Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 1 Daniel Leiva

Name: Daniel Gilber Leiva

Political party: Democrat

Age: 29

Education: BBA UNM 2017 & JD UNM 2025

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Family: Single

Relevant experience: I bring five years of experience with the City’s Economic Development Department, where I worked to grow jobs and support businesses. Combined with my UNM law school education and perspective as a small business owner, I understand policy, law, entrepreneurship, and how to deliver results for Albuquerque.

Campaign website: votedanielleiva.com

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

The biggest issue is the exodus of our youth seeking opportunities elsewhere. I will address this by investing in workforce development programs and creating community-building spaces, so young people see a future here in Albuquerque with strong careers, supportive networks, and reasons to stay and thrive.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

My strategy is to expand diversionary programs that address the root causes of crime. By investing in mental health services, substance use treatment, and community-based responses, we can reduce repeat offenses, support families in crisis, and allow police to focus on serious violent crime.

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

I would support raising taxes only when absolutely necessary, and in ways that don’t overburden small businesses or working families. My priority is investing in local jobs, youth opportunities, and safer neighborhoods.

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

The city should target industries that create good-paying, sustainable local jobs such as renewable energy, film, technology, healthcare, and the trades. By tying incentives to local hiring and workforce development, especially for our youth, we can grow industries that keep talent in Albuquerque and strengthen our economy.

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

I will boost small, local businesses by expanding access to city contracts, reducing red tape, and investing in workforce development. Incentives should prioritize local hiring and entrepreneurs, ensuring dollars circulate in Albuquerque’s economy. Supporting small business growth means stronger neighborhoods, more jobs, and long-term community stability.

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

I will increase affordable housing by streamlining permitting, supporting mixed-income developments, and partnering with nonprofits. To address homelessness, I’ll expand shelter capacity, mental health services, and diversion programs that connect people to housing and care, focusing on dignity, stability, and long-term 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 would prioritize crisis response, treatment access, and prevention. That means expanding mobile crisis teams, increasing affordable treatment beds, and investing in community-based recovery programs. By focusing on early intervention and support, we can reduce strain on emergency rooms, jails, and families while building healthier communities.

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 keeping families together and treating all people with dignity. Albuquerque should not assist ICE in separating families. Our focus must be on community safety, compassion, and investing in our residents not diverting resources to enforce federal policies that harm and divide our neighbors.

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

I would push for infrastructure that improves daily life like fixing roads, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit. Investments should also include community centers and housing infrastructure, ensuring projects create local jobs while making Albuquerque safer, more connected, and resilient for the future.

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

I plan to raise quality of life by beautifying our city with cleaner streets, safer parks, and public art, while creating more community-building spaces where neighbors can gather, learn, and grow together. Investing in vibrant, welcoming spaces will strengthen pride, connection, and opportunity across Albuquerque.

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

I am data-driven, but success is also about people’s lived experiences. I’ll track housing units built, youth job participation, and crime reduction, while also listening to residents through surveys and community feedback. True progress is measurable both in numbers and in how safe and connected people feel.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

What sets me apart is bringing fresh, forward-looking leadership. Too often, the same approaches have led to the same results. At 29, I’m part of a new generation committed to long-term solutions. Decisions that shape not just Albuquerque’s future, but my own for decades to come.

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

I will push for bold climate action by investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and greener neighborhoods. Protecting our environment means lowering costs for families while building a resilient city for future generations.

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