City Opens First Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Liaison Office

Today, the City of Albuquerque opened its first Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Liaison Office to help lift up the voices and boost the economic vitality of the APINH community.

In a special ceremony today at the Albuquerque Museum, Mayor Tim Keller, new APINH Liaison Carlo Aragon, and community leaders ceremoniously cut the ribbon to open the center.

“By opening the office today, we are able to show our commitment to working with our Asian, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian communities,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “This isn’t just an office in City Hall, it’s a resource for economic growth, a resource for civic engagement, and a resource for visibility.”

The APINH Office joins the city’s Office of Black Community, the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and the Office of Native American Affairs in the Office of Equity and Inclusion. All of these offices and liaisons are designed to be resources for everyone in the City.

Carlo Aragón will lead the office and will serve as the first APINH Liaison. Aragon brings over a decade of international leadership to the role. This new position ensures a dedicated connection between local government and the APINH community to listen, address their specific needs, and strengthen ties. Previously, Aragón led public engagement efforts in Lebanon and Nepal, working across cultures to expand access to U.S. programs. Aragon draws from his Filipino and Hispano heritage to guide his community work with a deep sense of querencia—a love of place and belonging. 

“I am here to cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and equitable Albuquerque where APINH communities are visible, engaged, and empowered across civic, cultural, and economic life,” Aragon said. “The APINH Liaison Office serves as a connector, advocate, and systems-level strategist advancing the well-being, cultural expression, and economic opportunity of APINH residents in Albuquerque, so please reach out and connect with me.”

The Office has 4 major goals:

• Economic Vitality: The Office will work with our local entrepreneurial community to make sure hurdles and issues are addressed.
• Civic Engagement: Aragon will represent the city on local boards, but also encourage new people to get involved in civic opportunities.
• Visibility: The City will help the APINH community tell its stories lift up voices that haven’t been heard.
• API Center: A long-term goal of the Office is to create a physical space where the APINH community can gather.

The Office is housed in the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. Learn more on the OEI website.