The Santa Fe Governing Body convened on September 11, 2025, to discuss the critical updates to the city’s general plan and land development code, a process that officials acknowledge will be a significant undertaking. Councilor Wagner emphasized the complexity of the project, noting that the timeline for such updates typically spans three years. However, the city aims to expedite the process, with hopes of adopting the general plan by spring 2026.

The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning the general plan with the land development code to address pressing community issues, particularly housing affordability. Councilor Garcia pointed out the need for attainable housing solutions, stressing that the city must ensure that new developments cater to residents across various income levels. The council is aware that delays in this process could lead to increased costs and prolonged challenges in meeting the community's housing needs.

Council members expressed concerns about potential obstacles that could hinder progress, including the need for effective community engagement and collaboration among departments. The planning commission is actively involved in subcommittees to facilitate this engagement, ensuring that community voices are heard throughout the planning process.

A key point of contention arose regarding the timeline for the updates. Councilor Garcia raised concerns about previous delays and the lack of clear communication with the public regarding the status of the projects. Councilor Chavez echoed this sentiment, urging the city to improve transparency and provide consistent updates to residents to alleviate confusion and frustration.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to enhance communication efforts and ensure that the community remains informed about the progress of the general plan and land development code updates. As Santa Fe navigates this complex process, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and inclusive framework that meets the needs of all residents.