Community Access

Can I provide input on spending?

• 55% local share: Up to each locality (not required). Local governments are not required to seek public input on uses of their shares. However, each may choose to seek such input. For example, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque adopted mirror resolutions requiring the jurisdictions to engage in a strategic planning and public engagement process prior to spending their opioid settlement funds.[1] Watch for other opportunities to weigh in on city and county spending decisions, such as city council meetings and town halls.

  • Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque. In partnership with Vital Strategies and SBS Program & Evaluation Specialists, the county and city engaged in a robust community engagement process that included targeted community outreach, townhalls in each of the five county commission districts, townhalls and/or listening sessions with Pueblos and Native nations, and an online survey, among other strategies. This community engagement process was designed to:[2]

    • Improve community engagement between community members to listen, build relationships and learn from each other about the different ways city and county communities, individuals and families are affected by the overdose crisis.

    • Get community input, opinions, and ideas from across the city and county on how drug use and current responses to drug use affect the community and how responses and programs can be improved.

    • Create a report that summarizes the key themes from community feedback and share that report with City and County leadership.

• 45% state share: No opportunities available (not required). The state has not established recurring opportunities for the public to provide input on uses of its share.[3]

Can I apply for grants?

It depends. As of September 1, 2024, the state has not yet established any grant opportunities for its 45% share. Local governments may create grant programs to distribute their share of funds. The existence, parameters, and processes for local settlement grant programs will vary by locality, so stay alert for new opportunities. Visit the Opioid Settlement Community Grants Portal (OpioidSettlementTracker.com and Legal Action Center) for the most up-to-date information on settlement grant opportunities for community organizations.

Where do I go for updates?

• To find updates on the local share, a good starting point is to check the website for your county commission, city council, or local health department. See, e.g., City of Las Cruces.

• A single resource containing state share updates could not be found.[4]

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

1. Bernalillo County Administrative Resolution No. 2023-105, A Resolution Establishing a Policy for the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Monies (October 10, 2023). City of Albuquerque Council Bill No. R-23-174, Resolution Establishing a Policy for the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Monies (October 16, 2023). ↑

2. Community Engagement Plan for Opioid Settlement Funds Strategic Planning. Bernalillo County and City of Albuquerque (prepared by Vital Strategies). April 30, 2024. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑

3. If you see this change, email [e-mail]. ↑

4. If you see this change, email [e-mail]. ↑