Public Meetings - Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Las Cruces City Council held a work session on Monday, September 22, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, presided over by Mayor Eric Enriquez. The primary agenda item was an update from the Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT), presented by Community Development Director Chris Fayer. The session also included routine announcements, a pets of the week segment, and one public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Billman (Alameda Depot Historic District resident) expressed support for the NAT effort and advocated for using the abatement process as a revenue stream by rehabilitating and reselling properties rather than solely demolishing them. He noted a vacant 1920s house next to his property with an unresponsive owner, calling it a public safety hazard. Discussion Items - Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT) Update – Chris Fayer began by acknowledging the cross-departmental team and the importance of addressing vacant and nuisance properties to reduce blight and enhance public safety, referencing the Elevate plan (initiatives CL 2.1 and CL 2.2). - Background & Criteria: The NAT uses the International Property Maintenance Code to enforce standards on vacant, abandoned properties. Properties are ranked on a 1–3 priority scale (level 1 = lowest, level 3 = highest), with level 2 and 3 properties often lacking identified legal owners. - Process: Staff identifies properties via citizen tips, police, or code enforcement; investigates ownership; assesses structural integrity; and may remove certificates of occupancy, condemn buildings, board/secure, or demolish. The city can then place liens and foreclose. Special provisions apply for properties in historic districts (e.g., 414 East May). - Current Statistics (as of September 22, 2025): 165 properties on the NAT list (split across levels); since August, 60 owners identified, 8 properties condemned, 5 demolition permits applied for by owners, and 2 liens in place for potential foreclosure. - Tools: A new public-facing website page with FAQs, a real-time map (showing level 2 and 3 properties), and a submission form for citizen tips. An interactive GIS map for internal use allows staff to update information in real time, including owner data, council district, flood zone, and permit history. - Proposed Ordinance (Phased): - Phase 1 (target July 2026): Focus on commercial properties and residential properties owned by LLCs. Would create a registry, establish compliance timelines, and assess fees (not recoverable as liens). Enforcement date January 2027. - Phase 2 (target January 2028): Extend to residential properties, with potential assistance programs for low-income owners (e.g., using MRA funds). - Exemptions: Active building permits (up to 2 years), property listed with a licensed broker, properties under foreclosure/probate, or damage from natural disasters. - Budget & Staffing: Current NAT budget is $100,000 (reduced from $300,000 the prior year). Estimated costs: residential demolition ranges $25,000–$60,000; board/secure $2,500–$6,000. Fayer recommended restoring at least $300,000 for FY 2026. Additional staffing needs include a dedicated attorney, a building official, a permit technician, and a management analyst. - Council Discussion: - Councilor Graham highlighted the challenge of private property rights and the need to balance enforcement with legal constraints, noting that staff sometimes use administrative search warrants to access properties. - Councilor Curran asked about commercial properties, noting that many are owned by out-of-town entities. Fayer explained that commercial and residential are treated similarly in the NAT process, but commercial owners are often easier to locate. - Councilor Flores expressed concern about finding heirs and legal owners, especially for long-vacant residential properties. City Attorney Brad added that when direct service fails, the city posts notice on the property and publishes in a newspaper. Flores also suggested using the local historic society and the Historic Preservation Committee as resources. - Councilor McClure supported the ordinance and recommended presenting the NAT update at neighborhood meetings (e.g., Las Esperanzas) to proactively inform residents. - Councilor Matisse asked about conditioning permits for new commercial buildings to include restoration or maintenance upon abandonment. Fayer agreed to research this (citing Laramie, Wyoming as an example). - Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo praised the team, especially GIS, and emphasized equity: avoiding a “poverty tax” while ensuring property owners meet their responsibilities. She supported exploring MRA-specific abatement funding for owners who lack capital. - Mayor Enriquez characterized the NAT effort as “community risk reduction,” noting that vacant properties generate police, fire, and code enforcement costs. He suggested partnering with local contractors to incentivize cleanup and redevelopment. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session; however, council members expressed broad support for the NAT approach and the phased ordinance. - Next steps: Staff will continue identifying owners, pursue abatements and foreclosures, and launch a public awareness campaign. The proposed ordinance timeline targets July 2026 for adoption and January 2027 for enforcement of phase 1. - Budget direction: Council indicated a willingness to increase the NAT budget above the current $100,000, with suggestions to return to at least $300,000 for FY 2026. Staff will provide more detailed budget and staffing proposals before the next budget cycle. - Further research: Councilor Matisse’s request regarding permit conditions for commercial property restoration will be explored by staff. - Meeting adjourned via unanimous voice vote (all council members present voted aye).

