In his sixth State of the City Address, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller laid out a vision focused on “a future worth fighting for.” His priorities include public safety, housing and homelessness, growing the local economy, improving healthcare access, and fostering inclusive communities.
A primary focus of Mayor Keller’s address was public safety, announcing a series of initiatives to reduce crime and enhance safety across the city, including increasing patrols on public transit, expanding the ShotSpotter gun detection system, and doubling the number of speed cameras. Additionally, Mayor Keller outlined plans to install more security cameras and license plate readers, add new streetlights, and provide grants to businesses to improve their security.
Mayor Keller introduced the Metro Homelessness Initiative, a comprehensive strategy to get people off the streets and into housing. This initiative includes efforts such as improving the city’s housing voucher system and introducing a Renters’ Bill of Rights and Landlord Engagement Program. He also announced the creation of a distributed Gateway Network to offer wrap-around services at multiple locations, including medical respite and youth-specific services.
Mayor Keller also focused on economic growth, highlighting Albuquerque’s progress in attracting significant investments in green energy, including over $1 billion from companies such as Ebon, Maxeon, and Array. He expressed support for raising the city’s minimum wage to help working families and detailed efforts to revitalize downtown Albuquerque, which will benefit from a $200 million investment through a Tax Increment Financing District. Additionally, the Mayor emphasized the success of the Job Training Albuquerque program, which has helped train nearly 2,000 employees and boost local earning power.
Watch the Mayor’s full address here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
