Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 7 Tammy Fiebelkorn

Name: Tammy Fiebelkorn

Political party: Democrat

Age: 55

Education: B.B.A., Economics; B.B.A., Finance, Northeast Louisiana University M.A., Natural Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Occupation: Climate change policy advocate

Family: Partner, Paul Roybal, and 5 senior, special needs companion animals

Relevant experience: I have represented District 7 on the Albuquerque City Council since 2022. Professionally, I have over 30 years of policy development and advocacy experience. I work for Western Resource Advocates, where I develop policies to safeguard New Mexico’s land and water while promoting clean energy solutions. My background includes developing and teaching college courses, publishing numerous research studies, and serving as expert witness on policies at the Public Regulation Commission, State Legislature, and local government entities. I was the recipient of the 2020 Climate Conservation Award from the Climate Change Leadership Institute. Since 2005, I have volunteered my time to raise awareness of the link between animal abuse and human violence. As the Founder and Board President of Positive Links, a nonprofit, I train domestic violence workers, social workers, animal control officers, and others on this critical issue.

Campaign website: tammyforalbuquerque.com

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

Housing shortages are driving homelessness and reducing quality of life in our city. I will continue to focus on affordable housing, community social services including mental health options, and zoning reform to allow more infill for both affordable and market-rate housing in our core areas.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

We should ensure full funding for APD officers and boost recruitment efforts. We should also increase support for Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) responders to allow them to assist residents in need of supportive assistance, freeing APD officers to address major crime concerns. ACS has been a great success.

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

Given the current climate of uncertainty and instability at the federal level driven by Trump, there is no guarantee that ongoing funding for city services will continue at the same rate. If it becomes necessary, I will support a non-regressive tax increase to ensure essential city services are delivered.

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

I support economic development incentives for industries that provide living wages to employees and do not increase dependence on fossil fuels. Specifically, I support incentives for affordable housing development, green energy, the film and television industry, healthcare provision and small businesses within the community.

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

Small businesses deserve the same incentives as large businesses. Supporting them creates jobs and boosts Albuquerque's economy just as much as attracting major corporations. Since small businesses are already present but struggling, I will continue to push for maximizing tools available for Metropolitan Redevelopment and Main Street areas.

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

My collaboration with Bernalillo County is beginning to pay off with yesterday’s announcement of over $80M invested in affordable housing and homeless services which we expect to result in one thousand people off the streets this fiscal year! Seeking additional funding is a high priority.

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

We must continue to rebuild mental health services capacity in our community by adding new and innovative treatment options including court diversion services and additional in-patient treatment centers while incentivizing treatment providers to serve Albuquerque. We must also continue first-responder drop-off center, medical sobering, and medical respite offerings.

7. 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?

Yes, I fully support Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly policy and do not think anyone in our city government – including APD – should work with ICE or any other federal officials who are targeting our immigrant friends and neighbors. Trump’s ICE stunts detract from the hard work APD officers are already facing every day.

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

In addition to more affordable housing funding, the city needs a comprehensive bike and pedestrian safety plan that includes separated bike lanes, safer crossings, and other safety improvements. While I have been funding those in D7 on a project-by-project basis, the CIP program should also focus on this need.

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

Activity hubs like the new Winrock Town Center Park, developed by a TIDD, promote community engagement. Plans for the Menaul MRA, San Pedro Corridor, and Girard Blvd are also underway. I will keep funding bike and pedestrian projects, improving parks, and backing small-scale local economic development throughout the district.

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

I measure success by the direct impact of policies I develop and implement. I have implemented many policies that improved the lives of residents including tenant protections, tribal notification, environmental improvements, human feces clean-up, a new city park, park upgrades, traffic calming and bike/pedestrian safety, and district-wide economic development projects.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

While running unopposed on the ballot, I am currently the sole economist serving on city council. With over 30 years of policy experience, I have leveraged my expertise throughout my first term to deliver meaningful policy results and enhancements for our community.

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

Climate change is an existential threat. Locally, increased heat and extreme weather events are hitting low-income neighborhoods the fastest with increased heat illnesses, more childhood health issues, and increased flooding and fire risks. We must continue to implement climate resilience projects including actionable items in our Climate Action Plan.

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