Committee approves $1.2M contract with Santa Fe Public Schools for work-based learning internships

The Quality of Life Committee on Feb. 5 approved a professional services contract with Santa Fe Public Schools to continue a work‑based learning internship program. The contract uses one‑time funding totaling $1,200,000 for a four‑year term, city staff said.

Lizzie Portillo, economic development specialist, and Johanna Nelson, director of the Office of Economic Development, appeared with the item. Councilor Amanda Chavez told the committee she would recuse herself from the item because she is employed by Santa Fe Public Schools. The meeting record later shows a roll-call for the item in which all present members voted yes.

Vote and procedure The committee approved the contract on a motion to approve as amended; the roll-call recorded: Councilor Castro — Yes; Councilor Chavez — Yes; Councilor Garcia — Yes; Councilor Faulkner — Yes; Chair (Madam chair) — Yes. The transcript shows Councilor Chavez earlier stated she would recuse herself; committee members and staff did not call out a corrected roll call during the meeting. The committee did not provide further detail on the amendment during the public portion.

Program purpose and next steps City staff described the contract as a continuation of work‑based learning and internships intended to connect students to employer partners and to expand youth workforce development. Staff said the item had been pulled for recusal and discussion; Portillo and Nelson answered questions from councilors about program barriers and indicated the item would proceed to relevant subcommittees for additional input.

Why it matters The contract continues a multi-year city partnership intended to place students in internships and to strengthen employer connections to local schools. Staff said they would provide committee and subcommittee briefings as needed.