2027 Legislative Priorities (Resolution)

Extracted text

10782.1 1
CITY OF SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-2
INTRODUCED BY:3
4
Mayor Michael Garcia5
6
7
8
9
A RESOLUTION10
ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SANTA FE’S PRIORITIES FOR CONSIDERATION BY11
THE NEW MEXICO STATE LEGISLATURE DURING THE 58TH LEGISLATURE – STATE12
OF NEW MEXICO – FIRST SESSION, 2027.13
14
WHEREAS, the 60-day Legislative Session (“Legislative Session”) of the 2027 New Mexico15
State Legislature (“Legislature”) begins on January 19, 2027, and ends on March 20, 2027; and16
WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to establish the City of Santa Fe (“City”) legislative17
priorities to be considered by the City’s legislative delegation and the Legislature; and18
WHEREAS, the Governing Body’s legislative priorities include City-wide capital outlay19
priorities, statutory priorities, general fund priorities, City Council District capital outlay priorities, and20
other legislative priorities beneficial to the City to be pursued during the Legislative Session; and21
WHEREAS, the Governing Body desires to provide a list of priority projects and expressions22
of support of statewide legislative priorities and initiatives to the New Mexico State Legislature and to23
the Governor’s Office through this resolution.24
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE25

10782.1 2
CITY OF SANTA FE that the Governing Body hereby adopts priorities for the Legislative Session,1
consistent with Resolution No. 2026-26 (adopting the City’s Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan2
(“ICIP”) for 2028-2032) and as specified below. The specific amount requested from the legislature3
for each project is either all or part of the City’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget as represented in the ICIP for4
each project.5
1. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with economic development,6
affordable housing, and urban redevelopment, the City requests funding in the amount7
of $72,500,000 for Midtown Redevelopment Infrastructure Improvements;8
2. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with transportation and roadway9
infrastructure, the City requests funding in the amount of $3,000,000 for Pavement10
Rehabilitation and Preservation on Residential Roads;11
3. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with airports, regional12
transportation, and economic development, the City requests funding in the amount of13
$35,000,000 for the Airport Terminal Expansion Phase II;14
4. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with airports, regional15
transportation, and economic development, the City requests funding in the amount of16
$13,000,000 for the Regional Airport Access Road from NM 599;17
5. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with public facilities, energy18
efficiency, and infrastructure preservation, the City requests funding in the amount of19
$4,000,000 for Facilities Systems Replacement, Energy Efficiency, and Exterior20
Improvements;21
6. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with public recreation facilities22
and infrastructure preservation, the City requests funding in the amount of $4,000,00023
to address Deferred Maintenance for the Genoveva Chavez Community Center ;24
7. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with drainage, flood mitigation,25

10782.1 3
and watershed protection, the City requests funding in the amount of $550,000 for the1
Cerro Gordo Culvert and Watershed Improvements;2
8. From any statewide capital outlay initiative associated with roadway improvements,3
beautification, and public spaces, the City requests funding in the amount of4
$7,040,000 for Median Beautification Phase I.5
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports legislation and6
appropriations for roadway rehabilitation, repair, and preventive maintenance within the City of Santa7
Fe, including pavement preservation, resurfacing, reconstruction, associated drainage and safety8
improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, to address deteriorating9
conditions, extend infrastructure service life, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and improve safety,10
accessibility, and connectivity for all roadway users.11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports legislation that enhances12
the Downtown Improvement District of Santa Fe including such items as revised streetscapes, improved13
signage, placemaking, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, and litter collection.14
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body renews its request that the15
Legislature support legislation that promotes water reuse and water planning and other legislation16
designed to improve overall sustainability at the state and local level.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and18
endorsement of legislation that would support municipal recycling programs and other programs that19
support recycling market development.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body hereby establishes the following21
City Council District capital outlay legislative funding priorities for improvements of citywide22
infrastructure for consideration by the Legislature during the Legislative Session:23
1. For a capital outlay initiative located within City Council District 1, the City requests24
funding in the amount of $3,600,000 for the Downtown Transit Center.25

10782.1 4
2. For a capital outlay initiative located within City Council District 2, the City requests1
funding in the amount of $2,000,000 for Salvador Perez Swimming Pool Deferred2
Maintenance.3
3. For a capital outlay initiative located within City Council District 3, the City requests4
funding in the amount of $4,950,000 for Rufina Street and Lopez Lane Intersection5
Improvements.6
4. For a capital outlay initiative located within City Council District 4, the City requests7
funding in the amount of $9,750,000 for Tierra Contenta Phase III Spine Infrastructure.8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports legislation to restrict9
deadly weapons in public buildings unless a local government opts out of the restriction and places a10
constitutional referendum on the ballot to permit municipalities and counties to restrict firearms to the11
extent constitutionally permissible, while continuing to disallow municipalities and counties from12
regulating firearms in a manner that is less restrictive than the State.13
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses the14
following firearms legislation:15
1. Creating a New Mexico Office of Gun Violence Prevention;16
2. Funding for regional and/or local collaboration to address youth gun violence;17
3. Raising the age of purchase for certain rifles;18
4. Banning assault-style weapons;19
5. Creating mandatory minimum sentencing for illegal firearms trafficking; and20
6. Enhancing the penalty for the illegal possession of a firearm during any crime, including21
during the illegal sale of drugs.22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports continued funding for the23
Violence Intervention Program fund, including money for operational capacity.24
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses funding for25

