[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6145349,"mediaKeyId","5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c","parentId",5532951,"title","City to accept $642,469 SEED grant to retrofit low‑income homes; program includes DACC workforce audits","audioSeconds",835,"startMs",4724000,"endMs",5559000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c&start=4724&end=5559","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c/thumbnail_4724000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145349/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/City-to-accept-642469-SEED-grant-to-retrofit-lowincome-homes-program-includes-DACC-workforce-audits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145349-7ab66443d03baa9afd2a1f78e1689621/orig.mp4?Expires=1774844784&Signature=S4bnkk9NDpOFafhckaQm0s2RmqvFlB~tFT4VM7Lha1HqMOjpMjHrmm212luFGh8qq9QVKTG7BjorFNys~RNj00iAChhukFXXwE56h9tQCMI4xmOWRcVJcJd1dKE74j-L9UjVaBPcCQtSaaRRmICi6AmlAANRlvXYAc-yXo--CH6CN6Y8NExF5~xg1WyZDoScQpaaImiL2YUWARSCBjdjRUMrySwON2HwU9~86-jjeDVxC-kN3T6nesPjp7zvlFzKmup80AZZGs8igAt~kgz9v2z~1oibo7xPY0j90HCedJKMiSIg51c1E47mhNI0CzAZ3txd-wKKJV~YiKqHotc0nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Las Cruces, NM","date","2025-08-05T10:05:32Z","article","Las Cruces will accept a $642,469 grant from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to run a retrofit program for low‑income households, the city announced Aug. 4 after the council approved ordinance 3094.

Why it matters: The grant funds energy audits, heat‑pump retrofits and related measures intended to reduce utility bills for low‑income residents while creating a workforce pipeline for local small businesses and community colleges.

Gabriela Prax, the city’s grant manager, said the SEED award requires an ordinance for acceptance and that there is no local match. Jenny Hernandez, the city’s sustainability officer, described program mechanics: residents will be screened for income eligibility, scheduled for an energy audit and then receive retrofits based on audit results. The grant requires heat‑pump installations where the house is a good candidate, and program staff said heat‑pump water heaters may be installed if appropriate and funds remain. The program emphasizes small‑business inclusion and workforce development; Dona Ana Community College (DACC) will provide training and certify auditors who perform the home assessments.

Council members asked about electrification concerns. Hernandez said the grant requires a savings‑to‑investment ratio (SIR) analysis to ensure proposed measures reduce or do not raise utility bills; for residents at risk of higher bills, the city said there are options such as community solar enrollment to offset increases. Progress Now New Mexico’s energy policy director, Lucas Herndon, spoke in support of the grant and noted the falling cost of wind and solar generation.

Ordinance 3094 authorizing acceptance of the SEED grant passed by council roll call; staff said budget approval to expend the grant will come later in the budget process.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Las Cruces Council Meeting - August 4th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted ordinance 3094 to accept a $642,469 SEED (Community Energy Efficiency Development) grant to retrofit low‑income households for energy efficiency; program will fund energy audits, heat‑pump installations where appropriate and partner with Dona Ana Community College for workforce training.","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},6145354,"Council approves multiple affordable‑housing actions: loans, grants and a land purchase to add units and lots",2513,7339000,9852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c&start=7339&end=9852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c/thumbnail_7339000.jpg","/articles/6145354/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Council-approves-multiple-affordablehousing-actions-loans-grants-and-a-land-purchase-to-add-units-and-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145354-707b57bedc5c2245d93fd7148b56e83d/orig.mp4?Expires=1774844784&Signature=DOhg6iimmx7OJ-f9TzTsW5aFkWE0GVVj9J91tb3rtw2HlvJmUjLWTyvvHHqd~sUtmAocblbdSyd7gmoD4XIwPZGeyFpNcVcfqE~CiH49if9s83uCR-~GlRcAEy7F9Wi0RN3dIQ8He4T7DGwk4UwZuOx0Bei4rcRoBTip6NCwcTSHd5hwa2v2lrXKI1rAfnG8r5kT0SiR2hxrD0lrABKzID7zDdb4SjefNYDVm-VFJvLYADX9QvANImGHQntrZZdVcX8rWnlQqORw3747-axTglMrjD9IUVWrJz745rIRIA181mX9ORfN-O7zR5BP3ekUEUKhDseDOb~wINQt4IEJHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Las Cruces City Council voted on Aug. 4 to approve a package of affordable‑housing measures that together advance several projects in construction or development and add both rental units and homeownership lots.

