SW New Mexico News

The City of Las Cruces is offering residents a chance to gain insight into municipal operations through the 2025 Neighborhood Leadership Academy. This 12-week course, available to those aged 18 and over, provides an opportunity to learn about various city functions.

Registration for the academy remains open until December 27, 2024. The program runs from January 8 to April 2, 2025, with sessions held every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at different city locations. A graduation brunch and recognition ceremony are scheduled for April 7, following the conclusion of the course.

Participants will explore topics such as city administration, public safety, financial services, quality of life initiatives, economic development, parks and recreation management, community development efforts, utility services, human resources operations, communications strategies, public works projects, and transit systems.

For more information on registration, interested individuals can contact Catrina Godinez at (575) 528-3003 or via email at [email protected]. An alternative contact is available at (575) 541-2100 or [email protected].

The sessions are structured as follows:

- Session 1: City Clerk and Legal Audit

- Session 2: Police and Fire Departments

- Session 3: Financial Services & Budget

- Session 4: Quality of Life

- Session 5: Economic Development

- Session 6: Parks and Recreation

- Session 7: Community Development

- Session 8: Utilities Open House

- Session 9: Human Resources & IT

- No session during Spring Break on March 12.

- Session 10: Communications & Community Engagement

- Session 11: Public Works

- Session 12: Transit Systems

A comprehensive look into these areas aims to foster understanding among residents about how their city operates.