Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 3 Teresa Garcia

Name: Teresa Garcia

Political party: Democrat

Age: 37

Education: First in my family to graduate with a Bachelors of Science Majoring Biology Minor in Chemistry and 2 Associate Degrees from CNM Occupation: Digital Marketing Communication Specialist at the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Coalition

Family: I am a mother to two young men Derrick 15 and Deshawn 17. I am a daughter of an immigrant from Parral Chihuahua and a Vietnam war veteran. I am the youngest of 4 with three older brothers.

Relevant experience: I currently serve as Chair of Albuquerque’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission, where I’ve secured funding, implemented survivor-centered initiatives, and worked across agencies to improve public safety. Professionally, I bring statewide coalition leadership, communications, and training experience—building partnerships, advancing equity, and creating community-driven solutions. As a first-generation Mexican Indigenous woman and mother, I’ve lived the challenges families in District 3 face, and I’ve turned that lived experience into advocacy and action.

Campaign website: teresafordistrict3.com

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

The biggest issue facing Albuquerque is public safety, especially gun violence. We must hold violent offenders accountable while preventing crime by investing in youth, housing and jobs. APD must prioritize de-escalation, trauma-informed practices and accountability to rebuild trust and keep neighborhoods safe.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

My strategy is rooted in both accountability and prevention. I will expand accessible, streamlined access to mental health, substance use, and homelessness services in collaboration with community nonprofits for wraparound support, while ensuring APD receives training in de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and cultural sensitivity.

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

I would only support raising taxes if revenues are dedicated to essential services like housing, public safety, or infrastructure, and only after exhausting other options. Always with careful consideration of the impact on my community.

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

Albuquerque should target industries that create sustainable, good-paying jobs and align with our community’s needs. That includes access to healthcare, renewable energy technology and construction trades. I also support incentives for locally owned businesses and large employers committed to hiring locally, paying fair wages, and reinvesting in our community.

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

I will streamline permitting, cut red tape, and expand access to city contracts for minority and women-owned businesses. I’ll support local-serving businesses like grocery stores and childcare, while offering fair incentives for employers that hire locally, pay living wages, and reinvest in our neighborhoods.

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

Increase affordable/workforce housing, diverse housing to expand rental assistance, and invest in accessible wraparound services for mental health, addiction treatment, and job training to reduce homelessness.

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

As a prior methadone clinic pharmacy tech I will prioritize collaboration for in crisis intervention, outpatient treatment, supportive housing, and addiction recovery programs, ensuring access is immediate and services are culturally responsive.

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 fully support Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly policies. I would not direct local law enforcement to act as ICE, ensuring trust and safety in immigrant communities. When elected I will create policies to unmask ICE and have accountability to harm inflicted on my community.

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

It starts with the basics in District 3: roads, sidewalks, street lighting, storm drainage, and reliable transit access. These infrastructure investments are long overdue and essential to support new housing, attract businesses, and improve quality of life for families in our community.

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

Safer neighborhoods with quicker police response times, sidewalks, more parks and recreation with solar, greener solutions, and upgraded play areas, better housing options, and opportunities for local businesses to thrive. Building communities in District 3 where families can live, work, and grow together.

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

Improved collaboration with the community, Reduced crime, increased affordable housing and workforce units, job growth, improved infrastructure projects completed on time, and community satisfaction through surveys.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

I’m not a politician. I’m a community advocate determined to create real change in District 3. I bring lived experience as a survivor and first-generation Mexican Indigenous woman, with proven leadership as DVSA Commission Chair, Southwest Community Policing Chair, and statewide coalition leader focused on equity, safety, and community-driven solutions.

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

Infrastructure equity is a top priority—ensuring the Southwest Mesa finally receives basic services like roads, lighting, and sidewalks. I will push to change the long-standing 1983 ordinance to address our existing sidewalks, clean up our district, and promote eco-friendly landscapes that support families, improve accessibility, strengthen our community, and build a healthier future.

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