Las Cruces is growing, and as our community continues to expand, we need to make smart investments to maintain our quality of life. This fall, the City is proposing a modest increase in the local gross receipts tax (GRT) to fund essential projects that will improve public safety, upgrade our infrastructure, and provide valuable amenities for all residents. Our first responders need updated facilities to ensure they are well-prepared and our community is protected.
The GRT increase will also support much-needed improvements to our parks, streets, and other critical infrastructure. One example of this would be a new indoor recreation facility. The Meerscheidt Recreation Center, built in 1973, now serves over 110,000 residents—far beyond its original capacity. The new facility would feature modern amenities, expanded sports and fitness areas, and community gathering spaces to meet the needs of our growing population.
We’re also planning street improvements and traffic calming measures to make our roads safer and more efficient for everyone. Currently, about 10% of our streets are rated as poor or very poor. We need adequate funding to address these conditions and create safer streets for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
The proposed increase is just 0.32 percentage points, raising the total GRT rate from 8.0625% to 8.3875%. For the average income in Las Cruces, this amounts to an extra $39 per year. Given the benefits, this investment will help us build a safer, more livable community.
Choosing GRT over property taxes or other funding methods is strategic. GRT spreads the cost among everyone who uses city resources, including county residents and visitors. This way, everyone who benefits from our infrastructure and services helps to maintain and improve them. Plus, relying on local GRT funds means less dependence on unpredictable state funding. With a local Capital Improvements Fund, our projects can be shovel-ready, making it easier to secure additional state contributions when needed.
The proposed GRT increase is about planning for the future. It’s about taking control of our destiny and ensuring Las Cruces remains a vibrant, safe, and thriving community. The funds generated will help us build and maintain facilities that enhance the quality of life for all residents, from improved public safety to recreational amenities that bring joy and health to our community. This is an investment in our shared future, for today and generations to come. Together, we can make Las Cruces a place where every resident feels safe, valued, and proud to call home. Let’s take this step forward, united in our commitment to building a better, brighter future for Las Cruces.
