Nogales City Council Approves 15 Mile Residency Radius for City Manager Candidates

The City of Nogales held a regular meeting on September 3, 2025, where city officials discussed significant changes to the residency requirements for the city manager position. The primary focus was on a proposed amendment to allow city managers to reside up to 15 miles outside city limits, a response to the ongoing housing crisis in Nogales.

During the meeting, a council member highlighted the challenges of attracting qualified candidates for the city manager role, particularly due to the limited housing options available in Nogales. The council member noted that previous city managers faced difficulties finding suitable housing, which complicates recruitment efforts.

A motion was made to amend the existing resolution to include the 15-mile residency extension and to place this amendment on the ballot for the August 2026 primary election. The motion received a second and sparked a discussion about the implications of extending the city manager's contract from two to four years. Some council members expressed concerns about the potential financial burden of longer contracts, while others argued that a longer term could help attract better candidates.

The council ultimately decided to focus solely on the residency amendment, removing other proposed changes regarding contract length and salary from the resolution. The decision to limit the ballot item was influenced by previous election outcomes and the desire to avoid costly special elections.

In conclusion, the council's decision to amend the residency requirement reflects a proactive approach to addressing the housing crisis and improving recruitment for the city manager position. The amendment will be presented to voters in the upcoming primary election, allowing the community to weigh in on this important issue.