ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Barbara Baca: What We’ve Accomplished Together

Over the past four years, Barbara Baca has delivered results that strengthen families, protect our community, and plan responsibly for the future—by working collaboratively and keeping our values front and center.

Smart Growth & Responsible Planning

Barbara helped lead the adoption of the Albuquerque–Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan, setting a regional vision for quality growth that:

  • Focuses services and infrastructure in existing communities

  • Protects natural resources and air quality

  • Aligns land-use decisions with long-term water availability

She also prioritized Atrisco Vista Boulevard, ensuring the Westside grows responsibly—supporting economic development while avoiding costly leapfrog development that strains services and taxpayers.

Housing That Meets Real Needs

Barbara has been a leader in delivering housing solutions at scale:

  • Co-founded the Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative, strengthening City–County coordination

  • Helped secure over $80 million in funding for affordable and supportive housing

  • Played a key role in the city and county’s goal to house 1,000 people in one year, using historic state investment

These investments made projects like these possible:

  • Ponderosa Place – family transitional housing

  • Poblana Place – an 84-unit affordable housing community providing homes for up to 234 people

  • Stable, attainable rents serving working families earning 30–120% of Area Median Income

Behavioral Health, Recovery & Prevention

Barbara has focused on addressing addiction and mental health with compassion and effectiveness:

  • Ensured opioid settlement funds were allocated responsibly: 40% to prevention, 60% to treatment

  • Initiated the Behavioral Health Working Group, leading to passage of the Behavioral Health Authority Ordinance

  • Advanced a “no wrong door” approach, ensuring people can access care wherever they enter the system

She also helped secure over $11.3 million in local BernCo funding, State legislative capital outlay and Federal funding to rebuild  PB&J Bernalillo County, to complete Phases I & II.  This project is a groundbreaking two-generation model of community care that supports parents in recovery while providing enriching, stabilizing care for their children–from prenatal care through reintegration.

Public Safety & First Responders

Barbara has consistently supported public safety by:

  • Increasing funding over multiple years for BCSO and Albuquerque Fire Rescue, helping bring parity across agencies

  • Supporting investments that keep communities safe while respecting civil rights and community trust

Protecting Immigrant Families & Civil Rights

Barbara sponsored and passed Safer Community Places legislation, ensuring that all families—regardless of where they come from—can access county services without fear. This work reflects her commitment to dignity, fairness, and keeping families together during times of national uncertainty.

Economic Opportunity & Local Jobs

Barbara updated county Economic Development policies to:

  • Support apprenticeships and workforce pathways

  • Prioritize small and local businesses

  • Championing a balanced approach that advances economic development while delivering real community benefits.

  • Incentivize job growth while protecting existing residents and quality of life

This approach strengthens the local economy without leaving communities behind.

Youth, Families & Quality of Life

Barbara has invested in spaces and programs that bring people together:

  • Atrisco Acequia Madre Outdoor Education Project

  • Expanded investment in the Albuquerque–Bernalillo County Library System

  • Advancing the Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan

  • Purchased property in the Near North Valley to create the 4th St. Center for All Ages near 4th and Candelaria

Environmental Protection & Clean Air

Barbara helped protect the Joint Albuquerque–Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board, standing up for public health and environmental safeguards that protect our children and future generations.

Barbara Baca has delivered results by staying focused on what matters most: safe communities, stable housing, strong families, and thoughtful growth. She’s proven that collaboration, compassion, and accountability can work—right here in Bernalillo County.