Q&A Albuquerque Mayor Louie Sanchez

Name: Louie Sanchez

Political party: Moderate Democrat

Age: 60 years old

Education: 26-year retired police office with some college during my years with the department

Occupation: Business Owner - 10 Years (Louie Sanchez Allstate Insurance Agency Owner)

Family: One Son, one daughter and 6 grandkids. Deep family roots in Albuquerque with a large family including both my parents and 3 siblings.

Relevant experience: I am a retired Acting Commander with the Albuquerque Police Department, a business owner for over a decade, and an elected City Council member for the past four years. I understand both the responsibility of signing paychecks and the importance of shaping sound policy. As a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, I have raised my family here, served our community on the front lines of public safety, and worked to address policy and procedures at City Hall. My unique combination of leadership, business experience, and public service makes me well-prepared to serve as Albuquerque’s next mayor.

Campaign website: www.Louie4ABQ.com

1. What is the biggest issue facing the city of Albuquerque today, and how would you address it?

Violent crime. As mayor, Fire the police chief and his double standards. I’ll empower and support APD by getting back to basics by enforcing laws at the lowest level, investing in mental health, addiction services and supportive housing WITH accountability. Restoring safety, order, and trust to our neighborhoods with compassion and accountability.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

Currently, offenders are not arrested for misdemeanors and low-level felony crimes. Proof of failed leadership. I’ll overhaul APD’s leadership, fix recruitment and retention, and work towards fully staffing the department. With accountability and trust restored, officers will be able to enforce laws and reduce crime across the city.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising taxes?

I will NOT raise taxes. Instead, I’ll demand audits of city departments, city contracts and nonprofit spending to stop waste and abuse. Albuquerque must prioritize core services, cut failed programs, and hold recipients of city dollars accountable. Better oversight and smarter budgeting, not higher taxes will restore trust and deliver the services families deserve.

4. What specific industries should the city target with economic development incentives?

I’ll target aerospace, renewable energy, film, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Currently working on bringing in Pacific Fusion which will bring in $1.5 economic impact to the city and NM. Incentives must reward companies that create jobs, keep local talent here, invest in workforce training, and build lasting economic resilience.

5. What are your economic development strategies for boosting small, local businesses?

I’ll use CABQ’s bonding power to help launch and grow small businesses. As mayor I will credit bond rating as incentives for start-ups, 100’s of small businesses will be born. I’ll cut red tape, modernize technology, and create a concierge team with clear accountability to drive jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and boost economic growth.

6. What steps would you take to increase affordable housing and address a growing homeless population?

Uncertainty of permitting and development kills affordable housing projects. As Mayor, I’ll guarantee clear build timelines and offer smart incentives for creating affordable units. Partnering this with scatter-site housing, transitional shelters, and accountability for services will expand supply, reduce homelessness, creating a sustainable pathway leading to stability for families.

7. When it comes to mental health and substance abuse issues, which services would you prioritize under a new state behavioral health law?

I will direct the Inspector General and Internal Auditor to vet providers before any contracts are signed. Business plans will be evaluated, cut executive waste and shift resources to boots on the ground. I’ll expand crisis response, treatment beds, and transitional care to deliver real results. All resource vendors will be held to a high standard.

8. Do you support Albuquerque’s current immigration policies in light of the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination it is a sanctuary jurisdiction? How would you instruct local law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials?

No, I do not support sanctuary jurisdiction. Under our current leadership, Albuquerque has now been flagged by the US Attorney General as a sanctuary city possibly costing the city $68 million in federal funding. As Mayor, I will always work with all Law Enforcement Agencies and always put the safety of Albuquerque first.

9. What large infrastructure projects would you push for in the city's next capital implementation program?

I will prioritize infrastructure that sustains industry, industrial parks and shovel-ready sites for aerospace, data centers, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing. We need a hub highway around our city that includes SW Mesa, Mesa Del Sol, the Westside, and Rio Rancho. Strengthening roads, utilities, and broadband will make Albuquerque competitive, create long-term careers, and spur development.

10. What plans do you have to raise the quality of life for Albuquerque residents?

Use the grandmother test, if your grandmother doesn’t feel safe, we have a problem. Keller can spin stats, but people live the reality. I’ll raise quality of life by reducing crime, cleaning up blight, improving streets, and expanding parks, delivering real, visible improvements that families see outside their front door.

11. What specific metrics would you use to gauge your success?

I’ll make data the driver of accountability. Every department will post measurable goals on a transparent, public dashboard. Crime, housing, permitting, job growth, so citizens see progress in real time. Success means lower violent crime, faster permitting, and thriving neighborhoods. Ensuring families feel safer, with results matching reality.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

With 26 years in law enforcement, city government, and business, I know our challenges firsthand. I bring proven leadership, deep roots, and real solutions. I’ve mentored students, created scholarships, and I know what it is like to sign both a paycheck and a policy. I will continue to fight to make Albuquerque safer, stronger, and full of opportunity.

13. Name one issue not mentioned in the questions above that you would plan to tackle.

As Mayor, I will demand audits, cut executive waste, and redirect money to public safety, housing, and infrastructure, restoring trust and delivering real value for Albuquerque families by putting resources where they belong. I will be the mayor of the people, and I will always support business owners. On day one, Albuquerque will be open for business.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?

No.