At its regular meeting on November 3, the Las Cruces City Council approved several measures affecting city operations and development.
The Council amended the fiscal years 2026-31 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to reflect updated project funding and new grant money since the plan’s adoption in May. The amendments cover a range of projects including improvements to ADA sidewalks, upgrades at Las Cruces International Airport with an Automated Weather Observation System, enhancements to public safety through the Real Time Crime Center, electric buses for public transit, and building improvements for Utilities Department operations such as natural gas pipeline safety and wastewater development. The resolution passed unanimously, 6-0.
A separate resolution authorized a pre-commitment of up to $4.7 million in a low-interest loan to Enriched Communities, LCC. This support aims to facilitate construction of Royal Crossing Apartments—108 units north of Apodaca Park—by strengthening the developer’s application for federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funding through Housing New Mexico. According to the city, “the loan provides the City with an opportunity to invest funds in projects that directly address affordable housing needs.” The initiative is expected to attract about $26 million in additional private investment. The measure passed 5-1, with Councilor Bill Mattiace opposed.
Council members also adopted a Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) as part of the City’s Consolidated Plan for 2026-30. The CPP outlines how residents can engage in addressing housing and community development needs according to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for programs like Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships. “Citizen participation will include public meetings to gather input on needs and priorities regarding housing and community development in neighborhoods throughout the City,” states the city. The plan also addresses barriers to fair housing, particularly in lower-income areas. Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey available at Consolidated Plan/Action Plan – The City of Las Cruces.
Additionally, an ordinance was approved granting Ripple Fiber New Mexico LLC permission to build cable infrastructure in public rights-of-way for residential fiber internet service. Under a ten-year franchise agreement, Ripple will pay a quarterly fee equal to two percent of its annual gross revenues. This ordinance was approved by a vote of 6-0.
Councilor Johana Bencomo was absent from this meeting.
Recordings of this and all other City Council meetings are available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Small businesses within Las Cruces’ El Paseo/South Solano Metropolitan Redevelopment Area may apply for grants up to $5,000 for security upgrades starting November 3, 2025. In addition, Las Cruces has received funds from nationwide opioid settlement agreements involving manufacturers and distributors; these funds are being used locally.
For information about municipal election results or upcoming races—including District 3—residents can follow updates at ELECTION RESULTS.
Las Cruces Utilities is currently developing plans related to future natural gas use as most homes and businesses rely on it for heating and cooking.
Beginning July 1, 2025, businesses must use updated Location Codes when filing taxes via the TAP Portal under new requirements from New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
April is recognized as Safe Digging Month; residents are reminded to call 811 before digging for utility location services.
The Lush and Lean program continues efforts toward water conservation by promoting sustainable gardening practices among residents.
The Utilities Department plans a new latch system rollout for trash carts over the next eighteen months starting in 2025.
Residents are advised to schedule Pilot Relight services early ahead of winter months by contacting city utilities.
