The Las Cruces City Council approved on April 6 two resolutions that allocate $25 million for maintenance and new capital projects, using revenue from a gross receipts tax increase passed by voters in November 2024.
This funding will allow the city to address deferred maintenance needs and invest in public safety, infrastructure, parks, and other facilities. The move is part of ongoing efforts to improve community services and support local development.
The first resolution authorizes nearly $16 million in immediate spending on priority projects. These include $5.3 million for deferred facility maintenance, $1.5 million for intersection improvements at Hoagland Road and Alameda Boulevard, $5 million for fire department apparatus, and $4.5 million for police vehicles as well as the construction of a driving track for public safety training.
Additionally, council members authorized staff to apply to the New Mexico Finance Authority for up to $20 million in bond financing backed by the gross receipts tax revenue. Of these proceeds, 60 percent would be used for maintenance—such as fire station upgrades ($5 million), street repairs ($4 million), fleet upkeep ($2.4 million), and facility accessibility improvements ($600,000). The remaining funds are earmarked for new initiatives including a joint public safety training facility ($1 million), a recreation center ($2 million), library enhancements ($2 million), other unfunded capital improvement plan projects ($2 million), and extending Engler Road ($1 million).
This marks the first bonding cycle supported by revenue from the voter-approved 0.325 percent GRT increase that took effect in July 2025. The city expects this measure will generate about $13 million annually dedicated to future capital improvements.
Other actions at Monday’s meeting included amending procurement code rules regarding contact during bid processes and extending an electronic fuel card contract with WEX Bank.
Las Cruces provides community engagement through programs serving youth, seniors, and recreation according to the official website. The city manages infrastructure through departments overseeing utilities and public works according to its official website, delivering governance, regulation, services, infrastructure management, and community programs according to its official website. Las Cruces operates under City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau who is appointed by council according to its official website. The municipality serves residents within its boundaries in New Mexico according to its official website as a home-rule government with a council-manager structure according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials say that continued investment from these revenues will help maintain essential services while supporting growth across Las Cruces.
