The Santa Fe Governing Body convened on September 11, 2025, to discuss the outcomes of a recent community engagement event focused on homelessness and housing instability. The meeting featured a presentation by Henry Hammond Paul, the Director of the Community Health and Safety Department, who provided insights from the event held on July 1, which aimed to foster dialogue and trust among community members regarding homelessness services.

Hammond Paul shared that the event attracted over 200 registrants, although only about 128 attendees participated. The structured format included educational presentations followed by roundtable discussions, allowing community members to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful conversations. The event was supported by over 50 city staff members who facilitated discussions and documented feedback.

The report generated from the event highlighted key themes from community discussions, including hopes for safe and dignified micro communities, concerns about crime and property values, and the need for transparency and quality services from the city. Participants expressed a desire for micro communities to be well-managed and integrated into neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and empathy towards residents.

Six recommendations emerged from the analysis of the discussions, including the need for a clear action plan, early public engagement, formalizing good neighbor agreements, and addressing broader housing challenges in parallel with micro community initiatives. Hammond Paul noted that many of these recommendations were already being pursued by the city.

Council members praised the report and the engagement model, emphasizing the importance of ongoing community involvement in addressing homelessness. They acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the necessity for collective action from all districts in Santa Fe. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering dialogue and transparency as the city moves forward with its homelessness strategy.