Albuquerque Planning Director Oversees Expansion of School for the Blind, Faces Diverse Challenges
– Albuquerque’s Director of Planning, Alan Varela, is currently overseeing a period of significant development and navigating a range of municipal issues. Recent projects under his purview include the expansion of the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Albuquerque campus, a project he described as particularly rewarding.
Varela, who holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, brings a diverse background to the role, having held leadership positions in both the private and public sectors. According to a profile on the City of Albuquerque website, he transitioned to the Planning Department after serving as Deputy Director of the Department of Municipal Development, where he managed divisions encompassing vertical construction, energy and sustainability, real property, facilities, and finance.
Prior to that role, Varela progressed through the City’s Legal Department, starting as an Assistant City Attorney and ultimately becoming Deputy City Attorney. He initially joined the City as general counsel for Municipal Development, Finance, Metropolitan Redevelopment, and the Environmental Planning Commission.
Beyond his municipal work, Varela has a history of community involvement. He has volunteered with several non-profit organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Board of Quality New Mexico, Finance Committee Chair for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, and President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, an organization with 100,000 members. He was also recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 most influential leaders.
While the provided information focuses on Varela’s professional and civic contributions within Albuquerque, a separate Alan Varela is a prominent figure in the world of professional soccer. Alan Gonzalo Varela, born in 2001, is an Argentine footballer currently playing as a defensive or central midfielder for Porto in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. He previously played for Boca Juniors in Argentina.
The soccer player Varela joined Boca Juniors in 2012 from Barcelona Luján, a subsidiary of Barcelona, and made his debut with the first team in 2020. In August 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Porto for a reported fee of €8 million, plus potential add-ons of €3 million. He has also represented Argentina at the U20 and U23 levels.
The Albuquerque Planning Director’s current focus remains on guiding the city’s development, with the School for the Blind expansion highlighted as a particularly meaningful project. The expansion project, while details are limited in the provided sources, underscores Varela’s commitment to serving the public and improving the quality of life for Albuquerque residents.
Sérgio Conceição, manager of FC Porto, has led the team to three league titles and Champions League knockout round wins since taking charge in 2017. The soccer player Varela has already cemented his place in the heart of Porto’s midfield after joining the club in 2023.
