The City of Las Cruces is excited to see what 2025 brings and this upcoming year we are hoping we can reach out to our partners in the community and at the State Legislative level to make our projects come to fruition.

City Administrators and staff are combing through the projects they feel will add value to our community and are building a list of projects they would like to see funded and policies they would like to see expanded on. As they build on that list, the projects/priorities will be added here.

2025 Policy Change Requests

2025 Capital Outlay Projects

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Funding to support Active Transportation Plan projects and initiatives  

Active Transportation is any human-powered form of transportation including walking, bicycling, and wheelchair rolling. Residents of Las Cruces will benefit from increased safety, comfort, and convenience of improved Active Transportation facilities. People with low incomes are more likely to rely on Roadrunner Transit as their primary form of transportation and are also more likely to live in areas with poor conditions for walking and cycling.  

Improved Active Transportation can enhance safety for the community’s most vulnerable road users. Strengthening Active Transportation networks encourages healthier lifestyles. Reduced dependency on automobiles leads to better air quality, less traffic noise, and fewer traffic crashes. Furthermore, improving Active Transportation networks can attract and retain a robust workforce.  

The funds will be used for prioritized projects identified in the Active Transportation Plan, including sidewalk gaps & improvements, ADA improvements, transit shade structures, street lighting, intersection improvements, bicycle facilities, road improvements, and street trees. Active Transportation projects have been partially funded.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Increased safety, comfort, and accessibility 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $4,600,000 

STREET LIGHTING

Upgrade and install new street lighting to increase visibility and safety for all modes of transportation along City rights-of-way  

 

Upgraded, modern lights can also conserve energy and reduce maintenance requirements. Well-lit streets and walkways are important to the safety and usability of public access routes for City residents.  

The City plans to install modern, low-energy lighting at closer intervals to close gaps and increase area coverage. To improve existing intelligent street lighting, Smart nodes will also be installed for a more effective and efficient program to improve existing intelligent street lighting. The street lighting project has been partially funded and needs gap funding to complete the project.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Increased efficiency, visibility, and safety 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $700,000 

INDUCTIVE CHARGING

Improving charging infrastructure for the City’s electric buses

To reduce emissions and improve electric vehicle performance, inductive charging is needed at the Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal (MVITT). Currently, City buses cannot meet the full day duty cycle on one charge. With inductive opportunity charging, the bus will pull into an assigned bay and the in-ground charger will link up with the charge pad mounted underneath the bus to begin charging the batteries.

Since nearly all buses come to the MVITT every hour and have a dwell time of seven minutes, the City will gain 2KW per minute of charge, or 14 KW per hour. This will extend the battery range to last the entire duty cycle from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm and improve operational efficiency by eliminating the need to swap out electric buses for diesel buses mid shift. Additional funding has been provided by the City.

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Improving transit efficiencies & promoting sustainable energy
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $500,000
-Initial funding for plan and design
-$5.3 million estimated total cost

WASTEWATER & SEPTIC SYSTEMS 

Completion of the installation of wastewater sewer system to eliminate use of septic tanks  

The City of Las Cruces is requesting $4.3 million to continue efforts to remove septic systems located within 1,000 feet of municipal water wells, ensuring residents have access to a clean and safe drinking water supply. This funding will support ongoing projects in Brittany Estates and Estados Serenos. With new municipal wells costing the city approximately $3.5 million each, this investment will help avoid the unexpected shutdown of wells due to unsafe nitrate levels caused by aging septic systems.  

 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Safe drinking water for Las Cruces residents 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $4.3 million

• Phase II Brittany Estates/ Estados Serenos Sewer Main – $2,400,000
• Phase I Brittany Estates/ Estados Serenos Customer Plumbing – $852,000
• Phase I Brittany Estates/ Estados Serenos Customer Plumbing – $880,000 

FUNDS ALREADY COMMITTED: $5,500,00 

MOBILE INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE BUILDING

Facility for the Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program and LIGHT Mental Crisis Response  

Las Cruces Fire Department runs the LIGHT program, a mobile mental health crisis response team linked to the 911 system. The team aims to lessen the incidence of grief, harm, and trauma by offering trauma-informed care during mental health crises. The City has established a mental health crisis response team made up of a Licensed Master Social Worker and Firefighter Paramedic. Las Cruces first responders handle over 1,000 mental health-related calls and 850 welfare checks and suicide responses annually. The proposed 7,610-square-foot facility will include offices, meeting spaces, patient evaluation areas, team member respite spaces, and storage for equipment and vehicles. The project received $3 million from Senator Heinrich, $500,000 from the City, and $2.5 million from New Mexico Legislators. The Mobile Integrated Healthcare Building has been partially funded and needs gap funding to complete the project. 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: More effective response to mental health crisis needs 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $2,500,000 
FUNDS ALREADY COMMITTED: $115,000  

POLICE DEPARTMENT REAL TIME CRIME CENTER

To establish a Real Time Crime Center for the Las Cruces Police Department  

In the last five years, Las Cruces has witnessed a surge in criminal activities. Year-to-date comparisons of crime from 2023 to 2024 show that total violent crime is up by almost 30%. This trend has prompted the LCPD to recognize the urgent need for enhanced operational capabilities, especially in the realm of real time intelligence.  

