Santa Fe welcomes American Airlines' new direct flight to LAX and seasonal Chicago service

The City Council of Santa Fe convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss various matters, including significant updates from the city manager and city attorney.

The meeting began with the city manager announcing exciting news regarding the Santa Fe Airport. American Airlines is set to announce new route additions, including a direct flight from Santa Fe to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with one round-trip flight daily. Additionally, there will be a temporary two-week flight to Chicago during the Christmas season. The city manager expressed gratitude to the airport team for their efforts in fostering this relationship with American Airlines.

Following this announcement, the city attorney provided updates on legal matters. A preliminary injunction was secured in the AmeriCorps case, indicating a favorable resolution regarding the unlawful imposition of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) order on the AmeriCorps program. The city attorney also reported that a case related to immigration from the Trump administration has been appealed to the Ninth Circuit, with a preliminary injunction already in place.

In terms of public records requests, the city attorney noted a significant reduction in the number of Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests, estimating a decrease of over 20% this year. This reduction is attributed to the online availability of crash reports, which has streamlined the process. Other cities, such as Rio Rancho, are reportedly considering similar measures.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation from the city attorney to enter into an executive session to discuss two matters: attorney-client privilege concerning threatened or pending litigation and the disposition of city-owned property located at 633 and 635 Agua Frio Street. The council moved to enter executive session as per the Open Meetings Act.

Overall, the meeting highlighted positive developments for the city, particularly in transportation and legal matters, while also addressing ongoing litigation and property issues.