Albuquerque’s new designation as a 2030 District, Regional Transportation Needs, Lyft

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we learn about the city of Albuquerque’s new designation as a 2030 District. The 2030 Districts are areas around the country where business leaders commit to taking steps to address climate change by reducing water use and carbon emissions on a local level. NMiF producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with Holly Carey, program manager of the Albuquerque 2030 District, to hear the goals for Albuquerque.

The Mid Region Council of Governments recently finalized a transportation plan that looks at regional transportation needs from now through 2040. Aaron Sussman, a transportation planner with MRCOG, joins Sarah Gustavus to discuss the details of the plan.

Host Gene Grant and the line opinion panelists debate whether it’s a good or bad thing for New Mexico that the Lyft ridesharing company recently announced it will stop operations in our state. Uber, the main competitor of Lyft nationwide, is still operating but potential changes in regulations of the industry may change the business climate. The line will also discuss proposals to raise the national minimum wage and the latest news on the proposed Santolina development in southwestern Albuquerque.

GUESTS:
Holly Carey, Program Manager – Albuquerque 2030 District
Aaron Sussman, Transportation Planner – Mid Region Council of Governments

LINE PANELISTS:
Dan Foley, Former NM House Minority Whip
Julie Ann Grimm, editor of the Santa Fe Reporter
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, Sanchez Legal Solutions
Stephen Spitz, host of New Mexico People, Places and Ideas on KUNM

CORRESPONDENT:
Sarah Gustavus, @SarahGustavus

HOST:
Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 844 airs May 15, 2015