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Santa Fe County Urges Residents to Participate in Broadband Survey for Improved Infrastructure

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe County Economic Development Division, in collaboration with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division and the County’s Broadband Working Group, is urging all residents to take part in a broadband survey aimed at enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to high-speed internet for all County residents.In a statement, the Santa Fe County Economic Development Division expressed their commitment to understanding the community's internet needs, stating, "We aim to understand the speed and reliability of existing connections to...

Government

Santa Fe County Seeks Health Policy and Planning Commission (HPPC) Members

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe County Community Services Department is currently in search of dedicated volunteers to join the Health Policy and Planning Commission (HPPC). The commission, comprised of nine members, aims to bring together individuals from various backgrounds to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services within the County.According to a recent announcement, the primary focus of the HPPC is to offer counsel and suggestions to the Community Services Department and the Board of County Commissioners regarding the delivery of health care services in Santa...

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Santa Fe Film Office Announces NYU Tisch Graduate Film Summer Workshop for Aspiring Pueblo and Indigenous Director-Writers

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe Film Office has unveiled an exciting opportunity for aspiring Pueblo and Indigenous Director-Writers to partake in the tuition-free NYU Tisch Graduate Film Summer Workshop. As reported by the office, this initiative, in collaboration with Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts, aims to empower diverse storytellers and elevate Indigenous voices within the film industry.The workshop, scheduled to run for three weeks at Santa Fe Community College, will be led by esteemed faculty members from NYU Tisch's Graduate Film...


Government

Emergency Manager Stephen Lopez named interim county manager

Doña Ana County, NM - The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners has announced Stephen Lopez as interim county manager, effective May 1. Lopez brings over three decades of extensive experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and academia to his new role.Lopez, who began his career in law enforcement at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1987, worked there for 33 years, with the last eight years as Chief of Police. He also served as adjunct faculty for 14 years, teaching courses in public health and criminal justice. In January 2021, Lopez joined the County as...


Government

Updates from Doña Ana County District 5

Doña Ana County's District 5 has been abuzz with various programs and projects aimed at improving the community's well-being and infrastructure.The Community Centers in the district have been hosting informative sessions as part of the "Topic of the Month" program. One such program is "Diabetes Conversations," focusing on diabetes management and occurring monthly with a new topic each time.Regarding the strategic direction of the county, a county representative emphasized, "The True Purpose of Our Plan is to See Our County Thrive as a County, there are Vital Conditions...


Government

County receives $2M for study to improve road travel during severe weather

Doña Ana County, NM - County Engineer Mo Moabed expressed his enthusiasm for the recent $2 million grant awarded to Doña Ana County by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The grant aims to enhance the County's roads and transportation systems to withstand weather-related events and improve travel conditions during inclement weather.Moabed highlighted that the grant will support the development of a roads master plan, focusing on creating better connectivity within the County. He emphasized, "The new system will identify existing roads and propose new...


Government

LCU Internship Program Offers Valuable Opportunities for Technology Students

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) has announced its competitive Internship Program, which awards internships to students pursuing technology programs. According to LCU, the program leads to a career in various fields of operation within the organization.The LCU Internship Program provides a range of benefits to participants, including financial support for tuition and eligible fees, annual payments for educational costs, biweekly stipends, and opportunities for work experience. The program also offers full-time employment opportunities after graduation in technology-related...


Government

Santa Fe County Expands Open Spaces: New Acquisitions Enhance Trail Access

Santa Fe County has recently expanded its open spaces with the acquisition of new lands, enhancing trail access for outdoor enthusiasts. The acquisitions, approved by the Board of County Commissioners, have garnered excitement and gratitude from various stakeholders.Karen Yank, President of the Turquoise Trail Regional Alliance, and Mike Madden, Co-founder of the East Mountain Regional Trails Council, expressed their enthusiasm for the newly acquired 160 acres of piñon-juniper forest near Golden, NM. Yank and Madden highlighted the significance of this addition, stating,...


Government

Rio Grande Foundation President: ‘The government should not be involved in setting or regulating the credit card industry’

Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, said his organization opposes a pending U.S. Senate bill to regulate the credit card industry.


Government

Santa Fe County Announces Temporary Closure of Rabbit Road for Construction Project

Santa Fe, NM- Beginning Monday, April 22, 2024, the Contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will begin the construction of the Rabbit Road connection to the Southeast Connector, recently named Falcon Way, and also providing the tie into Oshara Blvd via a new roundabout."To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Rabbit Road to Oshara Blvd for approximately (6) weeks and route traffic through a temporary detour," stated the Santa Fe County Public Works Department."Motorists should account for increased...


