Dear Neighbor:

My name is Stephanie Telles, and I’m running to represent our families on the Albuquerque City Council.

I’m a mom, a caregiver, an educator, and a small business owner. I’m also your neighbor on the Westside—raising my daughter here while caring for my mom who lives with dementia. Like many of you, I’ve seen how our city’s systems are stretched thin, and how urgent challenges—especially around public safety, housing, and homelessness—are affecting our families and neighborhoods.

I'm also hearing loud and clear what so many of us are concerned about: growing traffic and infrastructure issues, limited opportunities for our youth and elders, and the need for more good-paying local jobs. We need a City Council that not only understands the realities of life on the Westside—but acts on them.

I’m running because I believe we need leaders who don’t just listen, but act—with heart, with accountability, and with a commitment to real results.

As the founder of a consulting business that partners with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies, I’ve helped organizations confront complex challenges—providing training in fraud prevention and building systems that are safer, more responsive, and truly equitable.

Now I want to bring that experience home—to help strengthen public safety by supporting our first responders and community-based solutions like mental health response; to expand affordable housing that meets the needs of working families; to improve our roads and reduce traffic bottlenecks; to advocate for youth programs that give kids real pathways to success; invest more resources to ensure quality care and support for our aging population; and to grow economic opportunity here on the Westside by supporting small businesses and creating more good-paying jobs.

I believe public service is about showing up, listening deeply, and always putting people first.

That’s how I’ll serve you on the City Council—by being a voice for our community and a champion for real change.

I’m proud to have the support of local leaders and excited to connect with you as I work to qualify for public financing and earn a spot on the June ballot.

I’d be honored to earn your support—and to work together for a safer, stronger, more connected Albuquerque.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Telles