Why it matters: The measures are part of a sustained municipal push to expand affordable supply across housing types — multi‑family rental (including senior housing) and single‑family lots for affordable ownership — and to align local funding with state and federal investments such as low‑income housing tax credits (LIHTC).

Key approvals at the meeting:
- A $6,000,000, 20‑year residual‑receipts loan to Peachtree Canyon Apartments (resolution 26‑019) to fund phase 2 of the development. Phase 2 will add 144 units (one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom) serving households at or below 60% of area median income (AMI). Staff said phase 1 is under construction and phase 2 was expected to break ground in early September; the developer partners include Thomas Development Group and New Mexico Community Housing Development Corporation.
- A grant agreement of up to $1,400,000 to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation (resolution 26‑020) to support infrastructure for the Skylark subdivision, which will create 32 lots for affordable single‑family homeownership; the project deadline in the agreement requires completion by June 30, 2026.
- A $300,000 passthrough grant for Padrina Senior Apartments (resolution 26‑021), an 80‑unit LIHTC senior rental project (55+), with units serving households at 60% AMI; staff said the building is nearly ready for occupancy.
- Approval of a real‑estate purchase agreement (resolution 26‑022) to buy an approximately 11.797‑acre parcel to be developed as a 52‑lot subdivision. The council approved a negotiated purchase price of $3,250,000 (the parties will split closing costs) to add lots to the city’s affordable‑housing land bank.

Councilors asked about income targets and foreclosure risk. Staff said most of the announced rental projects limit occupancy to households at or below 60% AMI (staff gave an illustrative 60% AMI figure for a four‑person household of $42,420). Housing staff reported historically low foreclosure rates for city‑supported homeownership programs and said the projects include land‑use restrictions and mortgage filings to preserve long‑term affordability.

All four measures passed by roll call vote.

","Council approved four agenda items to support affordable housing: a $6 million Peachtree Canyon loan for 144 low‑income units, a $1.4 million grant to Tierra del Sol for 32 lots (Skylark), a $300,000 grant to Padrina Senior Apartments (80 units), and purchase of a 52‑lot subdivision for $3.25 million.",{"_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},6145359,"Council approves Sonoma Ranch East 2 rezoning despite residents’ arroyo and flood‑risk concerns",1984,3914000,5898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c&start=3914&end=5898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c/thumbnail_3914000.jpg","/articles/6145359/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Council-approves-Sonoma-Ranch-East-2-rezoning-despite-residents-arroyo-and-floodrisk-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145359-8fe9f08df6da7a87a2f09cc8ff456620/orig.mp4?Expires=1774844784&Signature=OWYReMXHaf5DWcWTHVWcG9a8sY9b2vvRrdm-F0pEeTxmSvvDVp3G3a8bIyDTFsXG6jYpsR7Hlw-E3jEXqZhKKrSVWIUSecTdBdb8zsdBLo7KuA9OtSJJYNu91hlVqlfWZd6BSZpyxcgU7C1dBTOAtdaKapKtHX~1GxhL7--aobVPoxmbnlsmCbgYlZP-54n7dZUKdHuzQhbx6~6OoKMd2XQe6M-72u5G4T9iYxDAIKrS-XqWOd1p06j1c7JLsT6txRMwIGs1IPIWJMxd7V~CB9sFEoT4Jd565sQauuf17wYz0pnMNkfTaiWQC4-EvNR1-spNsL3Gk33G3a9hxXd3xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Las Cruces City Council on Aug. 4 approved ordinance 3093, a zoning change tied to the Sonoma Ranch East 2 master plan amendment, that rezones roughly 122.46 acres on the north side of Sonora Springs Boulevard for primarily residential use, with preserved arroyos and a new park.

Why it matters: The ordinance implements a developer‑led master plan amendment that will add housing capacity in an area adjacent to existing neighborhoods and city infrastructure. Several neighbors raised concerns that development near mapped arroyos could increase flood risk and erosion of private property; the developer’s engineer said the arroyo boundaries were mapped and setbacks apply.

