The Las Cruces City Council held a work session on September 8, 2025, focusing on community support and funding challenges faced by local organizations. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of advocacy at the state level for securing necessary funding, with council members emphasizing the need for proactive lobbying efforts in Santa Fe.

Councilor Korn highlighted the significance of the Community of Hope campus, located in District 4, and praised the organizations operating there for their impactful work. She noted that misconceptions exist regarding the funding sources for these organizations, which rely heavily on private donations rather than city funds. Lorenzo, a representative from one of the organizations, clarified that less than 10% of their budgets come from the city, with the majority sourced from grants and individual donors.

The conversation shifted to the potential impact of federal funding cuts on local services. Councilor Flores raised concerns about anticipated reductions in federal support, particularly for housing programs, which could affect thousands of families in the area. The Mayor Pro Tem confirmed that many local agencies are closely monitoring these developments and are actively seeking alternative funding sources, including private foundations.

The council discussed the importance of collaboration with federal representatives to secure funding. Councilor Matisse suggested a report on the funding earmarked by senators for the Community of Hope over the past decade, emphasizing the need for a united effort to advocate for increased federal support. The Mayor Pro Tem acknowledged the challenges posed by the current political landscape but noted ongoing communication with senators and efforts to secure funding for local initiatives.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of addressing the potential loss of Medicaid and SNAP benefits for residents was underscored. The Mayor Pro Tem highlighted that significant cuts could affect over 88,000 New Mexicans, stressing the importance of collaboration with community organizations to mitigate these impacts.

The session concluded with a presentation from the OIR Group on the eighth semi-annual audit report for the Las Cruces Police Department, indicating a shift in focus towards public safety and accountability measures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for sustained advocacy and collaboration among local leaders, organizations, and federal representatives to address funding challenges and support vulnerable populations in Las Cruces.