Associate Chief of Staff for Policy Debbie O'Malley

Debbie O’Malley is a native of Albuquerque whose ancestors have resided in this region for hundreds of years. She and her husband raised their daughters in the Old Town/Sawmill neighborhood, where her father’s family has a long history. Her work in community organizing and neighborhood revitalization began in the early 1990’s, when she and her neighbors were able to force the environmental clean-up of the contaminated ground water and soil in the Sawmill District left over by negligent industry. Through the hard work of a small group of people, this working -class community has since become a national model for neighborhood revitalization. Debbie was the founder and first director of the non-profit development corporation responsible for this transformation, the Sawmill Community Land Trust, and through her elected positions as a City Councilor and County Commission has continued to support and direct resources to the planning and development of affordable housing and housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. She has also been a strong advocate for behavioral and mental health support services for families and children in the community.   

Debbie resides in the North Valley with her husband, Mike, near their daughters and grandchildren.  ​