Sara Gonzales named Community Development Deputy Director

The City of Las Cruces has named Sara Gonzales as the new Deputy Director of Community Development for Building & Development Services, where she will oversee Building Safety and Land Use operations and help guide the City’s permitting, inspection teams.

Gonzales brings extensive experience in municipal planning, development services, and cross-department coordination. Most recently, she has served the City as Interim Deputy Director and previously held roles including Senior Urban Planner, Economic Development Project Manager, Planner, and Permit Technician. In addition to supporting process improvements that strengthen service delivery and accountability, she played a key role in helping finalize updates to the City’s land use code, known as Realize Las Cruces, working across several departments to help ensure the code is clear, implementable, and aligned with community priorities.

“Sara consistently goes above and beyond, and she brings the kind of leadership our Building Development team needs,” said Chris Faivre, Community Development Director. “She is highly knowledgeable, dependable, and committed to supporting staff and residents with professionalism and integrity.”

Gonzales maintains professional credentials including Certified Zoning Official and International Right of Way Association Right of Way Agent.