The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM. The meeting opened with recognitions and proclamations, followed by public comments, discussion of a consent agenda item removed for debate, several resolutions, board appointments, and council reports. Recognitions & Proclamations - Mayor’s Top Teens: Mayor Eric Enriquez recognized the 2025 cohort of high school seniors who have overcome adversity, maintained a 3.0+ GPA, and excelled in school and community activities. The program, started in 2007 by then-Mayor Bill Matisse, has run for 18 years. Veronica R. Medina, program president, introduced 17 students representing local high schools. - Marine Corps League – El Perro Diablo Detachment 478: Received a Certificate of Excellence for their honor guard service, including funerals, parades, and color guards. - International Walk to School Days (Sept. 30 – Oct. 3): Proclamation presented to Booker T. Washington Elementary students and staff. Walk to school events began in Las Cruces in 2007. - Constitution Week (Sept. 17–23): Proclamation observed with Deborah Hale of the Daughters of the American Revolution reciting the Preamble. - Civic Health Month (August): Proclamation accepted by Jasper McCormick, noting that voter registration efforts continue year-round and that two-thirds of unregistered eligible voters report never having been asked to register. - New Mexico Press Women’s Day (Sept. 20): Proclamation presented to Denise Chavez, celebrating the organization’s work in journalism and communications. - 30th Anniversary of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation: Established in 1995 with $130 million from the sale of Providence Memorial Hospital, the foundation has invested over $266 million in grants and programs, supporting initiatives in Las Cruces such as walking trails, school gardens, mental health services, and diabetes management. - National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28): Proclamation recognizing city departments’ roles in fostering community connections, presented by Community Engagement Manager Katrina Godinez. Pets of the Week - Carol from the Animal Services Center introduced Cosette (252 days at shelter), Cookies and Cream (242 days), Coral (239 days), and Adventureful (227 days) as long-term residents needing adoption. The Cat of the Week, Angel, was adopted. A shelter sweethearts event will be held at PETCO on Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Lynn Moore: Criticized the Las Cruces Utilities Department for alleged non‑compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule, stating that the city’s pipe material inventory contains inaccuracies, half of properties are missing, and requested an independent engineer review. - Liz Rodriguez Johnson: Asserted that a city video about checking meter boxes was inadequate and that the city has failed to provide accurate, bilingual information about lead pipes, particularly for Spanish‑only speakers. - Michael Clark (CrossTown Boxing): Expressed concern over rising youth crime and gun violence, noting the loss of community programs such as middle school football. He called for more youth activities in low‑income areas and announced a rally against violence on Saturday at Branigan Park. - Lance Renfro: Introduced himself as the district legislative aide for Representative Jennifer Jones and invited questions. He expressed support for “Project Jupiter,” a proposed hyperscale data center in the county, while acknowledging economic risks, and condemned recent political assassinations. - Ronnie Montgomery: Offered a prayer and voiced opinions on transgender participation in sports, government debt, education, and critical race theory. - Lucas Herndon (District 2): Opposed Project Jupiter, citing concerns over water usage, energy costs, and lack of transparency. He praised the city’s own IRB for a manufacturing project (Endurance Technologies) as a responsible use of the tool. - Pam Smith & another speaker: Representing senior users of the Las Cruces Aquatic Center, which has been closed for four weeks. They requested a proactive maintenance plan and parts inventory to avoid future long shutdowns, noting a six‑month closure two years ago. - Jacob Hayner (University Addition neighborhood): Described an increase in violent crime at Solapek Park, including a shooting on September 4 that killed a young woman. He urged the council to install camera systems in parks and increase police presence. - Unnamed speaker: Reflected on the unity after 9/11 and lamented current political division. - Jim Hurst: Defended Project Jupiter’s economic development process, arguing that the timeline reflects market realities and urging the council not to reject the project over process concerns. He also spoke about potential benefits of AI. Discussion Items - Removal of Consent Agenda Item 7.4 – Saputo Cheese LEDA Closeout: Councilor Matisse moved to remove Council Bill 26‑004 (ordinance 3096) from the consent agenda for discussion. The motion passed unanimously. - Elizabeth Teters, Economic Development Director, presented the closeout of the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) agreement