Mayor Keller Hosts Kids Town Hall

January 8, 2020

Today, Mayor Tim Keller hosted a Kids Town Hall where he answered questions from Cochiti Elementary students and other youth in the community about some of the City’s biggest issues. The students sent questions to the Mayor’s office prior to today’s event and other questions were collected at the City’s community centers.

Town halls are a great way for elected officials to stay connected to the public and for the community to give input. Today’s Kids Town Hall offered a fun opportunity for students to ask their questions, learn about their local government, and understand that they can make a difference.

“I loved hearing from some of the youngest members of our community. With a four and six-year-old at home, I get a lot of input at the dinner table, but visiting kids at school is always special. These kids today cut through all the clutter with some great questions. They may be small, but they speak with some of the biggest voices,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our kids inspire us every day to build the best possible Albuquerque so we can pass on to them a city that is inclusive, safe, and full of opportunity.”

A number of the letters the Mayor received from kids and questions submitted at the community centers were about bike lanes and climate change. Kids also asked the Mayor about a range of things from what it’s like to be a mayor to how to help those experiencing homelessness.

While there, the Mayor donated a Spanish and English copy of Sofia Valdez Future Prez by Andrea Beaty to the Cochiti Elementary School library.

The City is one of the largest providers of early care and education, and before and after school and summer programs for children and young people in Albuquerque.

• 800 children (aged birth to five) receive care at one of our child and family development programs.
• 11,000 children participate in the City’s before and after school programs, including our school break camps. 
• 31,000 children participated in the City’s summer programs.
• Over 1,000 young people attended one of 13 Teen nights on Friday nights during the summer. 
• 12,278 young people were hired to work in 13 city departments during the summer. 

To find out about youth opportunities in your neighborhood, check out the One Albuquerque Youth Connect website and sign up to receive the One Albuquerque Youth Connect quarterly newsletter:  https://www.cabq.gov/youth-connect