Government

2024 County Student Intern Program Accepting Applications

Doña Ana County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez expressed the goal of the Summer Enrichment Internship Program, stating, "This summer internship program is not just about investing in our future leaders; it is about empowering them to shape their own futures. Together, we're opening doors, fostering talent, and building a community where every young mind has the opportunity to thrive."The program, now in its fourth year, is a collaboration between Doña Ana County and the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). It aims to provide high school students...


Government

Second half property taxes are due May 10

Doña Ana County’s Treasurer’s Office has reminded property owners that the Second Half Tax Notices are due on May 10. According to the New Mexico Property Tax Code, penalties and interest cannot be forgiven once they are incurred."Mobile homeowners who did not yet receive a tax bill are encouraged to contact the Treasurer’s Office," said the Treasurer’s Office.To avoid facing penalty and interest charges, property owners are urged to settle their property taxes by the deadline using various payment options provided by the Treasurer's Office. These options include...


Government

Santa Fe County Launches Safe Ride Option Program for Residents

Santa Fe, NM—Cumulus Media Albuquerque, in collaboration with the Santa Fe County DWI Program, Glasheen Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers, and The New Mexico Department of Transportation have introduced a new initiative aimed at promoting safe ride options for Santa Fe County residents.The program, known as "Take A Ride on Us," will be available every weekend from April 12th through June 30, 2024. Santa Fe County residents are encouraged to utilize this service as an alternative to driving under the influence.Residents can avail themselves of safe rides from 6 pm on...


Government

County seeks applicants to serve on Jetport Advisory Board

Doña Ana County International Jetport at Santa Teresa is looking to fill three vacancies on its Airport Advisory Board. The board plays a crucial role in overseeing various aspects of the airport's operations. The selected applicants will serve a three-year term, starting from July 1 through June 20, 2027. They will work closely with key personnel to address safety, growth, development, and administration issues relevant to the airport.Applicants are required to have an interest in serving, knowledge of aviation and airport issues, and qualifications suitable for the...


Government

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting Continued Due to Technical Difficulties

The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners was forced to continue its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, due to technical difficulties that would have hindered public participation. As reported, the continuation was necessary to ensure that members of the public who had planned to participate remotely would not be excluded.In a statement, the Board announced that the meeting will resume on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The Continued Meeting is set to take place in the Commission Chambers at 102 Grant Avenue Santa Fe NM. Those interested...


Government

Santa Fe County to Host Earth Day Celebration at Hondo Fire Station #1

Santa Fe, NM- Santa Fe County is excited to announce its annual Earth Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Hondo Fire Station #1 from 9am-12pm in support of the global Earth Day proclamation adopted by the Board of County Commissioners."As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Santa Fe County will unveil a new rain garden at the Hondo Fire Station #1," said Santa Fe County. This green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) feature is designed to enhance local climate resilience by mitigating the impacts of droughts and flooding. The rain...


Government

Commissioner Hughes and Commissioner Greene to Introduce a Proclamation Declaring NM Electoral Excellence Day

Commissioner Hank Hughes and Commissioner Justin Greene are set to introduce a proclamation declaring April 11th as "New Mexico Electoral Excellence Day." The proclamation aims to recognize the efforts of the Secretary of State and the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office in enhancing the fairness, efficiency, and transparency of elections, vital components of the democratic process.According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Elections Performance Index (EPI), New Mexico achieved the remarkable position of #1 in the 2022 EPI with an index score of 88%. This...


Government

Santa Fe County Water Policy Advisory Committee Seeks Members

The Santa Fe County Water Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC) is actively seeking County residents to join its ranks, as reported on April 5, 2024. The committee plays a crucial role in advising the Board of County Commissioners on various water-related issues in the County and region.According to the announcement, the WPAC is looking for individuals with a diverse range of expertise and experience to ensure a well-rounded representation. As stated by the County, the committee's primary responsibilities include providing recommendations on sustainable utility services,...


Government

New Mexico Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic Seeking Patients April 26-27

The New Mexico Mission of Mercy (NM MOM) is seeking patients for the state’s largest charity event, April 26-27, 2024, in Santa Fe. "Dental volunteers will provide basic care such as fillings, extractions, cleanings, and limited root canals. All patients will receive preventive dental education and instructions on how to properly maintain their oral health," said a spokesperson for NM MOM.The event, hosted at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, aims to treat those in need of free, first-come, first-served basic care. Patients do not need to make appointments, as all...


Government

Free Professional Readiness Training Offered by SFCC to Boost Careers

SANTA FE, NM – Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) in collaboration with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Connections is providing an opportunity for individuals to enhance their careers through the Professional Readiness and Technical Experience for Careers (PROTEC) 21st Century Skills Training program.Applications for the program are now open, with a deadline set for May 1, 2024. Successful applicants will have the chance to earn MicroCredentials in Google, Microsoft, and Apple applications. According to SFCC, the program will kick off on June 4 and will include...