Las Cruces City Council approves Municipal Court upgrades and Airport Master Plan

The Las Cruces City Council convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and safety. A significant focus of the meeting was the ongoing rehabilitation of the Municipal Court, which is set to receive additional funding for critical upgrades.

City officials reported that the Municipal Court project, which began last week, will utilize leftover funds from other roofing projects, including the recently completed Railroad Museum roof and the 60% finished Meerscheid Recreation Center roof. The additional funds will be allocated for environmental assessments, abatement, repairs, and the installation of security cameras and secure badge access to the building. This move is expected to bolster safety and operational efficiency at the court, addressing community concerns about security in public facilities.

Councilor Curran expressed appreciation for the attention given to the Municipal Court, highlighting the importance of such projects in improving local infrastructure. He also raised concerns about traffic issues at a busy intersection near Dutch Brothers, emphasizing the need for better traffic management solutions in the area.

Another major topic was the approval of the 2024 Las Cruces International Airport Master Plan. This ambitious plan aims to transform the airport into a regional economic development engine, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure and creating job opportunities. Notably, the plan includes the first-ever forecast for interstate passenger air service, with hopes of establishing routes to Phoenix. The council highlighted the importance of the airport in driving economic growth, particularly in conjunction with the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park.

The council also approved the appointment of Dr. Buellink Gardner to the Animal Service Center Board, furthering the city’s commitment to animal welfare and community service.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure needs and enhancing public safety, with a clear focus on fostering economic development through strategic planning and community engagement. As these projects move forward, residents can expect improvements that will directly impact their daily lives and the overall vitality of Las Cruces.