Today is Monday, May fourth, uh, two thousand twenty-six.

It's approximately one PM.

I'm Mayor Eric Henriquez.

Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL interpreter available up front.

If you all join me and stand, we'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United Armed Forces and our local police and fire department that protect our city.

John Delgado lost his life in a in a tragic motorcycle crash this weekend.

So we'd like to offer a moment of silence for him as well.

First on the agenda will be the presentation of certifications and proclamations by Councillor McClure.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Strap in, there's seven of them, but each of them will get their own due here.

First one will be proclamation for affordable housing month presented to Tierra del Sol and Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Those who are affiliated with that should come on down.

Whereas safe, stable, and affordable housing is a fundamental to the health, well-being, and economic stability of individuals, families, and communities.

And whereas access to affordable housing strengthens neighborhoods, supports workforce stability, and improves the quality of life for residents, and whereas communities across the nation continue to face housing affordability challenges that require collaboration and sustained investment from local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners.

And whereas the City of Las Cruces works to expand housing opportunities through programs that support home ownership, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and the development of affordable housing.

And whereas nonprofit organizations play a vital role in advancing affordable housing opportunities, including Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation, founded in 1973 and celebrating 53 years of service to the Las Cruces community.

And whereas Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity, established in 1987, has helped families achieve home ownership through the construction of affordable homes and has built a hundred and thirty-nine homes in partnership with the City of Las Cruces, local families and volunteers.

Now, therefore, we, the mayor and the city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as affordable housing month.

And this is attested by the mayor and Christine Rivera, the city clerk.

So thank you very much.

This is wonderful, yes.

Hi, I'm Rose Garcia with Tierra del Sol Housing, and I'm really proud to be here and to talk about affordable housing and homeownership in Las Cruces.

And we're very fortunate with the support as all is the passion from the City Council about promoting housing for many of the residents in the community.

Thank you, Cassie.

And City Council.

Thank you very much for the continued support and for encouraging the residents of Las Cruces.

And we want to continue to do more development and collaboration with other organizations as well as residents.

Thank you.

What she said.

And the city approved it, and now we have a 12 slot RV thing across our across from our office.

And the city has been very generous over the years with donating lots or giving discounted lots.

One being Aurora Star, where that is an I don't know if anybody knows us, that's an entire habitat street with 60 houses on it.

So we just appreciate what the city has done over the years, and we look forward to a further collaboration with you.

Thank you.

Next up, we have proclamation for the uh Paso del Norte Air Basin in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the joint advisory committee.

So if you're here for that, come on down.

Hello.

Committed to the air to get picture.

Whereas historically, portions of Southern Doniana County have exceeded the NAAQS for the ozone and PM 10, while El Paso has exceeded U.S.

national ambient air quality standards for ozone particular particulate matter and carbon monoxide, Ciudad Huates does not meet the air quality Mexican official norms for particulate matter and ozone pollutants.

Long-term exposure to these air pollutants poses a threat to healthy individuals, and whereas, on May 7th, 1996, the United States and Mexican governments took a major step toward fostering cooperation for implementing effective air pollution measures and sign an agreement that created the joint advisory committee for the improvement of air quality in Ciudades Juarez, Chihuahua, El Paso, Texas, Doniana County, New Mexico Air Basin.

Whereas by signing the May 7, 1996 agreement, the United States and Mexican governments formally recognize the International Air Basin as one unified air basin, encompassing the communities within the Paso del Norte, emphasizing cost effective emission reductions, engaging local private citizens, and addressing priorities that more accurately reflect community needs.

And whereas we the people of these communities acknowledge the JAC's activities and their commitment for improving air quality and wish to recognize the 30th anniversary of the JASC on May 7, 2026, honoring the organizers of programs and projects conducted in the spirit of one air basin approach.

And whereas after 30 years of signing the Pioneer Agreement, empowering the communities of the Paso del Norte region to develop cooperative transboundary strategies for the improvement of air quality and committing to the implement these strategies through each county country's environmental law.

Now, therefore, we, the mayor of City Council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, dear hereby proclaim May 7th, 2026 as a Paso del Norte Air Basin recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Joint Advisory Committee.

All citizens of our communities may share in the celebration of our air, the lifeblood of our region.

But we respectfully appreciate the proclamation.

We don't want to repeat everything that's in here, but this is a significant milestone for our region.

The 30th anniversary of the joint advisory committee on the improvement of air quality in Suiuadez, Chihuahua, El Paso, Texas, Donana County, New Mexico, known as the JAC, the JAC.

As noted in the proclamation on May 7th, 1996, the governments of the United States and Mexico signed a historic agreement formally established in the JAC with a very clear mission, foster international cooperation on effective air quality management within the shared Paso del Norte Air Basin.

For three decades, the JAC has played a critical role in addressing air pollution across the region, with Las Cruces serving as an important contributor through its location within Donana County, local governments, public health agencies, community organizations, and academic partners based here in Las Cruces have supported the JAC's work by participating in air quality planning, public education, emissions reduction initiatives, and regional coordination efforts.

Although air pollution knows no boundaries, it's like a mosquito.

It just kind of goes where it wants.

By recognizing the Jack's 30th anniversary on May 7th, 26th, just a few days, we honor the founding organizations, past and present members, and the collaborative programs that have made this a binational partnership as a model for the entire region.

Thank you again.

The next proclamation is for National Bike Month.

So if you're here associated with that, come on down.

All the faces on the list, excellent.

Whereas the bicycle is an environmentally and economically sound form of transportation and recreation that also promotes physical and mental health.

And whereas the League of American Bicyclists, the Messeo Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Public Schools, Velocruces, along with local cycling clubs and independent bicyclists are promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education.