A Real Time Crime Center will provide critical support to officers actively responding to calls for service, facilitating swift suspect identification and fostering real-time situational awareness.  

The Real Time Crime Center has been partially funded and needs gap funding to complete the project.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Addresses the immediate challenges faced by law enforcement and creates a safer and more secure community 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $1,000,000 

• Technology equipment & software
• Improve intelligence section
• Real-time tracking of stolen vehicles & criminal suspects
• Assist with missing person & AMBER Alerts

POLICE REGIONAL RESPONSE VEHICLES

SWAT response vehicles to assist New Mexico State Police in regional and statewide critical incident responses  

The Las Cruces Police Department has been tasked to assist New Mexico State Police personnel with tactical response throughout Southern New Mexico and, increasingly, the entire state.  

Since over half of all SWAT callouts have been outside of Las Cruces city limits, additional vehicles will ensure the safety of residents throughout the state through critical incident response without sacrificing the ability of the Las Cruces Police Department to respond to needs within the City.  

This request would fund five SWAT response vehicles that will be available to support New Mexico State Police callouts.  

 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Ensure the safety of residents throughout the State 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $500,000 

AMADOR CROSSING HOUSING 

50-unit master plan housing project on the Community of Hope campus to provide supportive housing, on-site services, and access to campus agencies  

Amador Crossing is a new housing solution for people experiencing homelessness in Las Cruces. The City owns a 4.8 acre site located at 1101 W. Amador Avenue and is proposing the development of a 50-unit special needs housing project using state and local funds. This project will serve those community members at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.  

This new construction project will be two-stories and will include a mix of studios and one-bedroom units. The primary population will be small households in need of housing with access to on-site services. Amador Crossing has been partially funded and needs gap funding to complete the project.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Reduce homelessness with supportive housing
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $3,000,000 

AMADOR AVENUE TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS

Improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and functionality  

Near the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (MVCOH) and the new Amador Crossing Housing Complex, Amador Avenue is a high-pedestrian-use area serving individuals experiencing homelessness. This area sees significant pedestrian and bicycle activity due to its proximity to social services and housing facilities.  

As part of the MVCOH master plan implementation, adding a bus pull-out lane and turning lanes improve public transit accessibility and reduce congestion for vehicles to ensure smoother and safer traffic flow. Installing pedestrian hybrid beacons (HAWK systems) on Amador Avenue and Valley Drive will increase pedestrian visibility and safety at crossings. Median enhancements will further regulate traffic flow and provide safe waiting zones for pedestrians crossing busy roads. A dedicated emergency driveway will allow swift response and evacuation, ensuring safety during critical situations. Enhancements to parking facilities and the addition of fencing support will provide organized vehicle movement, better security, and pedestrian safety. Reducing speed limits along Amador Avenue and implementing calming measures will accommodate high pedestrian and cyclist traffic while minimizing risks in this multi-use corridor.  

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Address transportation and safety challenges in a vulnerable community 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $2,700,000 

PASEOS VERDES 

Increase housing opportunities for Veterans, workforce, seniors, and families  

The City is currently working with the Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority on the redevelopment of seven acres to create the Paseos Verdes community, located in the El Paseo Corridor. This project will provide a 218-unit affordable-housing unit that would be funded primarily by tax credits and HUD’s RAD conversion initiative.  

By connecting to the surrounding neighbor assets, existing utilities, and roadways, the project will increase housing density providing workforce, senior, and family housing. Millions of dollars of HUD RAD funding may be available to create a mixed-income community in an area of town that has experienced disinvestment.  

Paseos Verdes is envisioned to be a project of three phases with $2 million of congressional-directed spending for Phase One. The project is within the Lift Up Las Cruces and Metropolitan Redevelopment Area initiatives and is a catalytic project emphasizing neighborhood improvement and economic development.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Increased housing for vulnerable populations 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $1,400,000 

THOMAS BRANIGAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY 

Renovation and expansion to expand the library’s lobby and improve ADA accessibility  

Built in 1979 and last renovated in 1999, the current 44,266-square-foot library serves as the main branch for Las Cruces Public Libraries. The Branigan Library welcomed close to 200,000 visits last year and served over 50,000 individuals with library cards. Branigan Library offers a computer lab that provided 19,714 use sessions totaling 803,623 minutes used! Programs offered in the Branigan Library’s meeting rooms range from story time for little ones to book clubs for adults and STEAM programs for teens, with nearly 14,000 attendees last year.  

