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Joaquín Baca

BikeABQ
Candidate Survey

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Loretta Naranjo Lopez

1. Albuquerque has the second deadliest streets of any city in the US, with approximately 110 people killed by vehicles each year while walking, biking, or driving, and another 6,500 people injured. How important is it to you that Albuquerque maintain and act on its commitment to the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities from traffic violence? 
 

As a City council candidate, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of Albuquerque's residents. The alarming statistics regarding traffic-related fatalities and injuries highlight the urgent need for action. Maintaining and acting on our commitment to the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities from traffic violence is of utmost importance.

By striving for Vision Zero, we are acknowledging that every life in our community matters and that even one preventable death is one too many. This commitment not only demonstrates our dedication to preserving human life but also promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and empathy on our streets.

Implementing effective strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in improved infrastructure, enhancing traffic education and enforcement, engaging with community stakeholders, and fostering a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to traffic violence.

By prioritizing Vision Zero, we can create safer streets for all residents, regardless of whether they are walking, biking, or driving. This commitment will not only save lives but also enhance the quality of life in Albuquerque, making it a more vibrant and attractive city for both residents and visitors.

I firmly believe that by working collaboratively with BikeABQ, other advocacy organizations, city officials, and community members, we can make significant progress towards achieving the Vision Zero goal. Let us join forces to create a city where everyone can navigate our streets safely, free from the fear of traffic violence. As a City council candidate, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of Albuquerque's residents. The alarming statistics regarding traffic-related fatalities and injuries highlight the urgent need for action. Maintaining and acting on our commitment to the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities from traffic violence is of utmost importance.

By striving for Vision Zero, we are acknowledging that every life in our community matters and that even one preventable death is one too many. This commitment not only demonstrates our dedication to preserving human life but also promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and empathy on our streets.

Implementing effective strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in improved infrastructure, enhancing traffic education and enforcement, engaging with community stakeholders, and fostering a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to traffic violence.

2. In 2019 Albuquerque updated its Complete Streets Ordinance to support safe and efficient street design for all users. What are the biggest remaining barriers to getting people to choose walking, biking, or public transit instead of personal vehicles, and what would you do to address these impediments? 

As a City council candidate, I recognize the importance of promoting alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, and public transit to reduce our dependence on personal vehicles. While Albuquerque's updated Complete Streets Ordinance is a significant step in the right direction, there are still barriers that need to be addressed to encourage more people to choose these sustainable options.

One of the biggest barriers is the perception of safety. Many individuals hesitate to walk, bike, or take public transit due to concerns about traffic-related accidents or crime. To address this, I would prioritize the implementation of infrastructure improvements that enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. This includes expanding and improving sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks, as well as increasing lighting and security measures at transit stops.

Another barrier is the lack of convenient and reliable public transit options. To encourage more people to choose public transit, I would advocate for increased investment in expanding and improving the transit network. This can include increasing the frequency and coverage of bus routes, exploring options for light rail or other mass transit systems, and implementing real-time transit information systems to enhance convenience for commuters.

Additionally, promoting active transportation and public transit requires a cultural shift in how we perceive and prioritize these modes of transportation. I would work towards fostering a community-wide awareness and education campaign to highlight the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transit. This can involve organizing events, workshops, and initiatives that showcase the environmental, health, and economic advantages of choosing sustainable transportation options.

Furthermore, I would actively engage with community stakeholders, including BikeABQ and other advocacy organizations, to gather input and feedback on transportation needs and priorities. By involving the community in decision-making processes, we can ensure that our efforts to address these barriers are comprehensive and inclusive.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a city where walking, biking, and public transit are convenient, safe, and attractive choices for all residents. By addressing barriers, improving infrastructure, and fostering a supportive community environment, we can make significant progress in encouraging more people to choose sustainable transportation options and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

3. ABQRide remains severely understaffed, with motorcoach operator vacancies more than double their pre-pandemic numbers despite severe reductions in service. Other facets of our transit system, including mechanics and stop maintenance, are also understaffed. What is your plan for filling the staffing shortage at ABQRide?  

As a City council candidate in Albuquerque, I recognize the critical importance of addressing the staffing shortage at ABQRide to ensure the efficient and reliable functioning of our transit system. The severe understaffing of motorcoach operators, mechanics, and stop maintenance personnel is a significant concern that needs immediate attention.

