ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It's the first Albuquerque City Council meeting of the year and councilors passed an ordinance cracking down on vacant buildings downtown. Property owners are now required to register their vacant buildings with the city and create a plan to keep them in good condition. If owners do not comply, the city could take legal action, fining property owners $500 a day. "If you have a building that's completely empty, not only is it going to attract unwanted attention, it's also part of the reason why a building next door is going to have a hard time," said Councilor Joaquin Baca. Story continues below Trending: Criticisms mount over proposed Albuquerque housing bill News: Video: Driver of car strikes two police cruisers, history of crashing into police Business: Marble Brewery announces new owners The ordinance is sponsored by Councilo Baca. He said some buildings have been vacant for more than 40 years in downtown Albuquerque. The ordinance passed on a 7-2 vote. It is also a new chapter for city governance, as Albuquerque city councilors voted for a change in leadership. Councilor Brook Basaan, representing District 4, is the new president, and Councilor Klarissa Peña, representing District 3, is the new vice president. Stepping down is former president, Councilor Dan Lewis, and former vice president, Councilor Renee Grout.