Quick Facts
Biography
Deanna Archuleta (born 1964) is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in the Department of the Interior and former Senior Adviser to the Secretary of the Interior. From New Mexico, she was the Bernalillo County Commissioner, and candidate for mayor of Albuquerque in 2017.
Political career
In May 2009, Deanna Archuleta was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in the Department of the Interior. As Deputy Assistant Secretary, Archuleta was the supervisor of the United States geological survey or USGS. Overseeing the USGS also included the $1.1 billion budget for 2010, 2011, and 2012. As well as managing the Earthquake Hazards Program.
From January 2008 to April 2009, Archuleta served as board chair of the Bernalillo County Water Utility, overseeing the completion of the San Juan Chama Drinking Water Project.
Archuleta also served two terms as a county commissioner in Bernalillo County from January 2005 until April 2009, and was elected to serve as the chair of the commission in 2009.
Before her appointment to the Department, Archuleta was the Southwest Regional Director for The Wilderness Society, which promoted land conservation and environmental protection throughout the region. She also served on President Elect Barack Obama's Transition Team in Washington, D.C.
Mayoral candidate
Deanna Archuleta is an official candidate for Mayor of Albuquerque. Archuleta was the first candidate to declare in May 2016. Archuleta was one of 9 candidates that have collected enough signatures to be placed on the ballot for mayor. Because of her father's failing health, Archuleta chose to drop out of the mayoral race on May 26, 2017.
Political positions
Crime and police
As a County Commissioner, Archuleta helped create Albuquerque's Metropolitan Assessment and Treatment Services center (MATS). MATS, helps people accused of drug- or alcohol-related offenses get clean so they can work, support their families, and be part of their communities. MATS has saved tax payer dollars and helped non-violent offenders receive rehabilitation to stay out of jail – ensuring they do not contribute to the overcrowding at MDC.
Archuleta is a proponent of community policing and police reform. She has stated that she will work with the Albuquerque Police Department to make sure that there is compliance with the settlement case involving the Department of Justice.
Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Archuleta's position is that the Albuquerque Rapid Transit or A.R.T. system should have had more community involvement and input.