with Saputo Cheese USA (formerly FNA Dairy). The company, located in the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park, produces approximately 4 million pounds of cheese per month. The LEDA agreement expected 150 new jobs with an average wage of $34,000 and $30 million capital investment. Actual outcomes: 216 jobs at an average wage of $44,000 and $62 million in capital investment. The company requested early closeout after maintaining 150 full‑time employees for six consecutive months. Saputo is also planning a second expansion. Council approved the closeout ordinance. - Resolution 26‑038 – Support of Public Lands: Presented by Policy Analyst Sergio Ruiz. The resolution opposes the transfer, sale, or reduction of public lands, especially the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, and supports full funding for public lands. Council approved unanimously. - Resolution 26‑039 – Amendment to 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Program: Cynthia Lamillo, CIP Manager, presented adjustments to several projects including Madrid Avenue extension, ADA compliance, Fire Station 4 remodel, Municipal Court rehabilitation, and the traffic signal at Bataan Memorial at Rinconada. Additionally, a new project for a DC fast charger at the animal shelter on Bataan Memorial, funded by a $500,000+ NMDOT grant, was added. Sustainability Officer Jenny Hernandez explained the location was chosen to be on major highways. Council approved. - Resolution 26‑040 – HOME Agreement with Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity: Jen Larbach, Housing and Neighborhood Services, presented a $180,000 HOME fund allocation to assist in constructing two single‑family homes at 4432 Camino Dos Vidas and 4105 Calle de Luna in the Dos Sueños subdivision. Homes will be sold to households at or below 80% of area median income. Council approved. - Resolution 26‑041 – Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Inducement for Endurance Technologies: Elizabeth Teters explained the IRB process and introduced Endurance Technologies, a Canadian steel pipe manufacturer seeking to locate a 45,000‑square‑foot facility (on 15 acres) in the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park. The company projects 41 new jobs at an average wage of $58,000 and $17 million capital investment. CEO Jeff Pachura stated they plan to start with 25 employees in 2026 and grow to 41 over three years, hiring locally. The inducement resolution allows the company to begin tax‑exempt purchases while the final ordinance is processed. Council approved. Key Outcomes - Approved: Closeout of Saputo Cheese LEDA agreement (Ordinance 3096) – unanimous. - Approved: Resolution 26‑038 in support of public lands – unanimous. - Approved: Resolution 26‑039 amending the CIP (including DC fast charger) – unanimous. - Approved: Resolution 26‑040 HOME agreement with Habitat for Humanity – unanimous. - Approved: Resolution 26‑041 IRB inducement for Endurance Technologies – unanimous. - Board Appointments: - Martha Guerra appointed to the Senior Programs Advisory Board. - John Trujillo appointed to the Senior Programs Advisory Board. - Adolf Zubia reappointed to the Oversight Committee. - Consensus to Bring Forward Discussion on Welcoming City Resolution: Councilor Bencomo requested consensus to place an update to the Welcoming City Resolution on the October 6 agenda. Verbal affirmations from council members provided the necessary four votes. Council & City Manager Reports - Councilor McClure reported that the MPO board discussed joining Target Zero for pedestrian safety; the city will explore options. - Councilor Matisse asked Chief Story about increased patrols or cameras at Solapek Park following public comments. - Chief Story noted that 25 new officers will graduate this week; the real‑time crime center is being expanded to cover smaller parks. - Councilor Graham thanked Chief Story for a demo of the real‑time crime center and Officer Udero for a ride‑along. - Councilor Corran championed the Target Zero program and invited the public to the Griggs Walnut Superfund Site open house on Thursday. - Councilor Bencomo requested consensus to update the Welcoming City Resolution in response to federal immigration enforcement changes and expressed support for the Boys & Girls Club capital campaign (seeking $7.5 million; $6.1 million raised). - Mayor Enriquez announced upcoming events: a cleanup at Walmart on Walton at 8:30 AM Saturday, the Mayor’s Bike Ride starting at City Hall at 10 AM Sunday, and the Redes Unidas event on South Solano. - City Manager Ikani Taumopea announced public meetings on the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) for capital projects (six district meetings from Sept. 30 to Oct. 9), an update on the delayed Walnut Skate Park (open issues with contractor), the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful fall cleanup on Sept. 20 with free dumpsters at five locations, and a free community movie night screening of Snow White on Sept. 20 at 7 PM at Amador Live Space. He also congratulated the Economic Development Department and MVEDA for winning the 2025 Blueprint for Growth Award.

Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo chaired the work session on Monday, September 8, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM. The session included updates from the Community of Hope Alliance agencies, a semi-annual police audit report from the OIR Group, and brief mentions of jobs and pets of the week. Council discussed federal funding cuts, new lease terms, and police accountability. Consent Calendar - Routine opening: moment of silence for police and fire departments, pledge of allegiance, jobs of the week (presented by Sarah Rainey), and pets of the week (presented by Carol). No formal consent calendar actions were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the session. Mayor Pro Tem opened the floor for public comment after the police audit presentation, but no one spoke. Discussion Items 3.1 – Community of Hope Alliance Agency Updates - Natalie Green (city staff) gave a brief history of the Community of Hope campus (city-owned since 1994, 17 acres, approximately 1,000 people accessing services daily). - Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (Carol Updaka, Deputy Director): served 10,894 people last year; Camp Hope sheltered 194; 1,118 new people housed; 1,857 people and 1,004 children received housing assistance. Highlighted federal cuts risk and the need for flexible housing solutions. - Jardin de los Niños (Michelle Adamas, CEO): serves children 6 weeks to 10 years; 350 families annually; 31 children on waitlist; 20% of families homeless, 80% near homeless. Designated trauma-informed care center and behavioral health agency. - Amador Health Center (Ron Fitzherbert, CEO): serves all without discrimination; 1,059 patients in first half of 2025, nearly 4,000 visits; substance use disorder treatment in 600 visits; restarted dental hygiene services with DACC. - El Caldito Soup Kitchen (Steve Chapeta, Director): 41 years of operation, over 3.5 million meals served; last fiscal year served 159,490 meals (budget $546,734, city contribution $32,000); cost per meal $3.43. Announced Operation Giving Apron and Empty Bowls fundraiser. - Casa de Peregrinos (Lorenzo Alba, Director): 46th year; served 28,000 unique individuals in 2025 (18% increase); food basket cost $20, value estimated $500; return on investment 12:1 for food program, 20:1 for food rescue. Formally requested an additional $100,000 from the city. - Lease Update (Natalie Green): current lease ends Dec 2025; new 5-year lease with up to four renewals under development; rent value $568,000; agencies provided over $3.4 million in services in lieu last year. - Councilor Corn asked about the percentage of city funding (<10% for each agency) and highlighted misconceptions. - Councilor Matisse urged collaboration with federal senators for funding. - Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo noted upcoming state special session on Oct 1 and potential impact of federal funding cuts (Medicaid, SNAP). 3.2 – Eighth Semi-Annual Police Audit Report (OIR Group) - Stephen Connolly and Teresa Magula presented the report covering January to June 2025. - 10 internal investigations: 8 internally initiated, 2 external citizen complaints; 40 total allegations, 32 sustained. - 20 employees investigated (14 officers, 2 detectives, 2 sergeants, 2 non-sworn). Disciplinary outcomes: verbal reprimand to termination; one officer resigned before completion. - Critical incidents: two officer-involved shootings (2022 and 2023) discussed; delays in administrative investigations noted; department now conducts concurrent investigations. - Force Review Cadre expanded to review holistic incident aspects (de-escalation, duty to intercede, supervision). - Complaint demographics: sample too small (62 complainants over 5 years) to draw conclusions about bias or disproportionality. - New trend: use of AI software for police reports; OIR Group monitoring and will report on guardrails in next semi-annual. - Community outreach sessions held (one in 2024, one in Feb 2025); next session scheduled for 6–8 PM in council chambers. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session. - Casa de Peregrinos formally requested an additional $100,000 from the city; discussion deferred to budget process. - The lease for the Community of Hope campus is under development with a five-year term and up to four renewals; city staff to finalize rent value. - The OIR Group will continue to monitor AI use in police reports and provide a report at the next semi-annual presentation. - Council directed staff to work collaboratively with federal delegation and state legislators to address potential federal funding cuts.

