Tim Keller

Biography

Tim brings focus and passion to making a more safe, innovative and inclusive city.  Born and raised in Albuquerque, his leadership is centered around the “One Albuquerque” unity vision, a clarion call honoring the city’s diverse heritage and championing residents from all walks of life.  In his second term as the 82nd selected leader, 31st Mayor of Albuquerque since founding 1706; he deeply believes in the power we all have to lift up our city, despite our challenges.

Tim’s zeal for public service comes from his willingness to challenge the status quo and his track record for having real impact. He strives to approach every day first as listener, then as a problem solver with a bias toward action. Since first being elected at the age 29, he brings these authentic values into his efforts shape a brighter future for our families.  From State Senator for the International District, to his role as Senate Majority Whip, to New Mexico State Auditor, to Mayor of Albuquerque, he has tackled some of the biggest issues facing Albuquerque and New Mexico.

Redefining emergency response by creating nationally recognized first-of-its-kind Community Safety Department sending trained professionals to non-violent 911 calls, ensuring the right response to calls for mental health, substance use, and homelessness — and freeing up police to focus on crime.

Establishing the Gateway Center, helping 1,000 people per day, the largest investment focused on helping the unhoused, addicted and people with mental health issues in state history

Investing over $200 million in new parks, libraries, housing, splash pads, street lights, road repairs, and community centers in underserved and historic neighborhoods

Clearing the Rape Kit backlog, honoring survivors and providing justice.

Modernizing the local economy, landing thousands of new jobs with Netflix, NBC Universal, and Amazon

Championing climate change efforts that have pushed Albuquerque into the top 5 solar cities in the country by becoming 100% renewable in 2025.

Building future landmarks and celebrated spaces like the Nuevo Atrisco westside town center, our industrial cathedral the Railyards, the Poole Property Open Space, and the ‘Rail Trail’ Pedestrian Parkway, reconnecting Downtown and Old Town.

Expanding out of school time programs before and after school and during the summer to 30,000+ kids a year

Leading Albuquerque through the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and summer of racial reckoning with empathy, courage and conviction.

And, ever the believer in ‘all things that make our city special’, he painted the buses turquoise, adorned historical Route 66 with lights, hired hundreds of artists to enrich our urban environment, doubled the number of dog parks in addition to bringing back drinking fountains and bathrooms to our parks.

In his personal time, Tim — a former quarterback in high school — still enjoys playing football and even suited up in Albuquerque’s professional Arena Football team’s 2018 home opening game. A heavy metal enthusiast, Keller was profiled as the “#MetalMayor” by the New York Times and has introduced a number of bands live on stage in Albuquerque. Tim is an advocate for Dyslexia awareness after being diagnosed and re-learning various reading skills as an adult. He lives in Albuquerque with his wife and their two young children.

Prior to public service, Tim spent 15 years working with Tribal governments and large companies. He also resided in Cambodia for 3 years, where he ran the nation’s first technology company focused on bringing living wage opportunities to landmine victims and survivors of trafficking.  Tim is an Eagle Scout and Kellogg Foundation Race Equity Fellow. Following graduation from St. Pius X High School, he is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he studied Art History. He then went on to earn an MBA with honors from Harvard.