Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 5 Athenea Allen

Name: Athenea Allen

Political party: Democrat

Age: 46

Education: B.A. political science/law emphasis with a minor in Spanish, New Mexico Highlands University, 2001

Occupation: National security professional

Family: Husband, John Allen, adult son

Relevant experience: With over 20 years in national security, I began as a federal background investigator supporting nearly every federal agency, including Sandia and Los Alamos Labs. I now lead program security operations at Kirtland Air Force Base, overseeing 40 staff supporting the Air Force Research Lab.

Campaign website: www.atheneaforabq.com

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

Crime. People don’t feel safe. I understand the urgency around improving public safety and reducing crime. We need more officers, proactive policing and a judicial system that more quickly brings justice and accountability. Addressing gun violence, juvenile crime, addiction and behavioral health requires a comprehensive approach — prevention, enforcement and community investment.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

My experience in federal investigations and as the wife of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen taught me that reducing crime requires accountability and prevention. I’ll invest in ShotSpotter, smart surveillance, and AI-powered tools while addressing root causes, ensuring faster response times, safer streets and strong accountability for violent offenders.

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

I do not support raising taxes. West Side families are already stretched, and we should focus on using existing resources wisely to fund public safety, infrastructure and essential services.

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

We should target industries that create good local jobs and reduce West Side commutes: clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health care and technology. Incentives must also support small businesses, neighborhood services and mixed-use centers. Investing in job training and local talent will keep growth rooted here, strengthening Albuquerque’s economy and communities.

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

Small businesses are the backbone of Albuquerque’s economy. I’ll push to streamline permitting, cut red tape and invest in West Side infrastructure. Partnering with Central New Mexico Community College and local industry ensures workforce pipelines, while addressing crime and homelessness creates the safe environment businesses need to thrive.

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

I support expanding mixed-income housing, fast-tracking workforce housing projects and leveraging city-owned land through public-private partnerships. On homelessness, we must pair enforcement with services: mental health care, addiction recovery, shelters like Gateway and long-term housing solutions.

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 accessible mental health care, addiction recovery programs and youth prevention services. We need upstream and downstream support — treatment, crisis stabilization and reintegration — because enforcement alone won’t solve behavioral health issues.

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?

Crime is crime. I will address all crimes, holding all criminals accountable regardless of their residency status. Our current immigrant-friendly policies help create a safe environment for people to report crime. I oppose local law enforcement working as federal agents. Police resources should focus on crime prevention and community safety.

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

On the West Side, families need better roads, reliable transit, and local services. I’ll prioritize affordable housing infrastructure, infill redevelopment and reducing gridlock. Investments should focus on projects that make daily life easier while supporting sustainable, well-planned growth.

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

For West Side families, quality of life means safe, walkable neighborhoods and less time in traffic. I’ll tackle congestion by promoting infill and mixed-use development, bringing jobs and services closer to home. Smarter growth, streamlined permitting and better transit will reduce costs, strengthen our tax base and keep neighborhoods thriving.

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

I’d measure success by outcomes that matter to families: reductions in crime and homelessness, more affordable housing and faster permitting to support responsible growth. I’d track improvements in West Side roads, parks and services, while using resident satisfaction and local business growth as key indicators of real progress.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

I bring fresh, solutions-oriented leadership to Albuquerque. Councilor Lewis has held this seat for 16 years, yet crime, homelessness and housing challenges persist — and his record is clouded by ethics concerns and conflicts of interest. With federal investigative experience and deep West Side roots, I’ll deliver results, public safety and stronger neighborhoods.

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

Public safety is personal to me. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I understand the urgency families feel in emergencies and the challenges first responders face. I’ll prioritize faster West Side response times, better officer training and support, and investments in prevention and trust so every neighborhood feels safe.

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.