Mayor· 2017-12-01 to 2030-01 (first took office December 1, 2017 per Wikipedia infobox; third term sworn in January 4, 2026 per cabq.gov; month-level end: January 2030, four-year term)
Tim Keller
Albuquerque
About
Tim Keller's campaign and mayoral platform focused on addressing complex social issues such as homelessness with approaches other than mass incarceration, while running against law-and-order challengers to secure a historic third term.
Campaign promises (1)
- public-safetyHe stated that arrests were not the solution to homelessness in Albuquerque.
Want every word Keller has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Keller said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(General)
City Attorney Oversight and Legal Department Accountability
The related investigation and disputes have already cost the city thousands of dollars in legal fees, per Councilor Baca.
Homelessness enforcement and winter shelter
Roughly $1 million spent on sweeps since 2021 and $7 million on a recent state operation, money speakers said could fund housing vouchers instead.
Better Neighborhoods Package — zoning appeals reform
O-26-60 would raise appeal filing fees from $190-$265 to $1,000 (approved projects) or $300 (denials), though it was deferred before adoption.
Yale Blvd overnight shelter appeal
Taxpayers could get stuck with legal, permitting, and delay costs while the city sorts out whether the shelter can open or must be scrapped.
African American Advisory Board (O-26-11)
The direct cost to taxpayers looks limited—mainly city staff time and meeting administration—rather than a big new program, based on the source provided.
Rental Practices Ordinance (O-25-102) Failure
Renters keep paying fees like the $99 move-in and platform fees one teacher described; the $250 civil fine and any enforcement staffing would have cost or generated city dollars.
Multifamily and city-building recycling mandates
Could add recycling service costs for apartment owners and the city.
PIRU Group small-properties disposal at 1016 3rd St. NW
Sale proceeds to the city; future development on formerly public land.
Sandia Mountain land transfer opposition
Speakers warned of damage to tourism, the tram, and the regional tax base if access is lost.
state of the city address
There’s no immediate dollar impact, but the speech will hint at which programs and projects get funded—and which may have to wait.
Metal Theft and Recycled Materials Regulation
Administrative compliance costs for scrap metal recycling businesses.
Rental Unit Habitability and Tenant Protection
Renters could save hundreds in illegal application and junk fees; landlords face $250 civil fines per violation.
tenant union and code enforcement
The city could spend more on inspections and enforcement, while tenants may save on repairs or relocation costs if landlords are forced to fix problems.
childcare policy
More home-based daycares could ease price pressure and save parents time, while the city may pick up some facility and oversight costs.
Minimum Wage Increase to $15
Increases labor costs for local businesses by 25% initially, with automatic annual adjustments tied to inflation and rental markets.
sustainability program expansion
It can save residents money on replacements and reduce waste-disposal costs, while requiring some city funding to expand the clinics.
Sidewalk Ordinance O/26-14 and Homelessness
The city will likely spend more on police enforcement, jail bookings, and sidewalk cleanup, while homeless services and outreach may face added pressure.
childcare facility expansion
Could save parents money on daycare and use existing city space instead of building new facilities.
permitting and inspection dashboard launch
No new fees or major spending are announced, though faster permit tracking could save applicants and city staff time and reduce project delays.
Short-term rental concentration and housing affordability
Sponsors noted roughly 1,200 unregistered STRs aren't paying lodgers tax; opponents warned restrictions cut tourism revenue and jobs.
Decisions during term (6)
Recorded while Keller was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.