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4 weeks ago

Buckman Direct Diversion board approves FY27 operating budget, includes facilities manager authority amendment The Buckman Direct Diversion board approved a $9,366,000 fiscal year 2027 operating budget and recommended partner contributions; the motion was amended to include the facilities manager's requested authority within the major repair and replacement (MRR) fund and passed by roll call.

The Buckman Direct Diversion board has just approved a $9.37 million budget for FY27, paving the way for crucial upgrades and increased authority for the facilities manager!

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4 weeks ago

Santa Fe staff unveil 'Santa Fe Forward' scenario frameworks; councilors press for cost and implementation details At the March 4 Quality of Life meeting city staff previewed the scenario frameworks for the 'Santa Fe Forward' general plan update, highlighting housing, parks and resilience priorities and a mid-to-late summer target for a preferred plan; councilors asked for clearer fiscal impacts, update frequency and code tools to make the plan actionable.

Santa Fe is gearing up for a transformative update with the "Santa Fe Forward" plan, focusing on housing, parks, and sustainability—how will your voice shape the future?

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4 weeks ago

BDD reviews Rio Grande water-quality work plan; consultant flags LANL, chromium plume and PFAS rulemaking Consultant Jim Reisterer told the Buckman Direct Diversion board that the 2026 Rio Grande water-quality work plan prioritizes LANL coordination, a stormwater lag-time study, ongoing hexavalent chromium monitoring after SIMR3 well detections, and PFAS regulatory tracking; NMED administrative orders have paused some mitigation work and the extent of LANL cooperation remains unclear.

The Buckman Direct Diversion board is taking crucial steps to address water quality issues, including monitoring hexavalent chromium and coordinating with LANL on stormwater management.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe council hears feasibility study, SHPO warns removal is an 'adverse effect' and mayor to seek temporary museum display City staff and CSR Architects presented four options for the damaged Soldiers Monument in the Plaza and the State Historic Preservation Office said removing the monument could constitute an adverse effect under state law; the mayor said he will introduce a resolution to temporarily place fragments in the New Mexico History Museum while the city follows SHPO’s public‑hearing process and awaits the VA’s response on relocation.

Santa Fe's Mayor proposes displaying fragments of the divisive Soldiers Monument at the New Mexico History Museum while the city navigates complex public opinions and legal requirements.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe finance committee approves one‑year ShotSpotter pilot, 3–2, amid privacy and funding concerns The Finance Committee voted 3–2 on Feb. 23 to approve a one‑year, $354,000 service agreement with Sound Thinking (ShotSpotter) for gunshot detection and forensic analysis funded through an existing violence‑prevention grant after debates on accuracy, privacy, data ownership and long‑term costs.

Santa Fe's Finance Committee has just approved a groundbreaking $354,000 agreement for ShotSpotter technology to detect gunfire, igniting a fierce debate over privacy and funding.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe officials highlight CodeBlue response, warn city shelter capacity falls short City emergency management and youth and family services briefed the Quality of Life Committee on CodeBlue operations, real-time bed tracking and outreach; officials said CodeBlue prevents cold-weather injuries but does not close a year-round shortfall — Santa Fe has about 280 shelter beds vs. 546 people on the by-name list.

Santa Fe's CodeBlue program is a lifeline for the most vulnerable during harsh winters, but it reveals a critical gap in year-round shelter capacity that demands urgent attention.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe approves one-year gunshot-detection contract funded by DOH grant The Quality of Life Committee approved a one-year, $354,000 service agreement with Sound Thinking (formerly ShotSpotter) for gunshot detection and data services funded under a New Mexico Department of Health violence-prevention grant; councilors asked for public metrics and community safeguards before future funding.

Santa Fe is taking a proactive step in violence prevention by approving a $354,000 gunshot-detection service to enhance community safety and response times.

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#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ViolencePrevention #SantaFeQualityOfLife

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1 month ago

Santa Fe water director says city expects enough supply this year despite low snowpack City Water Director Roach briefed the Public Works & Utilities Committee on Santa Fe’s four water supplies, conservation gains, and a low snowpack that keeps runoff uncertain; he said current storage and San Juan–Chama supplies mean the city expects to meet demand in 2026 while continuing conservation outreach.

Despite a dry winter and below-average snowpack, Santa Fe's Water Director assures residents that the city has enough water to meet this year's demand while emphasizing ongoing conservation efforts.

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1 month ago

Council approves rezoning and master plan for 2768 Agua Fria amid debate on density, parking and industrial adjacency Council rezoned a 4.12-acre parcel at 2768 Agua Fria from Mixed Use to C-2 and adopted a master plan for a 130-unit multifamily development with a 10% affordable set-aside; staff and applicant committed to archaeological review, off-site traffic improvements and parking-management measures.

The Council has approved a controversial rezoning for a new 130-unit mixed-use community at Agua Fria, igniting debates over density, parking, and affordable housing.

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1 month ago

Historic board denies large mural at 320 Paseo De Peralta after split votes The HDRB declined to approve a large mural painted without prior review at 320 Paseo De Peralta, adopting staff findings that the proposed work did not meet exception criteria for the district. The board was divided and debated whether murals on non‑primary facades should be allowed without prior consultation with the arts commission.

