Adam Fulton Johnson

Democrat for Santa Fe
County Commissioner
District 4

Preserving what makes Santa Fe Special

Fiercely Pro Choice 🦚 LGBTQ+ Ally 🦚 Pro Union 🦚 Peace Everywhere
🦚 Universal Healthcare 🦚 Renewable Energy Future

Hi, I’m Adam Fulton Johnson.

I grew up in Santa Fe and love our region deeply. I want to preserve what makes Santa Fe special for future generations. I hope to be the next Democratic County Commissioner from District 4.

Currently, I serve as the executive director of a nonprofit, the Old Santa Fe Association. For the last few years, I’ve been an advocate for Santa Fe’s unique charm and an outspoken voice on issues of concern for our region.

My partner (Erin) and I live in the Arroyo Hondo area of the county with our 5-year-old daughter (Ingrid), dog (Guillermo), and a growing menagerie of animals—including a chameleon, bearded dragon, and three peacocks.
🦚🦚🦚

This June 4th, I hope you’ll pledge your vote for me in the Democratic Primary. Early voting begins May 7th.

Together we can preserve what makes Santa Fe special!

Endorsements

Anna Hamilton, County Commissioner District 4

Hank Hughes, County Commissioner District 5

Anna Hansen, County Commissioner District 2

Alma Castro, City Councilor

Renee Villarreal, former City Councilwoman

Carmen Gonzales, School Board

Kate Noble, School Board

Lifelong Democrat and Progressive

Why I’m Running

I’m running because I see the need for strong Democratic leadership in Santa Fe County and my own District 4 (map). I grew up in Santa Fe and it holds a special place in my heart. After college, I completed Masters (MIT) and PhD (U. of Michigan) work focusing on Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico, and our unique cultural heritage as a region. I’m running for County Commissioner because we need to protect our unique cultural heritage and stunning natural environment.

I’m running as a conscientious and considerate leader on diverse issues such as water sustainability, wildfire and hazard risk mitigation, workforce housing, and cultural heritage preservation. I want to serve my community, keep our town and region unique, and improve the lives of all Santa Feans.

I am grateful to be able to serve my community as the director of a local education, historic preservation, and community service nonprofit. Because of our work in the county and city over the last few years, I know the issues of our region well. I regularly participate in legislative and quality of life debates at the local level. 

My Father, Bill Johnson, who passed away from cancer in 2021, also inspires my run. He was a local child and adolescent psychiatrist for 30 years and a dedicated trails and open space steward. His values are my values and I think of him every day on the campaign trail. He was passionate about child welfare, behavioral health, substance misuse prevention, common sense medical marijuana, and was a strong advocate for trail connectivity, land stewardship, and sharing our natural landscape with people of all generations.  

My first day in office I pledge to do what is best for the common good of Santa Fe. Let’s keep it special for us all!

I hope to earn your support June 4 in the Democratic Primary.

  • Community representative on citizen’s advisory committee for Santa Fe’s Land Development Code Update (ldc roster)

  • Led group to tighten restrictions on investor-owned short term rentals in Santa Fe County (SFR & SFNM)

  • Early supporter of successful United for Affordable Housing Campaign (SFNM op-ed & UAH link)

  • Fighting against 200,000 sq. ft. Executive Office Building at State Capitol and destruction of historic structures on Don Gaspar (SFNM)

My Experience as a Community Advocate

  • Sought new transparency provisions for Santa Fe’s governing charter (SFR)

  • Facilitated focus groups on future of region — “History and Growth Series” for younger Santa Feans (KUNM)

  • Sought diplomatic and community-centered solutions to contentious development projects (op-ed)

  • Organized volunteers to preserve Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery (SFNM)

  • Adopted and Restored AT&SF #5030 Steam Engine at Salvador Perez Park (SFNM)

Fire • Water • Energy • Earth • Spirit

Issues

Water Sustainability

  • Support science-based approach to water sustainability with a +50-year need projection

  • Engage community in discussions of future water availability to promote transparency

  • Promote sustainable residential use through gray-water system credits, free rainwater catchment systems, & smart water meters

  • Facilitate strong and functional County-City relationship to ensure functioning of Buckman Direct Diversion

  • Champion water reclamation infrastructure

Workforce Housing

  • Bolster funding for Santa Fe County Affordable Housing Program

  • Adequately fund transfer of development rights to emphasize growth in areas with adequate infrastructure

  • Streamline and prioritize permitting process for construction of affordable, workforce housing

  • Promote middle- and long-term rentals for locals instead of converting properties to AirBNBs or second-home vacancies

  • Promote adaptive reuse over demolition + new construction

Fire and Hazard Prevention

  • Support hazard mitigation planning so we are ready when fires occur

  • Ensure prescribed burns are vetted and performed with vigilant oversight

  • Lead community projects to thin overgrowth 

  • Provide regular, free pickup of brush, branches and organic materials

  • Partner with city and adjacent counties to coordinate fire prevention programs and emergency management planning

Roads, Energy and Infrastructure

  • Ensure regular road maintenance

  • Provide new avenues for residential solar and make neighborhood/community solar easier to implement

  • Build online portal for reporting needed repairs to roads, bridges, culverts, electric lines, etc.

  • Extend broadband / fiber optic lines to rural communities to increase connectivity of county residences

  • Strategically extend sewer, water, and electricity connections to improve service and reduce reliance on (non-renewable) groundwater

Climate Change Leadership and Environmental Protection

  • Initiate bilingual programs for local businesses to access sustainable electrification, building and water infrastructure money from federal government—with benefits to consumers

  • Support “Green Banks” that make investments in equity-focused, emissions-reducing projects

  • Increase access to charging stations in rural areas

  • Oppose non-renewable energy projects in region

  • Make Santa Fe County a leader in Decarbonizing the economy

Cultural Heritage Preservation

  • Protect traditional historic communities, historic structures, and long-standing local traditions

  • Support heritage land use traditions and sacred spaces like the Caja del Rio and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

  • Adopt design standards to preserve our regional architectural traditions

  • Celebrate multigenerational cultural traditions through inclusive public events

Help Preserve what makes Santa Fe Special