10782.1 5
interventions and responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including the1
expansion of a coordinated, comprehensive approach that addresses both the survivor and the2
perpetrator.3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and4
endorsement of the establishment of the Santa Fe County Detox Center that would serve the residents5
of Santa Fe and northern New Mexico.6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses funding7
mental health and behavioral health programs focused on addressing the needs of residents and8
individuals struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction, including the expansion9
or augmentation of treatment opportunities and facilities to support that treatment.10
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses11
appropriations for mental health and behavioral health programs, including the development of the12
Santa Fe County’s Youth Behavioral Health Center and the La Sala Center, focused on addressing the13
needs of residents and individuals struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction,14
including the expansion or augmentation of treatment opportunities and facilities to support that15
treatment.16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body endorses legislation that supports17
meaningful partnerships between State, county, and municipal governmental agencies to address18
fentanyl as a health crisis by removing barriers to services for those struggling with addiction,19
supporting the coordination of response efforts, and funding such initiatives.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body renews its requests that the21
Legislature appropriate money from the general fund to support the City’s Behavior Engagement and22
Support Office (“BESO”), which allows law enforcement officers to work with the Santa Fe Fire23
Department and with case managers under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker to redirect24
persons who are experiencing non-violent mental health episodes, public intoxication, and/or who may25

10782.1 6
be suspected of involvement in non-violent, low-level crimes, to alternative, community-based services1
in lieu of prosecution or jail.2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as is consistent with Resolution No. 2022-473
(supporting state and federal legislation protecting the right to a safe abortion), the Governing Body4
endorses legislation that supports reproductive rights and that would codify the right to safe abortion5
into law.6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as is consistent with initiatives such as what is contained7
in Resolution No. 2024-29, the Governing Body supports the rights of the LGBTQIA+ population such8
that every individual, regardless of the individual’s reproductive choices, sexual orientation, or gender9
identity, can live, work, and pursue their dreams free from discrimination and prejudice and supports10
legislation that preserves and protects the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation12
and allocation of funding designed to interrupt intergenerational cycles of poverty, such as13
appropriations for operations of a state-wide pilot program that provides a monthly, guaranteed income.14
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and15
endorsement of legislation that improves broadband infrastructure in Santa Fe and throughout the state,16
specifically as it relates to associated community and economic development.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body endorses legislation and funding18
that supports the rights of the disability community, that advances disability access in public spaces,19
and that allows for individuals to live, work, and pursue their dreams free from discrimination and20
prejudice.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as is consistent MOA No. 2020-0629, the Governing22
Body supports legislation dedicated to the City and Santa Fe County partnership program,23
“CONNECT,” defined by the City and County as “a network of navigators at clinics, community24
organizations, and city and county programs,” which has successfully connected approximately ten25

10782.1 7
thousand (10,000) Santa Fe County residents with resources such as housing, food, transportation,1
childcare, and other essential needs.2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and3
endorsement of legislation that supports the development and construction of affordable and workforce4
housing to decrease and/or subsidize the cost of housing for residents of Santa Fe and New Mexico.5
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation6
and appropriations that:7
1. Increase housing availability, including transitional housing options tailored to the8
individual’s needs, and expands available social services for homeless families and9
individuals, including those who are chronically homeless, veterans experiencing10
homelessness, and young people experiencing homelessness, as well as those living in11
outdoor unsupervised encampments;12
2. Expand program staff that supports the goals of housing preservation and homelessness13
prevention, emergency shelter, building housing units, individual housing vouchers,14
project-based housing vouchers, supportive services, and system infrastructure; and15
3. Replenish and seek a recurring funding source to support New Mexico Mortgage16
Finance Authority’s Housing Trust Fund.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation18
that expands the permitted uses of existing lodgers’ tax, or creates an additional lodgers’ tax, to defray19
the cost of providing affordable housing and permanent supportive housing and addressing the needs20
of low-income people by providing wraparound services such as childcare and/or that leverages federal21
funding for affordable housing.22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and23
endorsement of legislation that would eliminate the three percent (3%) cap on annual property tax24
increases on residences that are not owner-occupied as the owner’s principal place of residence.25