The Historic Districts Review Board has made a controversial decision, denying a vibrant mural that aimed to beautify 320 Paseo De Peralta, sparking a heated debate about art and regulations in the historic district.

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1 month ago

Finance committee revokes Korea Spa's business license after staff cites police complaints and online evidence After a quasi‑judicial hearing, the Santa Fe Finance Committee voted 4–1 to revoke the business license for Korea Spa at 2008 Rosina St., following staff testimony about police complaints, online advertisements and inspections that indicated unlicensed staff and controlled access; the owner denied illicit activity and said some advertising predated her ownership.

The Santa Fe Finance Committee has revoked the business license of Korea Spa after alarming allegations of illicit activities and unlicensed staff surfaced during a recent hearing.

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1 month ago

Committee approves expanded owner's representative scope to push Midtown infrastructure to 100% design The committee approved an amendment to expand WSP's owner's representative services so the Midtown campus can reach 100% design; staff said the Midtown owner's representation for the Midtown portion is budgeted at $1.5 million and the work will support procurement and coordination with private developers.

The Finance Committee just greenlit a $1.5 million expansion of WSP's role to accelerate the Midtown infrastructure project to full design—transforming the future of Santa Fe!

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1 month ago

BDD updates operations and procurement plans; board elects chair and vice chair BDD staff reported January operations figures and facility project updates, described an ongoing design‑build feasibility study and forthcoming RFQ, and the board elected Councilor Jamie Cassatt as chair and a public member as vice chair (both votes recorded with abstentions).

The Buckman Direct Diversion Board has elected new leadership and reported impressive water delivery figures while advancing critical facility projects—what's next for Santa Fe's water supply?

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1 month ago

Planning commission approves 150-room AC Marriott despite traffic concerns; DOT access to be right-in/right-out The commission approved a four-story, 150-room AC Marriott at Surrilos/Cerrillos Road with conditions; approval drew neighborhood opposition over traffic, access and scale, and DOT indicated a right-in/right-out configuration for the western driveway.

The Santa Fe Planning Commission has given the green light for a 150-room AC Marriott, but concerns about traffic congestion at the busy intersection linger among local residents.

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1 month ago

BDD hears preliminary 2026 water outlook; staff outlines storage, regional coordination City water staff told the Buckman Direct Diversion Board that early 2026 hydrology is tracking close to 2025, emphasized reservoir storage and conjunctive management, and described planning tools to guide drought declarations and demand‑management steps.

Santa Fe's water supply outlook for 2026 is raising eyebrows as experts warn of uncertainty and highlight the critical need for effective storage and management strategies.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe staff outline how fee-in-lieu option funnels developer cash into affordable-housing trust fund City affordable-housing staff explained the Santa Fe Homes fee-in-lieu program, describing set-asides for new development, how fees are calculated from HUD fair-market rents and how roughly $900,000 from the program flowed into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2025.

Santa Fe's innovative fee-in-lieu program is transforming private development dollars into vital resources for affordable housing, with nearly $900,000 funneled into the city's trust fund last year alone.

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1 month ago

Santa Fe officials hear update on teen center capacity, programming and plans to expand access City staff updated the Quality of Life Subcommittee on the South‑Side Teen Center’s facilities, growing monthly attendance, youth‑led programming and plans for a kitchen and dance studio expansion; councilors pressed staff on transit access, long‑term operating costs and outcome evaluation.

Santa Fe's Teen Center is not just a hub for youth, but a growing community space with exciting expansion plans, including a dance studio and enhanced kitchen facilities!

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#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #YouthEmpowerment #ViolencePrevention

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2 months ago

Historic review board approves multiple status changes, upgrades and repairs in Jan. 27 meeting The board adopted staff recommendations on several status reviews and repair projects: 212 E. Santa Fe designated as contributing with 212A downgraded to noncontributing; 310 Lomita upgraded to contributing; 411 Camino Don Miguel downgraded to noncontributing; 924 Paseo De Peralta’s wrap house was designated significant (service wing/workshop designated contributing).

The Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board made pivotal decisions on historic properties, including upgrades and downgrades that could reshape the preservation landscape.

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2 months ago

Council introduces backflow, wastewater grant and Canyon Road treatment-plant loan/grant ordinances Councilors introduced three water-related items: a backflow prevention ordinance, authorization to execute an NMED wastewater grant (SAP25-J2459-GF), and an ordinance to accept a $7.75 million MFA loan/grant (including a $3.1M loan) for Canyon Road Water Treatment Plant flocculation and sedimentation improvements.

Santa Fe's governing body is taking crucial steps to safeguard our water supply with new regulations and a $7.75 million investment in treatment improvements!

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2 months ago

Santa Fe council hears preview of 'Santa Fe Forward' general plan and CitySmart digital platform City officials and consultants presented the Santa Fe Forward general plan update and a new CitySmart GIS platform. Consultants described engagement metrics (thousands of participants), three planning scenarios and priorities including housing affordability, displacement risk in Agua Fria, and a timeline for adoption and code updates.

