City of Albuquerque to provide aid to businesses affected by COVID-19, riots

Albuquerque’s mayor this week vowed to provide assistance to downtown businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic and riots during police brutality protests.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, the city has contracted with minority-owned Glass on Wheels to replace an estimated $200,000 in windows that were broken during the protests.

There is no timeline when the windows will be replaced. Many downtown businesses have been boarded up as a protective measure.

Business owners needing help should call the city’s Small Business Office at 768-3730 or email smallbusinessoffice@cabq.gov.

But Mayor Tim Keller said the pandemic has affected businesses even more.

Keller also noted that the Route 66 corridor has been “disproportionally hurt, compared to other parts of the city,” initially because of Albuquerque Rapid Transit system construction and then the coronavirus.
“Our city is using part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) funding and other funding streams available to try to do revitalization and economic development up and down Route 66.”

Synthia Jaramillo, the city’s economic development director, said the city recently issued a $500,000 request for proposals to partner with a marketing firm to develop a plan to promote Central Avenue.

KRQE-TV reported the city’s Public Art program is collaborating with businesses to create murals and other street art installations in downtown. Artists may email the program at SatelliteGalleries@cabq.gov.

(Image of Central Avenue in downtown Albuquerque by IIP Photo Archive via Flickr)

2 thoughts on “City of Albuquerque to provide aid to businesses affected by COVID-19, riots

  1. So that this foreigner knows what this means “minority-owned Glass on Wheels” – please explain.

  2. What minority owned means it is being done with out any white people. The business could be owner by African Americans, people of Mexican descent or even Native Americans.
    Anybody who is not caucasian
    I’m not trying to sound racist. I’m just telling you what it means.
    Big hugs to everyone. Lulu.

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