INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM May 1, 2025
TO: Brook Bassan, President, City Council
FROM: Timothy M. Keller, Mayor
SUBJECT:
title
Mayor's appointment of Mr. Ben Garland to the Transit Advisory Board
body
I am submitting for your advice and consent the following name for appointment to the Transit Advisory Board in accordance with the City of Albuquerque Ordinance 2-7-1.
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APPOINTEE NAME |
TERM |
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Mr. Ben Garland Albuquerque, NM 87110 |
September 30, 2025 |
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Ben Garland is a dedicated transportation planner, community advocate, and experienced professional with a deep commitment to improving multimodal transit systems. Currently pursuing a Master's in Community and Regional Planning with a focus on Active Transportation at the University of New Mexico, and starting a PhD in Transportation Engineering in Fall 2025, Ben brings a strong academic foundation complemented by practical expertise. As Program Manager at the UNM Center for Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety since February 2024, he oversees programs, manages outreach, and organizes workshops to enhance safety and accessibility. His prior role as an Active Transportation Intern at the Mid-Region Council of Governments equipped him with hands-on experience in correcting bike path data, analyzing pedestrian counts, and utilizing GIS analyses to improve transportation systems-skills that directly align with the Transit Advisory Board's mission. His previous leadership includes roles like Advocacy Committee Chair for the Duluth (Minnesota) Bikes Coalition, where he successfully influenced city projects for cyclist and pedestrian safety. With a diverse background spanning military service as a Combat Communications Technician and conservation work with USDA-NRCS, Ben offers a unique blend of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and community-focused problem-solving. |
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A resident of District 7, Mr. Ben Garland will fill a vacancy and serve as an At Large Representative on the Board; their partial term will expire on September 30, 2025. |
The remaining members are:
|
Representing |
Name |
Term |
|
1. |
At Large |
Dr. Michael Patrick M. Martin |
9/30/2025 |
|
2. |
At Large |
Mr. Stephen L. Pilon |
9/30/2024 |
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3. |
At Large |
Mr. Jordon B. McConnell |
9/30/2025 |
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4. |
At Large |
Mx. Althea May Atherton |
9/30/2026 |
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5. |
At Large |
Ms. Dara Osher |
9/30/2026 |
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6. |
At Large |
Mr. Michael Devin |
9/30/2026 |
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7. |
At Large |
Mr. Montel S. Richardson |
9/30/2025 |
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8. |
At Large |
Vacant |
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9. |
At Large |
Ms. Jennifer Restrepo |
9/30/2027 |
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10. |
At Large |
Vacant |
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11. |
At Large |
Mr. Samuel Jensen |
9/30/2025 |
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12. |
At Large |
Mr. Carlos A. Michelen Strofer |
9/30/2025 |
Transit Advisory Board
Appointment of Mr. Ben Garland.
Page 3
______________________________________ _____/_____/_____
Samantha Sengel, Chief Administrative Officer Date