Big changes are coming to Santa Fe with the unveiling of the 'Santa Fe Forward' general plan and the innovative CitySmart digital platform designed to enhance community engagement!

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2 months ago

Santa Fe historic-review board clears State Executive Office Building design, reserves right to revisit changes After a lengthy public debate over height and collaboration, the board found the State’s revised Executive Office Building plans resolved its prior concerns and declined to invoke a joint city‑state committee, while reserving the right to review any substantive future changes.

The Historic Districts Review Board has given the green light to the State Executive Office Building's design, but tensions rise as preservation advocates challenge its height calculations and call for more collaboration.

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2 months ago

Santa Fe council adopts three-tiered water-rate changes to help fund capital projects Council adopted an ordinance updating water and utility service rates, moving from two tiers to three to encourage conservation and to raise revenue for capital improvements; staff said rates had not risen since 2013 and the average bill is expected to increase about $1 per year for five years starting in 2027.

Santa Fe just approved a new three-tier water-rate structure aimed at encouraging conservation and funding crucial infrastructure improvements after a decade without rate increases!

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2 months ago

Santa Fe council ratifies NMDOT extensions for Asequia and Tierra Contenta trail projects The council ratified two New Mexico Department of Transportation cooperative-agreement amendments extending the design and construction deadlines for the Asequia and Tierra Contenta trail extensions, citing scope changes, stormwater work and prairie‑dog relocations; both motions passed on roll call.

Santa Fe's council has just approved significant extensions for the Asequia and Tierra Contenta trail projects, ensuring safer routes for students and addressing crucial community concerns!

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2 months ago

Board advances feasibility study, RFQ/RFP steps for BDD rebuild and PLC upgrade Facilities staff told the board the MR&R PLC control upgrade RFP is out and a 15% feasibility study (stepping toward 30% design) is underway with city/county and consultants; the RFQ will include vetted alternatives and an off-ramp to extend a top-qualified firm to full design.

The MR&R PLC control-systems upgrade is on track, with a comprehensive feasibility study underway that will shape the future of BDD operations and infrastructure.

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#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #InfrastructureModernization #SantaFeFacilities

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2 months ago

Buckman board: December diversions steady but members ask for drought contingency planning The Buckman Direct Diversion Board received its December operations report showing daily diversions of about 4.21 million gallons and that BDD provided 59% of local supply; members asked staff to produce contingency plans and reserve details given low snowpack.

As the Buckman Direct Diversion Board grapples with low mountain snowpack and its implications for water supply, members are demanding clear contingency plans to ensure the community's water security.

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#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #ResourceManagement #SantaFeWater #DroughtReadiness

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2 months ago

BPAC creates Vulnerable Road User Task Force to analyze crashes, charging and outcomes BPAC unanimously named a Vulnerable Road User Task Force to study collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists, collect multiagency data, examine charging and case outcomes, and develop recommendations for policy and investigative practice; the group plans roughly a one-year effort and expects to make findings public.

Santa Fe has taken a bold step by launching the Vulnerable Road User Task Force, aiming to scrutinize crash investigations and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

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#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #TrafficSafety #SantaFeVulnerableRoadUsers #DataAnalysis #CommunityTransparency

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3 months ago

Inauguration speaker highlights homelessness, public-safety and housing as top priorities At an inauguration ceremony, Speaker 3 outlined priorities including homelessness, crime, substance abuse, and affordable/workforce housing, pledged independent investigations into fraud and a volunteer engagement program, and asked community members for help; no formal votes were recorded.

A new administration is stepping up to tackle homelessness, crime, and substance abuse while calling on the community to join in the fight for change.

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3 months ago

Santa Fe planning commission hears public feedback on 'Santa Fe Forward' frameworks; staff eyes Jan. 1, 2026 code effective date Consultants presented three high-level frameworks (Connections, Places, Resilience) for the Santa Fe Forward general plan update and solicited commissioner feedback; staff said the revised land development code is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The commission approved routine agenda items and a final subdivision plat (Case 202511526).

The Santa Fe Planning Commission is gearing up for transformative changes with three innovative frameworks aimed at reshaping the city—your feedback could shape the future!

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3 months ago

BPAC meeting roundup: motorist-accountability ad hoc, Bike Santa Fe updates and rail-trail crossing concerns BPAC heard a Bike Santa Fe update, confirmed an in-person meeting to scope an ad hoc motorist-accountability white paper, and discussed technical concerns about rail-trail crossings — most notably the busy Paseo De Peralta crossing — with staff asked to improve notification to the committee about city projects.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is tackling critical issues like cyclist safety and rail-trail crossing designs, with new initiatives aimed at enhancing motorist accountability.

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4 months ago

Santa Fe committee approves consent items that include water rate ordinance; staff outlines multi-year increases and tier change The Public Works and Utilities Committee approved its consent agenda (which included an ordinance to raise water rates) and heard Director Jesse Roach explain a proposed phased rate increase over five years and a move from a seasonal two‑tier to a fixed three‑tier structure that would take effect Jan. 2027 after new billing software is implemented.

Santa Fe is set for a water rate overhaul that hasn't happened in a decade, with changes aimed at balancing costs for low and high users alike!

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