As Las Cruces continues to grow, investing strategically in our infrastructure is essential to ensure the well-being of all residents. Our population has surged by over 50% since 2000, reaching nearly 115,000 today. This rapid growth has brought numerous opportunities, but it also presents significant challenges, especially in maintaining and expanding our city’s public safety and critical infrastructure.
One of the most pressing challenges is the rising cost of construction, which has increased by about 43% in New Mexico since the pandemic. For example, Fire Station #3, built in 2018, cost just under $6 million. Today, the bid for Fire Station #9 is $11.2 million—nearly double for a similar facility. Compounding this issue is a severe shortage of construction labor, with New Mexico needing at least 2,000 additional workers to meet demand. These factors strain our city’s capital funds and delay essential projects.
To tackle these financial challenges and ensure timely project completion, the City of Las Cruces is proposing a modest increase to the local gross receipts tax (GRT). The proposed 0.32 percentage point increase would bring the total GRT rate from 8.0625% to 8.3875%. For the median income in Las Cruces, this equates to an additional $39 per year. This investment is crucial for generating the necessary funds to support and enhance our community’s infrastructure, ensuring projects can proceed without delay.
The additional revenue will be used to fund several key projects, including a new downtown public safety facility to replace the outdated stations. This new facility, modeled after the successful East Mesa Public Safety Complex, would house both departments and provide state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology. It would feature improved communication systems, data analysis tools to enable quicker response times, more effective crime prevention, and better incident management. Additionally, the complex will serve as a community hub, offering spaces for public events, community policing initiatives, and fire safety education.
The GRT increase will also support much-needed improvements to our parks, streets, and other critical infrastructure. The Meerscheidt Recreation Center, built in 1973 for a population of 35,000, now serves over 110,000 residents. A new recreation facility will provide modern amenities, expanded sports and fitness spaces, and community gathering areas to meet the diverse needs of our growing population.
Maintaining our public parks has become increasingly challenging, with renovation costs averaging $500,000 per acre. Constructing a new tennis court costs around $500,000, and
a single pickleball court averages $125,000. Over half of the playground equipment in our parks is more than 20 years old, making it difficult to find replacement parts for routine maintenance. These costs highlight the urgent need for adequate funding to support and enhance our community’s recreational spaces.
Street improvements and traffic calming measures are also high priorities. Currently, about 10% of our streets are rated as poor or very poor. Adequate funding is essential to address these conditions and create safer streets for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Improved road conditions will benefit everyone in Las Cruces, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Public opinion surveys show strong support for the GRT increase, with 63% of registered voters in favor once they understand its intended use for public safety and quality-of-life projects. By approving this increase, the residents of Las Cruces can take control of their future, fostering a safer, more vibrant, and economically robust community for years to come.
This is an investment in our shared future. Together, we can ensure Las Cruces remains a place where every resident feels safe, valued, and proud to call home. Let’s unite in our commitment to building a better, brighter future for Las Cruces.
