The Socorro City Council on Feb. 20 adopted two resolutions supporting state legislative action on abandoned-land management and seeking additional state and federal support for preservation of Rio Vista Farm.

Staff read Resolution 8-16, which the council approved to express support for Texas legislation to streamline processes for identifying, appointing receivers and repurposing abandoned properties. The resolution text states the proposed legislation would address 448 landlocked parcels that the resolution describes as "representing 3% of all land within the city limits" and references a 7% rapid growth rate; the resolution directs the mayor to communicate support to state legislators and to provide copies to relevant committees and agencies.

The council also approved Resolution 8-17 supporting preservation, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of Rio Vista Farm. City staff said the farm has a 101-year history and that 18 buildings remain on site, with five currently maintained and in use. The resolution notes Rio Vista Farm was designated a National Historic Landmark on Dec. 13, 2023, and that the city and partners — including the National Trust and the University of Texas at El Paso — have secured funding for architectural studies and stabilization work. The resolution authorizes the mayor to contact state and federal agencies, the National Park Service and legislators to seek further support.

Why it matters: The abandoned-land resolution would, if enacted by the state, change how Socorro can intervene in problematic properties and could affect land use, infrastructure development and municipal costs. The Rio Vista Farm resolution formalizes local support for preserving a nationally recognized historic site and directs city officials to pursue additional preservation funding.