Mayor Keller Signs Historic Legislation Sponsored By Councilor Rogers Establishing Permanent African American Advisory Board

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, Mayor Tim Keller officially signed O-26-11, establishing the African American Advisory Board as a permanent fixture of Albuquerque’s City government. The ordinance was sponsored by District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. The signing ceremony, held Tuesday morning, marks a historic milestone in the City’s commitment to collaborative governance, equity, and policy innovation.

Sponsored by Councilor Rogers, the new Board creates a structured, representative body designed to provide the Mayor and City Council with direct input from the African diaspora in Albuquerque. By formalizing this partnership, the City aims to ensure municipal policies are informed by the lived experiences and leadership of African Americans, Africans, Afro-Latinos, and Afro-Caribbeans.

“Community voices belong anywhere decisions are made,” Mayor Keller said. “This moment recognizes both the contributions and lived experiences of Albuquerque’s African American community, acknowledging that progress requires intentional partnership and representation.”

“Today we are building a structure that will outlast any one administration or election cycle,” said Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. “This Board is not simply advisory; it is foundational. We are creating a permanent table where collaboration replaces division, where data meets lived experience, and where solutions are shaped with the community, and for the community. Together, we are laying the groundwork for progress rooted in partnership.”

The Board consists of 17 voting members, including representatives from 12 permanent community organizations—such as the NAACP Albuquerque Branch, the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico, and the UNM African American Student Services—alongside subject matter experts.

The Board will focus its efforts on five key pillars:

• Economic Mobility: Supporting Black-owned businesses and wealth-building.
• Missing and Murdered Black Family: Developing prevention and advocacy strategies.
• Health Outcomes: Addressing disparities in maternal, infant, and mental health.
• Cultural Heritage: Preserving the history and artistic expression of the diaspora.
• Civic Engagement: Protecting voting rights and expanding representation.

The Board will meet monthly and produce an annual public report to ensure transparency and measurable progress toward stated goals.