The meeting began at 1:00 PM with Mayor Eric Enriquez. Presentations included NATOA awards, jobs of the week, and pets of the week. Public comment covered lead/copper compliance, spay/neuter program, aquatic center closure, opposition to Project Jupiter data center, crime concerns, and more. Council approved a liquor license transfer, a CPACE resolution (one opposed), and an ordinance updating weed definitions. Presentations and Reports - NATOA Government Programming Awards: Mandy Leatherwood (Communications Director) announced the City of Las Cruces won three awards of excellence, three of distinction, and one honorable mention. She showed videos on lead/copper education ("What's My Line Made Of") and a recruitment video featuring City Manager Ikani Tumpiao. - Jobs of the Week: Sarah Rainey (One-Stop Coordinator) listed positions including City of Las Cruces library page ($15.02/hr), accounts receivable representative ($15.57/hr), White Sands Missile Range quality control analyst ($38.55–$48.55/hr), and others. - Pets of the Week: Carol (Animal Services) introduced dog Coral (89047) and noted one cat adopted. She highlighted long-term residents: Boxer (247 days), Cosette (239 days), Cookies and Cream (229 days). Councilor Corin offered to sponsor adoptions and shared positive experiences with shelter dogs. Public Comments & Testimony - Lynn Moore: Presented handouts alleging city non-compliance with EPA lead/copper rule. Claimed the city has not notified new customers of pipe material, lacks evidence for one-third of characterization, omitted mobile home parks, and uses non-evidence-based techniques. She accused staff of bias against finding lead pipes and called for impartial assessment. - Lavon Hart (SNAP Director): Reported 595 spay/neuter surgeries, 293 rabies vaccinations, and 272 microchips in FY2024-25, a 35% increase in vouchers. Noted a 100% increase in requests at the start of FY2025-26. Asked for volunteers and board members. - Frankie Lawrence, Mary Ellen Boberg, Bob Hauck (senior citizens): Expressed frustration about the activity pool at Las Cruces Aquatic Center being inoperable for 1.5–2 months due to electrical and pump issues. Asked for prompt repairs. Interim Assistant City Manager David Sevillo confirmed the issue and said staff are working on two options (rebuilding old pump or modifying spare), with an estimated 2–3 week timeline. - Lucas Herndon (District 2): Opposed the Donana County Commission’s approval of Project Jupiter, a $165 billion data center by a Texas tech company. Cited risks to groundwater, energy loopholes, and insufficient community engagement (only three weeks). Asked the city to use its influence with the county. - Lindley Hornsby (District 4): Opposed Project Jupiter, urged council to protect water and air, and advised against adopting a boom-and-bust industry. Also commented on GRT spending for vulnerable communities. - Juan Garcia: Expressed concerns about rising juvenile crime, drive-by shootings, drug use, and the Young Park massacre. Warned against political violence and urged respect for opposing views. He criticized protesters who disrupt events and elected officials who make irresponsible comments. - Jay Chote (District 5): Supported peaceful protest as free speech; opposed Project Jupiter due to water use and pollution concerns. Called for more public engagement outside working hours and better public transportation. - Lonnie Montgomery: Prayed for better skills for council; criticized elected officials on transgender issues, debt, and education. Called for decency and ended his "riff raff report." - William Moreland: Opposed Project Jupiter, asked council to stand up for smaller municipalities, and noted lack of shade at bus stops. - Unnamed speaker (later identified as part of public): Spoke in favor of Project Jupiter, arguing it would bring infrastructure and jobs, and cautioned against presuming corruption. He supported economic development. - Donna Stryker: Reported on the Courts, Crime and Justice legislative committee meeting at NMSU. Praised LCPD’s presentation on youth crime as “disturbing” and urged council to watch the video. Criticized a senior senator for disrespecting council and blamed the community. She asked for more collaboration. - Tim Jenkins: Seconded concerns about crime; questioned spending $11 million on homeless and $10 million on an abortion clinic when mental health needs attention. - Spanish-speaking speaker: Urged council to encourage county to stop Project Jupiter. - Diana Albusolar (New Mexico Local News Fund): Introduced the Documenters project to train citizens to document public meetings. Sought feedback and provided contact information. Discussion Items Item 7.1 – Liquor License Transfer (Ruby Tuesdays) - Public hearing opened at 2:09 PM; no speakers. Motion to approve Resolution 26-033 passed unanimously (6-0, Councilor Flores absent). The license (DIS 001199) transfers ownership at 2611 N. Tel Shore Blvd. Item 7.2 – Resolution 26-034 (CPACE Program) - Isaac