City planning staff described the proposal as 122.46 acres to be rezoned: about 91.4 acres proposed for single‑family low density (R‑1C), 15.5 acres to remain single‑family higher‑density (R‑1B), and mapped open‑space and flood control tracts that staff said formalize arroyo boundaries and protect natural topography. The proposal also identifies a park location and opportunities for limited commercial along Sonoma Ranch. Staff said Cajitas and Sonora Springs Boulevard are minor arterial roadways (100‑foot cross sections) and Sedona Hills Parkway is a collector (85‑foot cross section); private developers will provide half of required right‑of‑way and road construction at subdivision stage.

Multiple neighbors described recent heavy rains that caused water, mud and erosion in the area and asked how the arroyo buffers would protect nearby homes. Paul Pompeo, the project engineer with Sauder Miller and Associates, said two primary arroyos were mapped and flood studies were prepared using city flood data; he said mapped arroyo boundaries and setback lines are “significantly away” from development and that the southern areas have been set aside as open space to “leave in perpetuity.” Neighbors asked that buyer‑disclosure and clearer mapping be provided; staff said arroyos and tracts will be shown on subdivision plats and the development process includes notice to nearby property owners.

A number of public commenters also raised traffic and construction‑management concerns on local streets (Pagosa Hills Avenue and Callejitas). Staff said traffic‑control plans are required during construction and that neighbors will be notified again at subdivision and construction permitting steps.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval; staff reported 23 emailed supporters, one emailed opponent (concerned about loss of commercial land) and more than 50 in attendance at the P&Z hearing. Council approved ordinance 3093 on roll call; Councilor Flores cast the lone “no” vote.

","The council approved ordinance 3093 to rezone about 122.46 acres for Sonoma Ranch East 2; staff described the parcel mix, arroyo/open‑space protections and road‑dedication process, while multiple residents and the project engineer raised questions about arroyo proximity, past flooding and construction traffic.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6145363,"Council accepts governor’s grant to fund homelessness and behavioral‑health survey; city manager’s office to lead",453,3565000,4018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c&start=3565&end=4018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c/thumbnail_3565000.jpg","/articles/6145363/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Council-accepts-governors-grant-to-fund-homelessness-and-behavioralhealth-survey-city-managers-office-to-lead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145363-d54af0cdde9fdc6cac1657df4803b82e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774844784&Signature=oUl7Yqo73FHBXELdYy9SC1ikrU~Qw3xp4FCjrmKrcWMAO-RYWV29GW~W4Xf8fvvNLUduMndUkHG6wRDHP7iE~7rb~xhGxZr5L586fHezbteWcKcUUg33c40~xLa1qqWpLv5mJvuosLZNsFWznh-nncsq8P38e13nIhBhMU4F~2s5WwpZA4fTlNKKVPFUJkjCBBGP7Aj09A1EzJb0I0i5TMN8KSqc60hRCDmUTTK0gduQ8qkVwBu-Q-PENj0drhf5QybC4Y6SIvZIBSiZaGfcQ5eMzM9QAkFuMQqrRjsF3oLObDSvFO4yrDozvIpbwscrO2rEIsStwAiZDriDBrrjtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Las Cruces City Council on Aug. 4 approved a $350,000 grant from the governor’s office to fund a homelessness and behavioral‑health survey and to support a contracted public‑health coordinator, city staff said.

Why it matters: Councilors and staff described the grant as a first step to develop an informed strategic plan and to make the city more competitive for future implementation funding; staff emphasized the grant is intended to identify service gaps and produce recommendations, not to directly fund long‑term programs.

Gabriela Prax, the city’s grant manager, said the project will be handled by the city manager’s office and that policy analyst Sergio Ruiz was assigned as the lead. Staff told council the project will convene stakeholders — police, fire, mental‑health providers, shelters, hospitals, courts, schools, businesses and nonprofits — and compile existing efforts, including work by New Mexico State University, to identify gaps and best practices.

Councilor Flores pressed whether $350,000 would be enough; staff said the figure is the grant maximum awarded by the governor’s office and noted the resulting strategic plan should help the city seek additional funding for implementation. Councilors asked for updates as work proceeds.

