BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. – Even before the 60-day legislative session began, there were a lot of wants and needs from different city, county and state leaders – a lot of them have to do with crime. But one district in Bernalillo County is switching things up and asking to fund a unique program on wheels. 

It’s the most densely populated district in Bernalillo County.

“You have people like me who have been living here our whole life, for generations, I raised my kids here. You also have people that are coming in newly from other places,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa. 

Barboa says that’s why it’s so important to have programs to support the diverse population.

“Having things that our families can do that are free or affordable in our community that is close to them. They may not have cars, or the time because they are tired, but if we are right there in the community then we can catch them and add a little bit of joy to their day,” said Barboa. 

The county already has one mobile rec van that makes it way around town with different games for children.

This legislative session, they are asking lawmakers for $1.5 million to add two more to their fleet. 

“It is really important that we invest in a public safety lens that really looks at meeting our communities needs,” Barboa said. 

Barboa says when we think about building a safer community, programs like these are important. 

“As I see a lot of criminal bills coming into our legislation, new laws, new penalties, I understand communities are suffering with crime, I feel it in my own community. But we also need to make sure that we are providing those things for the people who want some support, who need a little love, a little dignity, so they can also have access to the things they need,” said Barboa.