Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Leadership

Terry Brunner, Director

Terry Brunner currently serves as Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency for the City of Albuquerque, a role to which he was appointed by Mayor Tim Keller in 2022. In this position, he leads initiatives to revitalize key urban corridors, promote equitable development, and drive strategic investment across the city.

Prior to this role, Terry was the CEO of Pivotal New Mexico, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding funding opportunities for public and nonprofit projects throughout the state. Under his leadership, the organization significantly increased access to grants and resources for underserved communities.

From 2009 to 2016, Terry was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the New Mexico State Director for USDA Rural Development. In this capacity, he oversaw a portfolio of more than $1.5 billion in loans, grants, and loan guarantees aimed at improving the quality of life and economic resilience in rural areas. He led major investments in broadband infrastructure, community facilities, water systems, and affordable housing during a time marked by both federal stimulus and austerity. His tenure resulted in expanded access to direct home loans, critical home repair programs, and the preservation of over 100 multifamily housing properties.

Earlier in his career, Terry was the longtime State Director for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman and managed the Senator’s 2006 reelection campaign. He also served as a Policy Analyst for the Santa Fe County Commission, where he helped establish the County Health Policy and Planning Commission and the Open Space, Parks, and Trails Advisory Commission. He supported national policy initiatives through his work with Commissioner Javier Gonzales during Gonzales’ service as Vice President of the National Association of Counties.

Terry has been active in civic life, serving on numerous boards and commissions including the Quivira Coalition, Friends of the Valles Caldera, the Albuquerque/Bernalillo Library Advisory Board, the Albuquerque Development Commission, the New Mexico Jobs Council, and the Bernalillo County Charter Commission.

He holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona, an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico, and three real estate certificates from Central New Mexico Community College.

Jennifer Jackson, Deputy Director

Jennifer Jackson joined the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency as Manager in 2023 and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2024. She is dedicated to ensuring that MRA is well-positioned to grow as a key player in expanding Albuquerque’s economy and creating opportunity for residents and businesses alike. In her time at MRA, Jenny has worked with staff to expand organizational capacity, improve interdepartmental and community coordination, develop new programs, and grow the volume of incentives disbursed to businesses and developers. Prior to joining MRA, she worked as a grant writer, researcher, and technical writer, supporting a range of state and local government entities and nonprofits on economic development, infrastructure, workforce training, and education projects. In addition to operating her own firm, Jackson Writing and Research, since 2009, her experience includes nearly 7.5 years as a Senior Resource Development Officer at The Grant Plant, an Albuquerque-based company dedicated to helping organizations to improve the quality of life of New Mexicans. She has helped to secure more than $100 million in grant funding for clients and has led significant research projects such as a rural infrastructure study for the state of New Mexico.

Originally from Michigan, Jenny has called New Mexico home since 2005. She has a BA in English and Art History from Johns Hopkins University, and both an MA in Latin American Studies and an MBA from UNM. She is an Albuquerque Business First 40 Under Forty awardee, graduate of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Albuquerque program, served on the City of Albuquerque’s Transit Advisory Board, and was Secretary for the Board of Global Ties ABQ.