To address this staffing shortage, I propose a multi-faceted approach:

1. Recruitment and Retention: Implementing targeted recruitment campaigns to attract qualified candidates to fill the vacancies at ABQRide is essential. Collaborating with local educational institutions, job placement agencies, and community organizations can help establish a pipeline of potential employees. Additionally, offering competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement can help improve retention rates and reduce turnover.

2. Training and Development: Investing in comprehensive training programs for new hires, as well as ongoing professional development opportunities for existing employees, is crucial. This ensures that all staff members are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and certifications to perform their roles effectively. Collaborating with industry partners and organizations can provide access to specialized training resources.

3. Streamlining Hiring Processes: Reviewing and streamlining the hiring processes at ABQRide can help expedite the recruitment and onboarding of new staff members. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving communication channels, and leveraging technology for efficient and transparent recruitment procedures can contribute to a more streamlined hiring process.

4. Collaboration and Partnerships: Engaging in partnerships with local organizations, unions, and community groups can help address the staffing shortage collaboratively. By working together, we can tap into additional resources, expertise, and support networks that can contribute to filling the vacancies at ABQRide.

5. Public Awareness and Support: Raising public awareness about the staffing shortage and its impact on transit services can rally community support for addressing this issue. By highlighting the importance of a well-staffed and efficient transit system, we can garner public support for initiatives that prioritize filling the staffing gaps at ABQRide.

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards filling the staffing shortage at ABQRide and ensuring a reliable and efficient transit system for the residents of Albuquerque. I am committed to actively advocating for resources, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing innovative solutions to address this issue promptly and effectively.

4. What is your plan for increasing housing supply in Albuquerque, particularly along useful transit corridors and near popular amenities? How do you plan to increase housing availability without requiring the occupants of those houses to own a car to participate in most aspects of city life? 

As a City Council candidate in Albuquerque, I am fully aware of the pressing need to increase housing supply, particularly along useful transit corridors and near popular amenities. It is vital to prioritize housing availability while also promoting sustainable and accessible transportation options that reduce reliance on private car ownership.

To address this issue, I propose the following plan:

1. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Encouraging and incentivizing transit-oriented development is crucial. By working closely with developers and city planners, we can promote the construction of mixed-use, higher-density developments near transit corridors. This approach would create vibrant communities where residents can easily access amenities, services, and employment opportunities without relying heavily on car ownership.

2. Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Reviewing and updating zoning and land use regulations is essential to accommodate more housing options along transit corridors. This can include studying and reviewing density, reducing parking requirements, require open space, and streamlining approval processes for transit-oriented developments. By partnering with GAHP and Yes Housing and private construction companies, we can facilitate the creation of diverse housing options that are conveniently located near popular amenities.

3. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Implementing robust affordable housing initiatives is crucial to ensure housing availability for a wide range of residents. This can involve providing financial incentives to developers for including affordable units in their projects, collaborating with nonprofit organizations to increase affordable housing stock, and exploring creative financing options such as land trusts and community land cooperatives.

4. Infrastructure Investment: Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as expanding and improving public transportation networks, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways, is essential to enhance connectivity and accessibility. By prioritizing investments in these areas, we can create a more walkable and bike-friendly city, reducing the need for car ownership and promoting active transportation options.

5. Community Engagement: Engaging with community stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, and residents, is crucial in the decision-making process. By actively involving the community, we can ensure that new housing developments and transportation solutions align with the needs and desires of the residents, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the city's growth and development.

By implementing these strategies, we can increase housing supply along useful transit corridors and near popular amenities while reducing the dependency on car ownership. I am committed to actively working with stakeholders, advocating for smart development practices, and implementing policies that support sustainable, accessible, and inclusive housing options for all Albuquerque residents.

5. Albuquerque’s urban areas have limited space on streets. In order to increase safety and improve mobility, some modes of transportation must be prioritized over others to make the most of this limited space. Please rank how you would prioritize different modes of transportation on city streets, using numbers 1 through 7:

1. Walking & devices that aid people with a disability
2. Parking
3. Public Transportation
4. Bicycles and Scooters
5. Ride Hailing Services (Taxi, Uber, Lyft)
6. Personal Automobiles
7. Freight and Delivery

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