the Youth Services Center, supporting youth rehabilitation, staff safety and the county’s role in caring for detained youth statewide.
Public Safety Training and Crime Prevention
The county is advancing plans for a new public safety training center and seeking continued investment in crime prevention technology to improve response times, situational awareness and coordinated law enforcement operations. For these improvements, the county is seeking $4 million.
Courthouse and Justice System Improvements
Ongoing improvements to the Bernalillo County Courthouse remain a priority as the county works to meet increasing demands on the judicial system, with a focus on accessibility, safety and building system upgrades. To help reach this goal, the county is recommending an investment of $1 million.
Animal Care Services Capacity
Bernalillo County is also advocating for $2 million in funding to expand and improve Animal Care Services facilities to address increased animal intake, support animal welfare and meet operational needs.
Bernalillo County says it is advancing a legislative agenda that balances major countywide capital priorities with targeted investments identified by each of the five county commission districts, ensuring that both systemwide needs and neighborhood-specific challenges are addressed.
