City of Albuquerque Highlights Pathways to Public Service Program

The City of Albuquerque is making progress with its new Pathways to Public Service program, which expands supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The program is run in partnership with LSG & Associates Inc., an organization on contract with New Mexico’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).The program will onboard adults with disabilities through a 12-week paid volunteer rotation to introduce them to city departments, culminating in a two-year internship placement.

One of the program’s first clients, Emilia, completed her internship and has been hired as a city employee. Employees and visitors to City Hall, including Mayor Tim Keller, have complimented Emilia’s work to make improvements at parking facilities.

Emilio Pinon, a city supervisor with Parking Services, has been sharing the program as a model with other city departments.

“I have always believed in giving everyone a fair chance and allowing them to prove themselves with their merit, and Emelia has proved it day in and day out with hard work and pride in her work,” Pinon said. “I feel blessed to be part of this program and see the success we are having.”

The city started Pathways to Public Service was developed as part of a City Council resolution (R-20-84) sponsored by Councilor Klarissa Peña to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Eligible participants take part in a 12-week paid volunteer rotation for adults with disabilities to explore public service roles, followed by a two-year internship placement within the department. Two other participants are starting their internships at the city’s Balloon Museum.

"The Pathways to Public Service Program is deeply personal to me, as I have seen firsthand the challenges my brother faces as a person with disabilities," said City Council Vice President Klarissa J. Peña, Council District 3. "The launch of the City's inclusive hiring program is a momentous step towards a more equitable Albuquerque. It's about more than just creating jobs; it's about fostering a culture of true inclusion and belonging, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute their unique talents. The entire community can now share in our commitment to building a city where every person can achieve their full potential."

“LSG & Associates Inc is proud to be partnering with the City of Albuquerque's Pathways to Public Service program opening equitable opportunities for individuals with diversABILITIES to explore and learn from a multitude of municipal jobs that they otherwise would not know was possible or even existed,” said Erin White-Canales, executive director of LSG. “This collaboration has been beneficial in supporting participants in attaining not just a job, but a career leaving them feeling like they are a contributing member to their community. We are excited to continue to grow this program together and look forward to witnessing the success stories it brings.”