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Board recognizes Northwest Santa Fe Community Association as county community organization
Summary
The Board approved a resolution establishing the Northwest Santa Fe Community Association (NWSFCA) as a county-recognized community organization to represent Tres Arroyos, Las Campanas and West Tano Road; commissioners asked about outreach and representation of homeowners associations and individuals.
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners voted to recognize the Northwest Santa Fe Community Association (NWSFCA) as a county community organization (CO) representing the communities of Tres Arroyos, Las Campanas and West Tano Road.
County staff explained that, under the Santa Fe County Land Development Code (SLDC), a CO is an association recognized by board resolution and granted rights such as notice and written recommendations on discretionary development applications within a designated geographic area; staff cited SLDC section 2.2.0.205 in the staff report. The staff recommendation followed a multi‑year outreach effort and a completed application from the NWSFCA.
Joseph Scala of county staff summarized the CO rules and said NWSFCA’s membership is largely composed of homeowners associations, and that it aims to address land use, conservation, wildfire preparedness, road access, environmental issues and impacts from the Santa Fe Regional Airport. Mark Hayden, president of the Aldea de Santa Fe HOA and a leader in the organization, told the commission the association sought a broad, flexible membership and decided to allow individuals to join when some HOAs declined.
Commissioners questioned outreach and boundaries. Commissioner Adam Johnson asked about a household included on the boundary map; staff and Hayden said individual residents may join if their HOA opted out. Commissioner Justin Green and others asked that the county assist with outreach to areas such as La Tierra Nueva so residents understand the CO and how to join. Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone said she supported the CO and noted shared concerns among residents about wildfire risk, access roads and airport impacts.
After discussion, Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone moved to adopt the resolution recognizing the CO; Commissioner Justin Green seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor.
Staff said the CO’s membership list will control representation: residents not on the list would not be represented by the CO for notices or positions. The board did not attach additional county funding; staff noted the CO can participate in development of community strategic work plans and related county planning processes per the SLDC.