Colgeen and Eric Christensen (Adelante Consulting) presented CPACE financing for commercial property upgrades (lighting, HVAC, microgrids, etc.). It is funded by capital providers, not public funds. Councilor Matisse asked about lien holder consent; it requires consent from all existing lien holders. Motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Matisse voting no. Item 7.3 – Ordinance 3095 (Weed/Nuisance Ordinance) - Brad Douglas (Legal) and Michael Roach (Codes Enforcement) proposed revisions to Chapter 18 to add specific definitions of invasive weeds and address constitutional concerns from municipal court. Enforcement will focus on enumerated species. Councilor Corin urged neighborly communication rather than reporting code violations. Councilor McClure suggested an education campaign. Diane Starbuck spoke in favor. Unanimously approved (6-0). Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 26-033: Transfer of liquor license for Ruby Tuesdays. - Approved Resolution 26-034: Adoption of CPACE program (6-1). - Approved Ordinance 3095: Replacing and repealing Chapter 18 nuisance sections regarding weeds. - No board appointments. - Council members expressed support for housing initiatives (state $11 million investment), appreciation for police, fire, and communications departments, and concerns about Project Jupiter. - City Manager Ikani Tumpiao announced: Aquatic Center pool repair estimated 2–3 weeks; new playground at Valley View Park; housing press conference on September 3 at 1 PM; OIR Group police auditor report on September 8; salsa dancing event on September 4 at Plaza de las Cruces. - Utilities Director Adrian Woodmer responded to public comments on lead/copper: real-time map not required (annual updates); IPRA request for list would require creating a record; customer water testing not required until November 2027; mobile home parks served by master meters will be evaluated by installation year.

On Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1 p.m., the Las Cruces City Council held a work session led by Mayor Eric Enriquez. The meeting included presentations on the city's economic outlook, the annual internal audit report, and a discussion of projects funded by the recently approved gross receipts tax (GRT) increase. Public comments were heard on trails, transit, the library, firefighter facilities, and community priorities. Jobs & Pets of the Week - Gisel Palomares, one-stop operator for America's Job Center, presented job openings: City of Las Cruces active transportation coordinator (continuous, $58k–$83k), IT support technician ($24.87/hr, closes Sept. 8), and others from Sia Valley Community of Hope, Independent Delivery, and NMSU (marketing communications specialist, $48k/yr, closes Sept. 13). Upcoming hiring events were listed. - Karen presented pets of the week: dog 'Cookies and Cream' (ID 88974) and cat 'Coco' (ID 9709). Adoptions were free through the end of August. Long-term residents Boxer (239 days), Pickle (239 days), Coset (231 days), and Coral (218 days) were highlighted. An adoption event at Tractor Supply on August 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. was announced. Discussion Item 3.1: City of Las Cruces Economic Outlook - Monica Torres, city economist, presented fiscal year 2024–2025 data. Key points: - Labor force rose 1.3% (approx. 700 people) to 54,000; payrolls rose 0.8% (800 additional) to 52,000; active job seekers rose 14% to 2,391; unemployment rate ticked up from 3.9% to 4.4% (still among lowest in recent years). - Employment growth: goods-producing (+4.5%), education and health services (+4%); declines: leisure and hospitality (-3.7%), other services (-3.6%). - Gross receipts tax (GRT) increased 3.4% in FY25 compared to FY24, totaling $102.5 million; after inflation adjustment, GRT rose 0.6%. - Cannabis market: total sales declined 8% ($34.9 million); adult-use sales down 5%, medical sales down 14%; excise tax dropped 80% to $700,000; medical cannabis licenses declined 11% to 7,700. - Residential permits declined 10% (67 fewer, total 625). New business registrations increased 9% (46 additional, total 587). - Council discussion: Councilor Matisse asked about the skills of active job seekers; Torres agreed to look into industry data. Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo requested future analysis include grocery prices and cannabis revenue to the general fund. Torres confirmed she could provide monthly data. Discussion Item 3.2: Annual Internal Audit Report - Viola Perea, city auditor, presented the FY25 annual report. Internal audit completed four scheduled reports (citywide travel, Rincon Hills Park contract, utilities customer deposits/refunds, utilities cost allocation plan) and nine additional draft reports (sponsorships, employee benefits, utilities bill pay, PCARD – eight separate reports, citywide leases, temp agency contracts, overtime, parks inventory, Amador hospitality lease). Three audits in planning phase: ARPA-funded nonprofit contracts, risk management (accidents, drug testing), and business licenses (tied to lodgers tax). Five follow-up audits ongoing. - Ethics survey: 203 employees responded; 75% agreed/strongly agreed they work in an ethical environment (met performance measure). 