Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 3 Klarissa Peña

Name: Klarissa J. Peña

Political Party: Democrat

Age: 58

Education: Graduate, Rio Grande High School, 1984

Occupation: City Councilor, District 3; Self-employed

Family: Married; 6 children and their spouses; 15 grandchildren

Campaign Website: klarissapena.com

Relevant Experience: I currently serve as Vice President of the Albuquerque City Council and represent District 3. I have decades of public service, non-profit experience, and have been a long-time community volunteer working to address local needs and secure policies and capital investments that improve quality of life.

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

Substance abuse drives crime, fuels homelessness, and overwhelms public health. We must treat it as the public health emergency it is by expanding behavioral health services, fully funding harm reduction programs, supporting families, and strengthening the city’s response to fentanyl. Addiction demands urgent, compassionate, sustained action.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

Public safety requires prevention, intervention, and strong behavioral health services. I’ve sponsored Community Policing Councils to empower residents and support community policing. Shot Spotter has helped deter crime. Fully funding safety departments while ensuring compliance with consent decree policies will build trust, address root causes, and create lasting safety.

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

I would only support raising taxes if the city’s needs demand it and resources are insufficient. With a county-level behavioral health tax already in place, I’d carefully assess priorities and explore all alternatives first. Any tax increase must be necessary, accountable, and directed toward urgent community needs.

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

We must diversify Albuquerque’s economy by strengthening technology, healthcare, film, and green energy while supporting emerging sectors. Offering targeted incentives will create quality jobs, attract investment, and build long-term resilience. A diversified economy will provide opportunities for Albuquerque residents, stabilize growth, and ensure our city remains competitive in the future.

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

I’ll leverage the Route 66 Visitors Center as a unique catalyst for District 3’s economic growth. This cultural landmark can drive tourism, highlight Albuquerque’s Route 66 heritage, and support small businesses along Central Avenue. By attracting visitors and creating community space, it will generate opportunities and strengthen local businesses.

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

I’ve supported streamlined zoning, public–private partnerships for affordable housing, and expanding supportive housing with integrated addiction and mental health services. I also prioritize increasing emergency shelters, creating long-term housing, and funding home rehab projects. These approaches, built on collaboration, address both immediate needs and systemic root causes effectively.

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

Under a new law, I’d prioritize early intervention, community-based care, and treatment for substance use. Expanding supportive housing and behavioral health workforce development is critical. The Medicaid waiver I’m advancing with advocates will expand access, improve outcomes, and ensure people receive timely, compassionate, person-centered care across Albuquerque.

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?

In 2018, I sponsored reaffirming Albuquerque’s Immigrant Friendly status, first passed in 2000. Albuquerque is not a sanctuary city, but policies limiting local involvement in federal enforcement protect safety and trust. While I don’t direct law enforcement, I expect these inclusive policies to continue reflecting our community’s values.

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

For District 3, my capital priorities include completing the Westgate Community Center, the Public Safety and Multi-Generational Center, Crestview Bluff Park, and Westside Animal Shelter improvements. I’ll also address essential infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, and lighting. These projects improve quality of life, provide safe community spaces, and meet critical resident needs.

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

I’ll improve quality of life by enhancing public safety, expanding access to addiction treatment, and investing in parks, community centers, and infrastructure. Supporting housing stability is also key. Together, these initiatives will build healthier neighborhoods, foster community connection, and create safer, stronger, and more supportive environments for Albuquerque families.

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

I’ll measure success through reductions in violent crime and overdose rates, more residents completing behavioral health programs, and decreases in homelessness. Progress on infrastructure completion and positive community survey results will also matter. These metrics reflect meaningful, measurable improvements in safety, health, and quality of life across Albuquerque.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

What sets me apart is experience and results. I’ve worked closely with residents on real issues—public safety, behavioral health, infrastructure—and delivered solutions. I understand local government, know how to get things done, and have a proven record of navigating challenges to achieve positive change for our communities.

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

I’ll continue working to expand behavioral health access through the Medicaid waiver effort. This will increase funding and flexibility for mental health and substance use treatment, improving care for those in need. Strengthening behavioral health systems reduces strain on public safety, supports families, and helps build healthier, stronger neighborhoods.

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?

Opened a business 37 years ago in 1988 that did not thrive, one of the major learning experiences of my life, yes.

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

Opened a business 37 years ago in 1988 that did not thrive, one of the major learning experiences of my life, yes.

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?

Charged with a petty misdemeanor aggravated battery almost four decades ago when I was 19, dismissed.