Las Cruces City Council Work Session - June 8, 2026

On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., the Las Cruces City Council held a work session chaired by Mayor Eric Enriquez. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: an update on the city's strategic plan and a proposed vacant and abandoned property maintenance ordinance. Council members engaged in facilitated discussions with consultants from Single Space Strategies and heard a detailed presentation from community development staff on the vacant property ordinance.

Discussion Items

City Strategic Plan Update (Item 1.1)

• Consultant Presentation: Brittany Poss, Vice President of Data and Research at Single Space Strategies, presented a landscape analysis and needs assessment for updating the city's strategic plan for the next two to five years. The report highlighted key challenges including housing shortages, economic diversification needs, aging infrastructure, and constrained fiscal conditions. Key data points: Las Cruces has grown 5% since 2020, home prices have risen faster than wages, and the city has a younger demographic (highest age groups 20-29 and 30-39).
• Council Discussion on Priorities: Council members participated in a round-robin facilitation led by Janelle Johnson. The consensus was that economic diversification and workforce retention are the top priorities, with several councilors noting the need to move beyond traditional economic development toward economic mobility. Councilor McClure emphasized communication and housing diversity; Councilor Coran stressed economic diversification and sustainability; Mayor Enriquez highlighted budget constraints and economic development; Councilor Harris agreed on economic diversity and noted housing is improving with the new zoning code; Councilor Matisse called for balancing public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth; Councilor Bencomo focused on aligning priorities with resources and economic mobility, noting that the city's age distribution skews young. The group also discussed which strategic tensions (e.g., growth vs. stewardship, public safety perception vs. measurable improvements) should be explored in upcoming public engagement meetings.
• Next Steps for Public Engagement: Consultants will hold six district public meetings in late July 2026, followed by focus groups and a survey. Council members suggested using relatable language, providing food, engaging hard-to-reach populations (e.g., working people, low-income households), and leveraging schools and community events. Councilor Bencomo requested bilingual meetings and use of community schools as venues. Consultant Angie Poss summarized feedback, noting alignment on economic diversification, housing, and the need to align priorities with resources.

Vacant and Abandoned Property Ordinance (Item 1.2)

• Staff Presentation: Chris Favor, Community Development, presented a proposed ordinance to establish a registry and fee structure for properties vacant for two years or more. The goal is to encourage reactivation and prevent blight, complementing the existing Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT) program. Staff identified approximately 900 properties with vacant structures and 768 vacant parcels. Exemptions include government-owned properties, active building permits, probate/litigation, active listings at no more than 130% of fair market value, and historic preservation efforts. Proposed fees: residential $500 (year 1), $1,000 (year 2), $2,000 (year 3+); commercial $2,000 (year 1), $4,000 (year 2), $8,000 (year 3+). Fees would be due annually, with a reset when property status changes.
• Council Discussion: Councilors generally supported the ordinance. Councilor Coran questioned the 130% fair market value threshold and suggested 120%; asked about using fees to fund the program (staff confirmed fees would go back into NAT); and requested a timeline for implementation. Councilor Bencomo asked about preventing abuse of the for-sale exemption and expressed concern about two-year waiting period for neighborhoods like MacArthur. Counselors Harris and Matisse supported lowering the market value threshold and removing the government-owned property exemption (Mayor and Councilor Matisse argued the city must lead by example). Mayor Enriquez suggested using the Planning and Zoning Commission for appeals and a fast-track process for fire-damaged properties. City Attorney Henry added that the fee revenue would explicitly fund the program. Councilor McClure supported the leniency but emphasized accountability. The ordinance is expected to be brought for adoption later in summer 2026, with public outreach and online system buildout through the end of the fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on either item; this was a work session for discussion and direction. A motion to adjourn passed unanimously with Councilors Matisse, Harris, Bencomo, Coran, and Mayor Enriquez in favor; Councilor Munoz was absent.
• Strategic Plan: Council provided clear direction to consultants to focus public engagement on economic diversification, housing diversity, aligning priorities with resources, and addressing trade-offs such as growth vs. stewardship and public safety perception vs. measurable improvements. The next public meetings are scheduled for late July 2026.
• Vacant Property Ordinance: Council expressed broad support for the ordinance with several modifications to be incorporated: lower the market value threshold to 120% (or lower), remove the government-owned property exemption, ensure fee revenue supports the NAT program, and consider adding a fast-track process for emergency conditions. Staff will refine the ordinance and bring it back for adoption later in summer 2026.