Tim Kellers "War Zone"
Does Albuquerque deserves better than Keller?
Has Albuquerque Improved Under Tim Keller’s Eight Years as Mayor—Or Has It Gotten Worse?
Tim Keller has now completed two terms—eight years—leading Albuquerque. When he first took office, Keller campaigned as a reformer promising safer streets, more transparency, and a stronger future for the city. Today, as Albuquerque faces yet another pivotal mayoral election, voters must confront a stark question: is the city truly better off than it was when Keller took the reins, or has it slipped further into decline?
Crime: Record Highs and Public Fear
No issue defines Keller’s tenure more than crime. He promised to tackle violent crime head-on, yet Albuquerque has seen record-setting homicide numbers under his watch. In 2021, the city hit a grim milestone with 117 murders—the highest in its history. Far from an outlier, high homicide numbers have become the norm, cementing Albuquerque’s reputation as one of the most violent cities in America.
Despite creating the Albuquerque Community Safety Department—sending social workers instead of police to certain calls—crime has not abated. For many residents, the perception is simple: Albuquerque is less safe today than it was eight years ago.
Homelessness: A Crisis Out of Control
Homelessness has exploded during Keller’s time in office. Official counts show the city’s unhoused population grew from around 1,100 in 2021 to nearly 2,400 by 2023—an 83% increase in just two years. Tents and makeshift encampments line sidewalks, parks, and medians across the city.
Keller has spoken often about long-term housing solutions, but the visible reality suggests failure. Taxpayer-funded projects like the “Gateway Center” have been slow to materialize, and meanwhile, homelessness remains more visible and disruptive than ever.
Economy and Business Climate: Missed Opportunities
Keller positioned himself as a pro-growth mayor, yet Albuquerque continues to lag behind comparable cities in economic development. Businesses complain about red tape, high crime discourages investment, and young professionals often leave for better opportunities elsewhere.
While other Western cities have seen robust growth in startups and population, Albuquerque struggles to attract and retain talent. Keller’s economic record leans heavily on promises and initiatives, but the city still ranks among the worst in the nation for poverty and opportunity.
Infrastructure: Spending Without Results
Keller has touted more than $200 million invested into infrastructure, parks, and libraries. Yet, residents still see crumbling roads, potholes, and neglected neighborhoods. Projects are slow, over-budget, or unevenly distributed.
Compare this to prior administrations that delivered major upgrades like the I-25/Paseo del Norte interchange—Keller’s record looks unimpressive. Investment on paper has not translated into meaningful change in everyday life.
Trust and Leadership: Declining Approval
Perhaps most telling is Keller’s approval rating. By late 2022, polling placed him at just 33% approval, with a growing number of residents openly critical of his leadership. The optimism that carried him into office in 2017 has been replaced with disillusionment.
After eight years, Keller doesn’t just inherit Albuquerque’s problems—he owns them. Crime, homelessness, and economic stagnation are no longer the fault of predecessors. They are the product of his leadership.
Conclusion: Albuquerque Deserves Better
Tim Keller came into office with energy, ambition, and lofty promises. But eight years later, Albuquerque faces higher crime, more homelessness, and fewer opportunities. While he may highlight isolated initiatives, the big picture tells a different story—our city has gotten worse, not better.
As Albuquerque prepares to choose its next mayor, voters must ask themselves: do we reward failure with a third term, or is it time for new leadership that can finally deliver the results Albuquerque deserves?
Thanks to Nick Johnson