While Branigan Library is making significant contributions to the learning and literacy of Las Cruces residents, this facility is bursting at the seams due to the City’s population which has doubled since its last expansion. The ground floor of the library and lobby area need an expansion to improve ADA accessibility, more space for materials and operations, and increased security. Funding will support the design and construction of these improvements, creating a state-of-the-art library that offers enhanced services to the entire community. The City has committed some TIDD funding to this project. 

 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Providing accessibility and library resources to City residents 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $5,600,000 

MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE (MONAS) REDESIGN  

MONAS inspires curiosity about the sciences, encourages learning, and illustrates the importance of the natural environment of the Chihuahuan Desert  

MONAS is the highest attended of the four City museums, attracting over 62,000 visitors last year. In addition to the science exhibits and live animals, the museum invites local scientists, educators, and adventurers to share their vast knowledge at programs and events. All of these programs are offered with free admission.  

This redesign project will allocate funding to design and construct enhancements to MONAS. Plans include leveling the museum’s floors, improvements to the animal handling areas, engaging displays of animals, and better ADA accessibility to the viewing areas.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Rich educational environment which caters to the different learning styles of museum visitors 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $385,000 

EAST MESA PUBLIC RECREATION COMPLEX PROJECT 

Continuing construction of this regional park, including multi-purpose fields, courts, and concessions  

The East Mesa Public Recreation Complex serves as a sister facility to the Hadley Sports Complex and will accommodate tournaments and league games.  

This Complex is the City’s third community-sized park. Like Young Park and Apodaca Park, it will provide space for community events and family gatherings. Parks are essential to promoting health and wellness, offering programming and educational activities that support childhood development, and creating economic opportunity. Parks unite people and strengthen communities.  

The East Mesa Public Recreation Complex Project has been partially funded and needs gap funding to be complete.  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Improve wellness and community health and space for family activities 
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $5,900,000 
FUNDS ALREADY COMMITTED: $6,800,000 

ADA COMPLIANCE 

Improvements to ADA accessibility at City Hall and Municipal Court  

As the City continues to strive to meet the needs of all its residents, updates are needed in two high-traffic municipal facilities. Las Cruces City Hall and Las Cruces Municipal Court are both in need of updates to meet current ADA compliance standards so that all people, including those with disabilities, can adequately access City facilities.  

To meet the equal-access mandates of the ADA, both facilities will receive improvements to handicapped parking, ramps, doors, handrails, and open floor spaces with wheelchair accessibility. This funding will be added onto funding already provided by the City. The City will be hiring design professionals to address current needs.  

 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Access to City services for all residents
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $1,000,000 

PARK LIGHTING

Enhance park lighting to improve safety and reduce energy and maintenance costs  

Las Cruces has many parks built between 1984 and 1996, ranging in size, such as Ponderosa Park at less than 0.7 acres, to larger community parks like Apodaca Park at 24.5 acres, many of which need improved lighting.  

Community parks serve the entire region and host popular events such as the Renaissance Faire or Music in the Park. Neighborhood parks are intended to serve people within a half-mile walking distance.  

Legacy Parks serve as key social, recreational, and greenspaces for the entire community. Lighting improvements are one component of the Legacy Park improvement program intended to increase safety and allow people to recreate and visit for extended hours. Targeted Legacy Parks include:  

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Increase the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: $2,400,000  

DRIVING TRACK

 

LCPD and DASO need a driving track to continue operating satellite police academies and for conducting professional in-service training. All Southern NM law enforcement agencies would benefit from this track.

Request: $2,000,000 million for design and construction. (Joint DASO/LCPD project).

2024 Funded Projects

LAS CRUCES INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE BUILDING

Facility for the Las Cruces Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program and Project L.I.G.H.T. Mental Crisis Response.

Thank you Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Bill Soules, Representative Angelica Rubio, and Representative Nathan Small for allocating $2.5 million to this project.

 

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

 

AMADOR CROSSING HOUSING

Valley View Park renovations and trail improvements in the second Lift Up area.

Thank you to Representative Angelica Rubio for allocating $100,000 to this project.

 

 

 

LAS CRUCES FIRE STATION 9
Construction of the new Fire Station #9.

Thank you to Representative Joanne Ferrary for allocating $100,000 to this project.

 

 

EAST MESA PUBLIC RECREATION COMPLEX

 

LAS CRUCES REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER