[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6151771,"mediaKeyId","5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312","parentId",5501240,"title","Quarterly GO bond update: Fire Station 9 on schedule; parks and housing projects advance","audioSeconds",4102,"startMs",4107000,"endMs",4965,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312&start=4107&end=4","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312/thumbnail_4107000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6151771/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Quarterly-GO-bond-update-Fire-Station-9-on-schedule-parks-and-housing-projects-advance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151771-8a795ba595334239afffee4c8e34cc18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143592&Signature=YveZeNMpE6idRKqpP2bbdouVVBA09kWzKpQlZcrr0Rj9tHl0CJZW9K47Dl28dt1zdfG2o2DR44XY6vySggOVgzOO2fypJfIW0hvKmrHNwrCbm4h-rY9YP80PL6ieb81gUajQb4OZgXu7PtQ~lvSt2PZHhVR9xaKNFzMdxJsGN~q7nIYNvgQ-i4BkqihXvssfmbRvr8pnvuR7~0DTFQ2UwIRq44lnOJqa29Poar2OL-3aRtItfr3wqiWTqHR--VBGFEokR5Db3YNslBwD1nm3niM5zK1IYaxERt69495FNosWOr2ZYz-yxOyiFnymAM9a2aHTvgsP~ywrxg26UV2wQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Las Cruces, NM","date","2025-07-29T08:19:23Z","article","City Public Works and housing staff provided the quarterly update on general‑obligation (G.O.) bond projects at the July 28 Las Cruces City Council work session, reporting construction progress and near‑term timelines for parks, a new fire station and several affordable‑housing developments.

Fire Station No. 9: funding and schedule
Jimmy Moreno, interim assistant director for Public Works, said Fire Station No. 9 has total funds of $12,130,000 and construction progress has moved from roughly 15% at the last update to 35% complete. “We are still on schedule to meet the March 2026 completion date for this project,” Moreno said. Work completed includes the apparatus bay concrete pour; CMU wall construction is nearing completion and structural steel and truss work are underway.

Parks and recreation projects
La Llorona park: construction began in May. Contractors have demolished an existing restroom, are placing flatwork and a new bathroom holding tank, and are procuring play equipment and safety surfacing. City staff said new wayfinding and stormwater mitigation for the playground are in design; staff expect calendar‑year 2025 completion for the La Llorona scope.

East Mesa Public Recreation Complex: Phase 1 has approximately 60% of the remaining playground work complete, with an estimated 6–8 weeks to finish installation. Phase 2 construction has just begun (clearing and grubbing) and includes basketball courts, a restroom, lighting, street furniture and an area for public art; staff expect phase completion by the end of calendar year 2025.

Affordable housing and neighborhood updates
Natalie Green, housing and neighborhood revitalization administrator, reported leasing and construction updates: 3 Sisters (70 units) was reported at 60 units occupied (about 86% leased) at the time of the presentation; Pedrina Senior Apartments is about 85% complete with the west wing pending temporary certificates of occupancy and a planned ribbon cutting in late October; Peachtree Canyon Apartments phase 1 is 38% complete (144 units) with phase 2 to bring total development to 288 units. Peachtree Phase 1 framing is underway and the pool and clubhouse areas are in progress. Amador Crossing has secured construction funding and contractors are excavating utility trenches; Arcadia 4 purchase of a subdivision is scheduled to come before council next week and state funding was received to support that purchase.

Other projects and next steps
Staff noted upcoming items expected before council, including additional state funding awards and budget adjustments; a site visit to Pedrina Senior Apartments was scheduled for the day after the work session. Public Works credited internal photo and video documentation for the report.

Discussion versus direction
Discussion only: the presentation was informational and no formal council votes were taken on the GO bond items during the work session. Council members asked clarifying questions about construction causes of visible damage at La Llorona and inspection timing; staff responded on construction sequencing and inspection schedules.

Ending: Staff will continue quarterly reporting to council and bring specific funding adjustments, contract approvals and purchase items to future agendas as required.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Las Cruces Council Work Session - July 28th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works and housing staff reported on July 28 that Fire Station No. 9 is 35% complete and remains on track for March 2026, while park and housing projects funded by the general‑obligation bond continue construction or leasing progress.","taxTitle","Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New Mexico","taxId",2725,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151781,"City staff, consultant outline New Mexico CPACE program and ask Las Cruces council to consider opt‑in resolution",1984,994000,2978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312&start=994&end=2978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312/thumbnail_994000.jpg","/articles/6151781/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/City-staff-consultant-outline-New-Mexico-CPACE-program-and-ask-Las-Cruces-council-to-consider-optin-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151781-88dcce0575a67dc6104770e2ee6c4f3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143592&Signature=bvEtrNDaDPfQLdH1bZQQ5VgRHPy0axbr9HOaqURLjhQsnJ9ULcZEcMTfcUgPUPZPfjX2~yFenSJa2znn81366AdO0jahLmF7gnp4NCRDFJafCqfbABRJKXtDVxKMRCx6b2GXHzXwuFtCHuAyb5SnvKqo37uDCmZK5qn8AdPW0M0-2cAzK2D1nggYli0QRxWScCFPJY5MRl5iujkMTabTBSFrwzFkxEEtPltTXou2OU~DN3-CDii5SjpPNUQC3A7ZfRbrx2nvSGwMu6fHaWEtbSpdrYto0W7pUQ7GZ~79IOkKaDUlbvkd~JxBmOyNAR8puh7bHtAoeZ785RL70zCqaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Las Cruces City Council work session on July 28, staff from the city’s Economic Development Department and a consultant for the state described the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program, known as CPACE, and asked the council to consider a resolution allowing Dona Ana County’s CPACE ordinance to operate within Las Cruces city limits.

CPACE is a private‑sector financing mechanism for energy, water and resiliency improvements on commercial, agricultural, industrial and multifamily properties of five or more units, the consultant said. Eric Christiansen of Adelante Consulting, the statewide program administrator contracted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, said the program pays for eligible improvements through loans arranged by private capital providers and secured by a special assessment lien on the property. “The city’s only responsibility would be passing the resolution that allows the county’s ordinance to apply within your jurisdiction,” Christiansen said.

Why it matters: proponents say CPACE can lower upfront costs for building upgrades such as lighting, HVAC, insulation, low‑flow plumbing and solar, and can make some stalled projects financially feasible. Christiansen told council members the program does not rely on state or federal subsidy; program administration is funded by a closing fee assessed to lenders and rolled into financing. He also said billing and collection are handled by lenders rather than through the property tax billing system to limit local government burden.

Key program details discussed
- Eligible properties: privately owned commercial, agricultural, industrial and multifamily properties with five or more dwelling units; not‑for‑profit owners may qualify.
- Funding: private capital providers supply funds; the statewide program administrator charges a closing fee equal to 1% of the transaction capped at $25,000, paid by the lender and typically rolled into the financed amount.
- Lien priority: the special assessment lien is senior to most liens except general ad valorem property taxes and certain improvement district liens; lenders and existing lienholders must provide consent before CPACE is used on encumbered properties.
- Repayment and transfers: lenders bill and collect from the borrower; the special assessment lien can transfer with the property sale and is nonaccelerable beyond amounts then due, per the statute excerpt read during the presentation.

Consultant examples and scale
Christiansen shared four closed case studies from other New Mexico jurisdictions to illustrate program use: a high‑end recapitalization for Bishop’s Lodge (reported at about $76 million over 25 years), a $10 million new‑construction project for the Modern Elder Academy, a $5 million boutique hotel refinance in Taos County, and a multifamily new construction financing of roughly $60 million for Rancho Santa Fe Apartments (156 units). Christiansen said many current lenders support mid‑to‑large projects (about $1 million and up), and the New Mexico Climate Investment Center — a state green‑bank entity — has joined as a lender with lower minimums that may help projects in the $200,000+ range.

Council questions and requests
Council members asked about the program’s history, who funds administration, borrower default rates, lienholder protections, and outreach to small and midsize local projects. Christiansen said CPACE programs have existed in other states for more than a decade and that Adelante’s administrator role is funded by closing fees. On defaults he said national default rates are low but that he would follow up with national associations and provide numbers to the city manager. On outreach, Christiansen said the administrator is pursuing partnerships with local credit unions and an organization called Electrify to originate smaller transactions and noted the Climate Investment Center as a partner for smaller loans.

Discussion versus direction
Discussion only: council members raised questions and expressed support; no formal resolution or ordinance was adopted during the work session.
Direction requested: council members asked staff to provide additional information (including national default statistics) to the city manager and to consider language in any future resolution that would emphasize support or prioritization of small‑ and mid‑sized projects.

Next steps and what council was asked to do
The consultant asked the council to pass a brief resolution enabling Dona Ana County’s CPACE ordinance to apply inside Las Cruces. No vote was taken during the work session; staff said they are flexible on timing and would provide sample resolution language and the county ordinance for council review.

Ending: Council members signaled general support and asked staff for follow‑up information before taking formal action.
","At a Las Cruces City Council work session on July 28, staff from the city Economic Development Department and the statewide CPACE program administrator described how Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing works and asked the council to consider a short resolution allowing Dona Ana County’s CPACE ordinance to operate within Las Cruces city limits.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151776,"Staff recommends Mesquite be prioritized for redevelopment planning among four new MRAs",770,3387000,4157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312&start=3387&end=4157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5501240-804b809943a8d52eafa91da59a64f312/thumbnail_3387000.jpg","/articles/6151776/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Staff-recommends-Mesquite-be-prioritized-for-redevelopment-planning-among-four-new-MRAs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151776-4e65bff5a678c54a5ecc76a5500d8b83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143592&Signature=MLe33mJlqbYncM2qkwnjo9BWWhEsvC6BTizC0tbDXbdkvnuvkdbYoWLzgY4drRCiL6rxWEXukv8HA0FBJ6aE5jv6FFnuotTsk5Rd0-blDxUo8C23y4qIriv~cma9Fqi1YPPxF4JRPTC3i42ryEiRw6YYthhtFdfZs~eaJJ3F3QDq6-sR1RngwBZY46O7mOrDfZW9krxSjCRJlvtB2-CyJvkSpI6yBvV9H9A~MMlR3fbEyCzqvGE7015YSkcmKWcKbjvf2VgqaqT7JUtyATGzfbJdwWlMkdYVr8HeT4exO6rVF6AE~nR6sg-Xib7pCc~dqXyTdI8K8qeNXizSdnBnYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Las Cruces City Council work session on July 28, city economic development staff presented a prioritization proposal for four newly designated Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas and recommended starting planning in the Mesquite area, followed by Apodaca and Liftup, Amador Proximo and South, and then the East of Solano neighborhood.

Blair Flores of the city’s Economic Development Department said the prioritization balances “greatest need” and “maximum return on investment” so that redevelopment tools both advance equity in high‑need areas and generate meaningful revenue. “Our proposed order would be Mesquite, Apodaca and Liftup, Amador Proximo and South, and then East Of Solano neighborhood,” Flores said.

Why it matters: a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan lays out how conditions of blight or disinvestment will be addressed and identifies actions such as land acquisition, zoning adjustments, public infrastructure improvements and other redevelopment strategies. Under the program each area’s gross‑receipts tax increment is collected and intended to be reinvested in that specific MRA, staff told council.

Data and staff’s rationale
- Mesquite: 52 businesses (about 17% of the four MRAs), estimated annual tax revenue $1,600,000 with a city portion of roughly $388,000; population 2,335 (a 1% decline since 2010). Staff categorized Mesquite as highest need.
- Apodaca & Liftup: 62 businesses (about 20%); estimated annual tax revenue $4,500,000 with a city portion of about $1,800,000; added 85 new businesses between 2022 and 2024.
- Amador Proximo & South: 39 businesses (about 13%); estimated annual tax revenue $1,300,000 with a city portion near $745,000; largest population decline reported (about 22.1% since 2010).
- East of Solano: 149 businesses (about 49%); estimated annual tax revenue $4,470,000 with a city portion of about $1,070,000; population up 33% since 2010 and highest business activity.

Council questions and reactions
Councilor Curran asked how revenue collected under the MRA designations is distributed. Blair Flores replied, “Each area will collect its own GRT and then that money will be reinvested into that specific MRA.” Several council members, including Councilor McClure and Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo, voiced support for prioritizing high‑need areas in order to address vacancy, blight and resource disparities. Bencomo said the MRAs should be treated as targeted interventions: “These MRAs are an intervention,” Bencomo said, urging the council to act on strategies that help communities with fewer resources.

Discussion versus direction
Discussion only: staff presented priorities and answered questions; no formal vote was taken. Direction implied: staff proposed initiating planning for the Mesquite area first; council expressed support for moving forward and for additional tools to address vacant or abandoned properties.

Next steps
Staff said the outcome of the prioritization will determine which area enters the planning phase next; the West Picacho and Motel MRA is already in a final planning stage with a draft expected for public review in September and final adoption projected in December.

Ending: Council members expressed support for the proposed balanced approach—prioritizing high‑need areas first while including at least one high‑impact area early in the schedule.
","City economic development staff recommended at the July 28 work session that council prioritize the Mesquite metropolitan redevelopment area for the next planning phase, followed by Apodaca & Liftup, Amador Proximo & South, and East of Solano; councilors asked about how revenue will be reinvested and expressed support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Quarterly GO bond update: Fire Station 9 on schedule; parks and housing projects advance

City staff, consultant outline New Mexico CPACE program and ask Las Cruces council to consider opt‑in resolution

Staff recommends Mesquite be prioritized for redevelopment planning among four new MRAs