Las Cruces City Council faces pivotal vote on Realize Las Cruces development code

The Las Cruces City Council meeting on May 19, 2025, was dominated by passionate discussions surrounding the "Realize Las Cruces" initiative, a significant development code reform aimed at modernizing the city’s zoning and building ordinances for the first time in nearly 25 years. Supporters of the initiative urged the council to uphold their previous approval, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods.

Lucas Herndon, a resident of District 2, expressed his unwavering support for the initiative, stating, “We ought to just move forward and allow the city to grow.” He criticized those opposing the initiative for not gathering enough valid signatures, highlighting the ample time provided for the petition process. Similarly, Albert, another resident, underscored the importance of the initiative in creating diverse housing options and revitalizing underutilized areas, arguing that it would benefit the community as a whole.

Opponents of the initiative raised concerns about the validity of the signatures collected for the petition to challenge the council's decision. Marie Guerrero, a District 1 resident, pointed out the practical challenges of accessing local amenities without proper infrastructure, advocating for the initiative as a means to improve safety and accessibility in the city.

The council heard from various residents, including David Lamon Mooney, who criticized the city’s design as car-centric and expressed hope that the initiative would prioritize human-centered urban planning. Others, like Michael Harris, argued that the decision should be straightforward, given the invalid signatures, while also noting that the ordinance could be reviewed in the future.

As the meeting progressed, tensions rose between supporters and opponents of the initiative, with some residents questioning the council's commitment to democratic processes. Tim Jenkins, a vocal advocate for the petition, challenged the council's decision-making, asking, “Why are you guys so scared to have the people vote?”

The council's decision on whether to uphold the "Realize Las Cruces" initiative remains a pivotal moment for the city, with implications for its growth and development. As the community awaits the council's vote, the discussions reflect a broader conversation about urban planning, accessibility, and the future of Las Cruces.