Don Harris has been a resident of Albuquerque for nearly fifteen years. Before being an Attorney in private practice, Mr. Harris was a New Mexico Assistant Attorney General for several years. He then continued his career as an Assistant City Attorney for approximately two years with the City of Albuquerque representing the Albuquerque Police Department. During this time, he worked with the Safe City Strike Force. In addition, he worked on land use matters and drafted numerous legislative proposals.

Councilor Harris has been involved in coaching and refereeing soccer for years, and was one of the initial Board members for the West Side AYSO soccer league. He also is a regular volunteer within his community and takes part of many activities in his children's schools. He enjoys jazz saxophone which he studied from Jackie McLean before going to the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Don Harris has been married to his wife Amy for thirteen years and is a father of four children. He and his family also offer their home and love to foster children.

During Councilor Don Harris’s time working with the Safe City Strike Force he realized the importance that the environment plays on crime reduction in an area. He learned that a healthy, growing and economically stable business community leads to happier residents, more jobs and, ultimately, safer streets.

Aims & Accomplishments

When Councilor Harris ran for office, he promised to rid the district of drugs and prostitution. He has been working hard to accomplish that goal by trying to draw businesses that will revitalize the area and by removing the elements that have attracted the illegal activity.

Aims

• Revitalize and beautify East Central.
• Develop a "High-Tech Corridor" which would expand on the already existing Sandia Science and Technology Park and Kirtland Air Force Base.
• Rejuvenate business in the area by improving mass transit.
• Attract more businesses by offering incentives to help nurture the growth of new businesses.
• Alleviate traffic concerns south of Central by commissioning a comprehensive traffic plan.
• Reduce neighborhood crime.
• Make the area more inviting for families.

Accomplishments

• Advocated for funding to develop a sector plan and a Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan to assess the needs of East Central and to impose design guidelines along East Central.
• Demolished the vacant McDonalds Restaurant at Central and Tramway that was becoming overrun with vagrants.
• Authorized $150,000 to build a shade structure at the Manzano Multi-generational Center to protect the families from harmful sunburns while they play in the water playground. The project is currently on the Department of Development’s priority list.
• Appropriated $1.8 million for a gym at the Princess Jeanne Community Center.
• Appropriated $1.2 million for East Gateway Park at the corner of Central and Tramway.
• Established a moratorium on new development in the Tijeras Arroyo.

Councilor Harris' Appointments

• Finance and Government Operations ― Chairman
• Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Commission
• Mid-Region Council of Governments
• Regional Transit District