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NMDOT aesthetics plan presented to Mesilla Valley MPO; seeks local input on regional palettes
Summary
New Mexico Department of Transportation consultants presented a statewide aesthetics plan framework and a Southwest Central regional palette concept to the Mesilla Valley MPO board, asking local stakeholders to complete a visual survey and participate in outreach to shape design guidance for bridges, interchanges and right-of-way treatments.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation’s consultant team presented a draft statewide aesthetics planning framework to the Mesilla Valley MPO governing board on June 11 and asked local officials and the public to help shape regional “aesthetic palettes” that will guide treatment of DOT facilities.
Amy Bell, a landscape architect with Anthropopolis Design and Planning, said the effort seeks to integrate “the state’s rich history, cultures, and ecologies into our state’s roadways and roadway structures” by developing guidelines for textures, colors, materials, signage and artwork for bridges, interchanges, rest areas and landscaping.
Bell said the plan will create statewide guidance and nine region-specific palettes, with the Mesilla Valley area in what the team calls the Southwest Central aesthetic region, which includes Doña Ana County and nearby jurisdictions. The team plans outreach and stakeholder review through late 2026 and early 2027, with initial palettes returned for local feedback in early 2026.
The presentation explained that local governments can initiate gateway-monument policy treatments and can apply for permits to install landscaping or murals on DOT right of way, while DOT-initiated projects will use the palettes and framework when appropriate. Bell described a spectrum of treatments from simple (consistent paint or concrete colors) to more intensive investments such as integrated public art or monument signage.
Board members encouraged outreach to local arts groups. Councilor McClure suggested involving the city art board to connect with community artists; Bell welcomed that connection. Andrew Ray, MPO executive director, said staff will distribute the consultant presentation to board members after the meeting and encouraged participants to complete an online survey the consultant is using to gather visual preferences.
This item was a presentation; the board did not take formal action. DOT staff and the consultant asked MPO members to join the mailing list, complete the visual survey and offer site-specific input as the team develops palettes and cost estimates for different treatment levels.
Next steps: the consultant will continue inventory and analysis, develop draft aesthetic palettes for the state and the Southwest Central region, return the drafts to district staff and stakeholders in early 2026, and conduct final outreach in late 2026 before producing final guidance.
