The Albuquerque City Council meeting on June 16, 2025, featured significant discussions surrounding the retirement of long-serving council member Kevin Soroso and ongoing issues related to city code enforcement and police procedures.

During the meeting, council members expressed their gratitude and well-wishes to Soroso, who announced his retirement after 35 years in government service. Soroso reflected on his career, stating, "It's been fun. It's been challenging," and hinted at the possibility of writing a book about his experiences. Councilors praised his contributions, with Councilor Lewis highlighting Soroso's dedication and the challenges he faced while serving on the council.

In addition to the retirement announcement, the council addressed questions regarding code enforcement actions taken against local hotels. Councilor Champagne sought clarification on the timeline of violations leading to the closure of seven hotels, emphasizing the need for a detailed history of each property. City officials agreed to provide the requested information to ensure transparency in the enforcement process.

The meeting also touched on police procedures, particularly the use of sirens and lights by officers during crowd dispersal downtown. Councilor Champagne raised concerns about the appropriateness of this method, questioning its necessity given the peaceful nature of the crowds. The police department clarified that while this is not standard operating procedure, it is a tactic used to manage crowd control effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community concerns while also bidding farewell to a veteran member whose contributions have shaped local governance for decades. The council plans to follow up on the discussed issues, ensuring continued engagement with the community on important matters.