Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 1 Joshua Neal

Name: Joshua Taylor Neal

Political party: Did not answer

Age: 29

Education: B.S. civil engineering, New Mexico Tech

Occupation: Civil engineer

Relevant experience: Civil engineer, president of ASCE NM, humanitarian relief worker, infrastructure advocacy

Campaign website: nealfornm.com

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

Crime is out of control. We must fully staff APD, hold repeat offenders accountable and expand mental health and addiction services. By combining enforcement with prevention, we can make neighborhoods safe, attract jobs and restore trust in our city’s future.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

We need to fully staff APD, improve response times and invest in the best training and resources that we can provide. When our police are well-respected, well-trained and present in our neighborhoods, crime will go down. We also need strong prevention tactics: fixing streetlights, cleaning up blighted areas and investing in youth programs.

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

I oppose raising taxes. The city budget has increased by $600 million over the last 10 years, nearly double what it was in 2015. We need to be more efficient and frugal with the money we take from our constituents.

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

Albuquerque should target industries that create high-paying blue-collar jobs, like manufacturing, construction, energy, logistics and skilled trades. Investing in infrastructure, workforce training and small business growth will strengthen our economy, provide opportunities for working families and keep talent here while diversifying beyond government and service-sector jobs.

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

I’ll modernize permitting systems, expand small business grants and low-interest loan programs, and create tax incentives for startups and neighborhood revitalization projects. Partnering with trade schools and incubators will strengthen the local workforce. These strategies will cut barriers, attract investment and help Albuquerque’s small businesses thrive long-term.

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

I will identify and pre-entitle properties across the city for workforce housing. I will also push for a tiered permitting process where affordable/workforce housing gets guaranteed review by the city in 30 to 45 days. Finally, I will update the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) to make it easier for developers to build housing.

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

I’d prioritize expanding residential treatment centers, crisis response teams and long-term recovery programs. We need more detox facilities, mental health professionals in schools and wraparound services that connect people to housing, job training and family support. Early intervention and accessible care are key to breaking cycles of addiction.

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?

I believe in enforcing the law while treating all people with dignity. Local law enforcement should focus on crime, not immigration status, but must cooperate with federal agencies on violent crime and trafficking cases. Public safety requires trust in police, alongside accountability for dangerous offenders.

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

I’d prioritize road repairs, modernized traffic systems and expanded public safety facilities. Investing in stormwater drainage, water infrastructure and utility upgrades is critical for growth. I’d also champion projects that prepare shovel-ready sites for housing and industry, streamlining development while improving core services for Albuquerque residents.

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

I’ll improve quality of life by making neighborhoods safer through fully staffed police, accountability for repeat offenders and prevention programs. Expanding shelter space, mental health care and addiction treatment will address homelessness. Finally, I’ll streamline permitting and incentivize workforce housing so families can afford to live and thrive here.

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

My ideas have clear, measurable results. I’ll measure success by reducing violent crime rates, cutting permitting timelines, increasing housing starts, and expanding shelter and treatment capacity. Additional benchmarks include improved 911 response times, higher APD staffing levels and stronger small business growth.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

I’m a civil engineer, small business advocate and career problem-solver — not a politician. I bring real-world experience in infrastructure, budgeting and project management. While others talk in generalities, I offer detailed, actionable solutions for crime, housing and economic growth. My focus is results, accountability and building a safer Albuquerque.

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

Extreme partisanship divides communities and stalls progress. I’ll focus on practical solutions, not party agendas, and work with anyone who shares a vision for safer streets, affordable housing and economic growth. Albuquerque needs leaders who listen, find common ground and deliver results — not more political theater.

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.