The Santa Fe Land Use Department is embarking on a significant update to the city's general plan, originally established in 1999, with a budget of $1.75 million. The project aims to revise the vision for Santa Fe to better reflect contemporary community needs and issues, with completion expected by December 2027. The update will include new text, maps, graphics, and a digital platform designed to enhance public engagement and serve as an ongoing resource for property data and land development information.

The project commenced in August 2024, with a kickoff event held on October 15-16, where consultants from WSP toured the city and met with city staff, including the mayor. The update process will involve a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of local industry professionals and community ambassadors, with public engagement efforts anticipated to begin in January 2025.

During the meeting, Commissioner Lawrence emphasized the importance of regular updates for the Planning Commission, suggesting that more frequent communication could enhance involvement and transparency. The department plans to provide monthly updates and is considering study sessions to ensure ongoing engagement.

The general plan update will run parallel to a revision of the Land Development Code (LDC), which is being approached in a non-traditional sequence. The LDC update is currently in Phase 1, focusing on minor corrections, with a larger Phase 2 planned. The two projects will coordinate efforts to avoid participant burnout and ensure clarity in public messaging.

Additionally, the planning horizon for the general plan has been extended to 2050, encouraging long-term thinking about the community's future. The meeting also highlighted ongoing collaboration with local builders and architects to refine building codes and improve the development process, making it more user-friendly for the community.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of a new planning commissioner, Piper Capen, who will join the commission in December. The department is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the planning process, with a press release and project website expected to launch next month.