A coalition of advocacy organizations in New Mexico has initiated a billboard campaign across Albuquerque to emphasize the importance of community stability for public safety. The billboards, displaying the message "Safety starts with STABILITY," are strategically placed along major highways such as westbound I-40 near Twelfth Street and eastbound I-40 near Carlisle.
Daniel Williams, a policy advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, stated, "We all want to live in safe communities. This campaign highlights how stability – through housing, healthcare, and support services – creates lasting safety for all New Mexicans." He further explained that research supports the notion that stable housing and access to essential services contribute to thriving communities and enhanced public safety.
The initiative is supported by findings from the 2025 New Mexico Landscape poll, which indicates that 79% of New Mexicans favor preventative measures to boost public safety via investments in education, healthcare, and housing. The coalition also references studies suggesting that stable housing and accessible mental health care are more effective crime prevention methods than harsher penalties.
Rachel Biggs from Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless remarked on the importance of affordable living conditions: "We all want to live in a place where we can be healthy and safe, where everyone can afford rent." Oriana Sandoval of the Center for Civic Policy echoed this sentiment by advocating for investments in education and healthcare as proven strategies for crime prevention.
Williams emphasized that real public safety stems from addressing fundamental issues rather than implementing superficial solutions. "While our communities want immediate solutions, we need reforms that actually work," he said. The coalition plans to back legislation focused on improving behavioral health access and tackling substance use challenges.
The coalition comprises several organizations including ACLU of New Mexico, Equality New Mexico (EQNM), Bold Futures NM, and others. The billboard campaign will run until January 19.