10782.1 8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation1
that increases the likelihood of local governments recruiting, retaining, promoting, and housing first2
responders and BESO case workers and behavioral health employees in the communities in which they3
serve to improve public safety and enhance emergency response capacity.4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and5
endorsement of legislation that slows down the timeline for eviction, connects tenants to rental6
assistance resources, and improves opportunities for mediation between renters and landlords.7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation8
promoting the facilitation of community efforts to address the cleanup of trash, litter, and weeds which9
may include methods such as using compost and chipping, with a specific emphasis on elevating the10
quality of the City’s roadways, rights of way, medians, arroyos, open spaces, trails, and parks.11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports and endorses legislation12
or appropriations to improve the environment, enhance the quality of the City’s public spaces, and13
achieve its sustainability goals, including, but not limited to, funding for projects and programs that14
support water conservation, erosion control, tree planting, biodiversity, outdoor recreation, and public15
art.16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that Governing Body re-affirms its support for and17
endorsement of legislation that18
1. Establishes an “extended producer responsibility” program that requires19
manufacturers and retailers to be responsible for the costs associated with a product20
throughout its life cycle, from creation to disposal, and/or re-use;21
2. Advances the environmental sustainability goals of the City, including legislation that22
facilitates renewable energy generation and interconnection, energy storage, building23
electrification, public transportation, complete streets, carbon neutrality, net-zero24
greenhouse gas emissions, community solar, and watershed restoration and forest fire25

10782.1 9
mitigation; and/or1
3. Amends the Air Quality Control Act, NMSA 1978, § 74-2-2(J), to include an express2
option for all local governments to opt-in to an emissions inspections program.3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports continued study and4
analysis of how to improve emergency response, preparation, and management strategies for addressing5
environmental and radiological emergencies, which could include climate change adaptation strategies6
and development of, and improvement to, emergency management infrastructure.7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports appropriations to New8
Mexico’s Department of Cultural Affairs in support of the expansion of local library programming for9
local communities.10
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body endorses legislation that supports11
childcare as a guaranteed, basic right for families.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body re-affirms its support for and13
endorsement of legislation that would improve and expand early childhood education, with an emphasis14
on the following initiatives: infant and toddler care; capital improvements for center-based and in-home15
care; stipend-based training opportunities for the family, friends, and neighbor network (FFN); and16
investment in pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs to develop the early childcare educator17
pipeline.18
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports investing in pre-apprentice19
and apprenticeship programs to develop the early childcare educator pipeline and expanding the20
workforce to run such programs.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City continues to support statewide paid sick leave22
legislation, as described in the City’s Resolution No. 2021-11, unanimously passed by the members of23
the Governing Body in 2021.24
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body endorses statewide legislation for25

10782.1 10
Paid Family and Medical Leave in support of providing care for new children and/or ill family1
members.2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports the appropriation of funds3
for New Mexico-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for school and senior meals programs and related4
education programs for schools and farmers.5
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body urges the legislature to address the6
underfunding of the Public Employees Retirement Association pension plans.7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body renews its requests that the8
Legislature ensure that hold-harmless payments to counties and municipalities are not eliminated or9
further reduced and returned to their original schedule; ensure that any tax reform continues to hold10
counties and municipalities harmless in lieu of the enactment of legislation reinstating the gross receipts11
tax on food and medical receipts; and that protects local governments’ annual revenues if the12
Legislature enacts legislation modifying State gross receipts tax deductions and exemptions.13
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body supports legislation that creates a14
major entertainment venue in Santa Fe for sports, concerts, and music festivals, specifically for15
economic development.16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body renews its request that the17
Legislature adopt legislation that pertains to statewide business licensing to permit business owners to18
operate in all cities, counties, and municipalities, provided business owners comply with local land use19
and safety requirements.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body directs the City’s lobbyist to21
undertake the following actions:22
1. Work with the New Mexico Municipal League in support of any Municipal League23
2026 Legislative Priority from which the City would benefit ;24
2. Prioritize capital outlay projects included in the City ICIP Priority List;25

10782.1 11
3. Work to advance any legislation introduced during the Legislative Session deemed to1
be beneficial to the City; and2
4. Oppose legislation introduced during the Legislative Session deemed to be detrimental3
to the City.4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that while this Resolution represents a majority of the intent5
of the Governing Body as to 2027 legislative priorities, other timely priorities may be approved by the6
Governing Body, incorporated into the City’s legislative agenda, and forwarded to the City’s lobbying7
team for action.8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this9
Resolution to the City’s lobbyist, the City’s legislative delegation, and to the Governor of New Mexico.10
11
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this __ day of _______, 2026.12
13
___________________________________14
MICHAEL J. GARCIA, MAYOR15
ATTEST:16
17
____________________________________18
GERALYN F. CARDENAS, CITY CLERK19
20
APPROVED AS TO FORM:21
22
_______________________________________23
MARCOS D. MARTÍNEZ, CITY ATTORNEY24
Legislation/2026/Resolutions/Legislative Priorities 202725Marcos D.Martínez (Sep 25, 2026 10:37:45 MDT)
Marcos D.Martínez