The council approved resolution 26‑016 on a roll‑call vote. The grant manager said the city’s housing staff, the Community of Hope and NMSU will be partners in the effort.

","Council approved a $350,000 grant to fund a homelessness and behavioral‑health survey and contract a public‑health coordinator; staff said the city manager’s office will convene stakeholders and partner with NMSU to compile existing surveys and identify gaps.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6145367,"Residents press Las Cruces Utilities on lead, galvanized service-line inventory; utilities say rule compliance underway",9137,1662000,10799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c&start=1662&end=10799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532951-0b083a7bfd93c3698f71b2c1e536b05c/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6145367/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Residents-press-Las-Cruces-Utilities-on-lead-galvanized-service-line-inventory-utilities-say-rule-compliance-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145367-cf0667bfbd528fd7198aeeee4ee9b09d/orig.mp4?Expires=1774844784&Signature=Xfn6xKehf8LvarGIgAmj0uSPXq6KSpfm9MJLcYRycWh8HGsGks7VWWsrg0wOib1tmvfvG38chki-aSPH3y0RTI2edQkTMGUYSZUfymR~VlTdoPkfENl4ytuCn7isiCJiJeUisgGkfAU4b384j0JZQ6An9q1xODN5egfRWNhtGY-CjZ6JDvVqbNZvQo6WOYurD0poDQdtq2ASagcPG62Yg41sbFa~kG7lv66Piz2JpekHAdihOYMO7MxfKQUNeQT7qLEN06xjAjOViQd2xk9gskVw04bUlqK-wvm8kxRE7edzPNM8oHMV-RFf-4WCj8siPzHKdkO2l2SraW6sd-lMMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told the Las Cruces City Council on Aug. 4 that the city’s method for identifying lead and galvanized service lines does not meet Environmental Protection Agency requirements and leaves households at risk, and they asked the city to hire an independent engineer to review its work. In response, Las Cruces Utilities officials said the utility has applied for state financing, received commitment letters from funding programs and is hiring a third‑party consultant to produce a formal service‑line replacement plan required by the new rule.

Why it matters: The EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to accurately identify and replace hazardous service lines feeding private properties. If the city’s inventory undercounts lead or galvanized lines, residents could miss required notifications and replacement assistance.

During the public‑comment period, Lynn Moorer said the city’s practice of inspecting service lines only inside the meter box is “deficient” and can miss lead‑lined segments or lead components farther up the line; she urged visual inspection “in at least two locations” per EPA guidance. Anliz Rodriguez Johnson said the city removed disadvantaged‑community indicators from its inventory in mid‑June and alleged the city has at least 56 properties with galvanized service lines that require replacement but has not sent the notifications the rule requires. Both speakers provided handouts they said cite EPA requirements.

Utilities Director Adrian Widmer told the council the utility’s inventory was built from historic records and the city’s GIS and that staff are updating the map as they inspect subdivisions and construction records. Widmer said Las Cruces has applied to the New Mexico Water Trust Board and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and that award letters and a binding commitment exist; he added that the utility has submitted its inspection process to regulators for review and is hiring a third‑party consultant to complete a service line replacement plan that must be finished by Nov. 1, 2027.

Council and city management said they would provide additional public updates during the city manager’s comments and that staff will work to address concerns raised during public comment.

The meeting record shows no formal council action on the topic; the statements recorded were public comment and staff response.

Looking ahead: Utilities said it will continue inventory updates, proceed with the consultant engagement and follow the state and EPA review process. Residents requested immediate notification to owners of galvanized‑requiring‑replacement lines and a public, independent review of the city’s approach.

","Public commenters told the city its service-line inspection method fails the federal lead and copper rule and urged independent review; Las Cruces Utilities says it has applied for funding, is hiring a consultant and is coordinating with state and federal regulators.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City to accept $642,469 SEED grant to retrofit low‑income homes; program includes DACC workforce audits

Council approves multiple affordable‑housing actions: loans, grants and a land purchase to add units and lots

Council approves Sonoma Ranch East 2 rezoning despite residents’ arroyo and flood‑risk concerns

Council accepts governor’s grant to fund homelessness and behavioral‑health survey; city manager’s office to lead

Residents press Las Cruces Utilities on lead, galvanized service-line inventory; utilities say rule compliance underway