In the heart of Santa Fe's city hall, the air buzzed with anticipation as city officials gathered to discuss a pivotal update to the city's general plan. Land Use Director Heather Lamboy took the floor, introducing a team dedicated to shaping the future of Santa Fe through a comprehensive planning process known as "Santa Fe Forward." This initiative aims to guide the city over the next 25 years, reflecting the community's evolving needs and aspirations.

The last major update to the general plan was in 1999, and Lamboy emphasized the importance of revisiting and revising policies to align with the current landscape. "In 25 years, things have radically changed," she noted, highlighting the necessity of adapting to new realities. The team, including project manager Janice Biletnikoff and consultant WSP, is currently wrapping up the first phase of the project, which focuses on community engagement and data collection.

As the meeting progressed, Biletnikoff outlined the six key phases of the planning process, with the first phase nearing completion. The next step involves a visioning phase, where community input will shape various planning scenarios. This participatory approach aims to create a roadmap that reflects the values and priorities of Santa Fe residents.

The assessment report, a crucial component of this process, reveals significant findings about the community. For instance, 81% of residents live within a ten-minute walk to a park, and there are over 170 miles of trails available for alternative transportation. However, challenges remain, such as a growing population projected to reach 99,000 by 2045, with many residents earning less than $70,000 annually. The report also highlights that 27% of the community lives below the poverty line, underscoring the need for affordable housing and economic opportunities.

The discussion also touched on the interrelation between the general plan update and the ongoing land development code update. Lamboy noted that aligning these two initiatives is essential to ensure that the policies set forth in the general plan are effectively implemented through regulations.

As the meeting drew to a close, the officials expressed optimism about the community's engagement thus far, with a robust response to surveys and public outreach efforts. The collaborative spirit of the Santa Fe Forward initiative aims to harness the voices of residents, ensuring that the future of Santa Fe is shaped by those who call it home. With the groundwork laid, the city stands poised to embark on a transformative journey, one that seeks to balance growth with the preservation of its unique character and community values.