City of Las Cruces Releases Strategic Plan Needs Assessment, Launches Next Phase of Community Engagement

The City of Las Cruces, in partnership with consulting firm Single Space Strategies, today presented the Landscape Analysis and Needs Assessment to Mayor Eric Enriquez and the City Council, marking the first major milestone in the update to the City’s Strategic Plan.

This report represents the completion of the first phase of the Strategic Plan update process and provides a comprehensive overview of current conditions, leadership perspectives, and the broader economic and community context shaping the City’s future. The Needs Assessment is now publicly available on the City’s website.

“This report gives us a clear, shared understanding of where we are today and the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Mayor Eric Enriquez. “It’s an important step in ensuring that our next Strategic Plan reflects the needs of our community and helps guide thoughtful, responsible decision-making for the future.”

The Strategic Plan update is designed to be inclusive, data-driven, and transparent, aligning City priorities with the long-term vision and evolving needs of Las Cruces residents. The Needs Assessment draws on multiple sources, including leadership interviews, existing plans and policies, data analysis, and prior community and staff input. It is intended to inform the priorities that will guide the next phase of the process.

“This work helps us better understand the systems, constraints, and opportunities we’re navigating as a City,” said Chris Faivre, Director of Community Development. “It creates a strong foundation for the next phase, where community input will play a critical role in shaping the direction of the Strategic Plan.”

With the Needs Assessment complete, the City is moving into the next phase of the process: community engagement. Residents are invited to participate in upcoming public meetings and a forthcoming community survey to share their priorities and vision for the future of Las Cruces.

Upcoming public meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Roadrunner Room at the Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Avenue  — July 30, 2:30–7:30 p.m.
• East Mesa Public Safety Complex, 550 North Sonoma Ranch Boulevard — August 5, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
• Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive — August 6, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
• WIA Building, 240 N. Reymond Street — August 6, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Lynn Middle School (Community School), 950 S. Walnut Street — August 4, 2:30-7:30 p.m.
• Frank O’Brien Papen Center auditorium, 304 Bell Avenue — July 29, 2:30–5:30 p.m.

Community input gathered through these meetings and the survey will directly inform the development of strategic priorities and next steps for implementation.

Residents can view the Needs Assessment, learn more about the Strategic Plan update, and find opportunities to participate at LasCruces.Gov/StrategicPlan.