Santa Fe IT Department outlines budget for cybersecurity and AI initiatives

The Santa Fe City Council convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on key initiatives within the Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITT) department. The meeting highlighted significant advancements and future plans aimed at enhancing the city's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.

The ITT department presented its achievements from the previous fiscal year, including system upgrades and enhanced cybersecurity protocols. For fiscal year 2026, the department aims to strengthen its cyber defenses in response to increasing threats. This includes expanding multifactor authentication, implementing endpoint detection tools, and enhancing monitoring systems to reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure compliance with federal and state security laws.

A major focus of the budget is the consolidation of outdated infrastructure into a more efficient hyperconverged system, which will improve disaster recovery and performance. The transition to cloud-based solutions is also a priority, allowing for faster recovery times and better data protection. The ITT department plans to modernize its communication systems, moving from aging analog radios to a digital system that enhances clarity and security.

The budget also allocates resources for exploring artificial intelligence (AI) integration to improve city services. Initial steps include identifying use cases that can streamline operations and enhance citizen engagement. The department aims to migrate legacy systems to modern cloud platforms, which will reduce technical debt and improve scalability.

During the meeting, Councilor Lee Garcia emphasized the importance of ensuring that the IT budget addresses the basic needs of security and functionality for city staff and constituents. He raised concerns about the growing storage needs for data and the potential impact of rising costs for technology devices due to tariffs.

In response, ITT officials acknowledged the challenges of managing budget constraints while addressing the increasing demands for data storage and technology upgrades. They highlighted ongoing efforts to optimize resources and minimize spending to accommodate these needs.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support from city leaders to ensure that the IT department can effectively modernize its operations and enhance service delivery for the community. The proposed budget reflects a commitment to building a secure, scalable, and service-driven digital infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of Santa Fe residents.