75% of annual plan completed (second measure). - Council discussion: Mayor Enriquez asked for details on the business license audit; Perea explained scope includes policy compliance, fee collection, code enforcement, and tie-in to lodgers tax. Mayor emphasized balancing accountability with business friendliness. Discussion Item 3.3: Improve Las Cruces – Community Improvement Bonds - Cynthia Lamillo, CIP manager, Leslie Doyle (finance director), and Sarah Gonzalez (interim community development director) presented the plan for the new GRT increase (passed by voters) for streets, parks, public facilities, and public safety. - Finance context: First year GRT collection estimated at $11.5 million, increasing 3% annually. Bonds of $20 million received every two years. Annual debt service is $8.8 million; remainder (first year $2.7 million) for facility maintenance. Bond proceeds must be 85% spent within three years, fully spent within five years. 16-year projection shown. - Sarah Gonzalez outlined project categories: streets (pavement, traffic calming, sidewalks, drainage, lighting, bike paths), parks (restrooms, playgrounds, landscaping, shade, trails, new recreation center), public facilities (fire station one renovation, WIA building remodel, municipal court, water well maintenance), public safety (joint training facility for fire/police, driving track, station renovations, security cameras/fencing). Design timelines of 8–12 months noted. - Next steps: community engagement plan to be developed; staff will return in October with project options for years 1–4, and a resolution in November identifying priorities based on public input and council direction. - Council discussion: - Councilor Corran questioned the 3% GRT growth assumption given economic volatility and possible state GRT exemptions for medical services. Doyle stated the 3% is conservative based on trend and financial advisor input; she offered to provide alternative scenarios. Corran also clarified IRS restrictions on bond spending (three-year 85% requirement). - Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo emphasized an infrastructure emergency, prioritizing neglected city facilities (e.g., fire station one, municipal court) over new projects. She called for an equity lens in project selection (e.g., road projects on Sonoma Ranch less equitable) and robust community engagement with translation services. - Councilor Trice supported public input and highlighted deferred maintenance, after-school programs, a new library, public safety compensation (keeping police/fire number two in state), affordable housing monitoring, and economic development in industrial parks. - Mayor Enriquez added specific needs: Fire Station One (built 1964) needs full renovation; joint training facility discussed since 2007; Loheman and Angler Road bottlenecks; a new rec center on the West Side; and permanent home for municipal court. He thanked voters and Chris Favor for leading the GRT campaign. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda St. Clair (President, Friends of the Library): Expressed support for library funding, noting libraries offer more than books, including youth activities. Encouraged continued city support. - George Pearson: Advocated for trail funding, specifically extending the Mesilla Drain trail to connect to Lakeside Drive for transportation connectivity. Also urged transit route extensions to new affordable housing outside current transit areas and improvements to the WIA building. - Chris Johnson (President, Las Cruces Professional Firefighters Local 2362): Thanked council for public safety initiatives. Supported joint training facility, noting current fire training inadequate (spending $200k/year on rent) and emphasized need for modern facility to reduce cancer risks and improve training. - Lucas Herndon (District 2 resident): Presented community input from informal conversations, broken into physical infrastructure (street repair, traffic calming, bus shelters, tree canopy, solar panels, cooling centers), service-oriented (support for low-income/unhoused, mental health, diversion programs), and quality of life (youth programs, water park, roller rink, arts center, library, innovative parks, events center like Rio Rancho). Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to develop a robust community engagement plan for the GRT-funded project list, incorporating translation and diverse outreach. - Staff will return in October 2025 with project options for the first four years and a resolution in November 2025 to formally identify priorities. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting adjourned by motion with all present council members voting aye (Councilor Graham and Councilor Floodis absent).