Tim Keller (politician)

Tim Keller (politician)
Name	Tim Keller
Office	30th Mayor of Albuquerque
Term start	December 1, 2017
Term end	December 1, 2021
Predecessor	Richard J. Berry
Successor	Tim Keller (as Mayor)
Office1	11th New Mexico State Auditor
Term start1	January 1, 2015
Term end1	December 1, 2017
Predecessor1	Hector Balderas
Successor1	Brian Colón
Office2	Member of the Albuquerque City Council from District 2
Term start2	2005
Term end2	2009
Predecessor2	Barbra W. Perea Casey
Successor2	Isaac Benton
Birth place	Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Education	University of Notre Dame (BBA), Harvard University (MBA)

Tim Keller (politician). Tim Keller is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 30th Mayor of Albuquerque from 2017 to 2021. He previously held the office of New Mexico State Auditor and represented District 2 on the Albuquerque City Council. His tenure in New Mexico politics has been marked by a focus on economic development, government transparency, and public safety initiatives.

Early life and education

Tim Keller was born and raised in Albuquerque, within the state of New Mexico. He attended local schools before pursuing higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. Following his undergraduate studies, Keller enrolled at Harvard University, graduating with a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. His academic background in business and finance would later inform his approach to public policy and administration.

Early career

Before entering elected office, Keller worked in the private sector as a management consultant, applying his skills to various business challenges. He also served as a White House Fellow during the administration of President Bill Clinton, gaining experience in federal policy and executive operations. This fellowship, alongside his work with organizations like Teach For America and the United States Department of Commerce, provided a foundation in public service and community engagement that preceded his political career in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque City Council

Keller was elected to the Albuquerque City Council in 2005, representing the city's District 2. During his term, which lasted until 2009, he served as Council President and focused on neighborhood revitalization and infrastructure projects. He worked on initiatives to support local businesses and improve public spaces, often collaborating with colleagues like Debbie O'Malley and Don Harris. His council service established his reputation as a pragmatic legislator focused on district-specific issues within the broader Albuquerque metropolitan area.

New Mexico State Auditor

Elected as the New Mexico State Auditor in 2014, Keller took office in January 2015, succeeding Hector Balderas. In this role, he emphasized transparency and accountability, conducting performance audits of state agencies like the New Mexico Public Education Department and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. His office released several high-profile reports on issues including Medicaid fraud and procurement practices, often bringing findings to the attention of the New Mexico Legislature and the Office of the Attorney General of New Mexico.

Mayor of Albuquerque

Keller was elected Mayor of Albuquerque in 2017, defeating Dan Lewis and taking over from Republican Mayor Richard J. Berry. His administration launched the "Albuquerque Forward" initiative, focusing on economic diversification and crime reduction through programs like the Violence Intervention Program. He oversaw significant investments in the Albuquerque International Sunport and the construction of the Albuquerque Rail Yards development. His tenure also included navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico and implementing public health orders in coordination with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Political positions and legacy

Politically, Keller has been identified as a progressive Democrat, advocating for policies like a higher minimum wage and increased funding for early childhood education in New Mexico. His legacy as mayor includes efforts to reform the Albuquerque Police Department under a United States Department of Justice settlement and major capital projects like the Gateway Center homeless shelter. After leaving the mayor's office due to term limits, his political future and influence within the Democratic Party of New Mexico remain subjects of speculation among observers in Santa Fe and beyond.

Category:Mayors of Albuquerque, New Mexico Category:New Mexico state auditors Category:Harvard Business School alumni