Santa Fe planning commission hears public feedback on 'Santa Fe Forward' frameworks; staff eyes Jan. 1, 2026 code effective date

Janice Biletnikoff, project manager for the Santa Fe Forward general plan update, opened a study session of the Santa Fe Planning Commission to solicit commissioner feedback on three high-level frameworks intended to shape scenario planning for the city's general plan update. "This evening's study session is to get your feedback on the scenario planning step of our general plan update," Biletnikoff said.

Consultant Anjeet Ranu summarized the team's approach and the technical basis for the frameworks, citing the project's assessment report and public engagement. "Over 8,000 individual pieces of input have been received," Ranu said, noting that the frameworks are diagrammatic building blocks to be refined into a preferred plan.

Staff communications during the meeting included an implementation timeline for the Land Development Code. A city planning staff member said the city attorney is finalizing the ordinance and that, once published by the city clerk, the ordinance becomes effective five days later; staff stated a target effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

The presentation described three organizing ideas: the Connections framework (a proposed high‑capacity transit backbone across the city, supported by smaller community connectors and potential bus rapid transit), the Places framework (three anchor areas — Civic Center, Midtown and a southern master‑planned area — flanked by smaller focused districts and place types), and the Resilience framework (measures to protect natural corridors, diversify the economy, and expand housing choices including missing‑middle types).

Commissioners and members of the public raised operational and equity questions during a lengthy discussion of the Connections framework. Commenters asked how the proposed transit spine would connect to neighborhoods and institutions such as schools and the Rail Runner station, whether smaller buses should be used on low‑ridership routes, how shelters and covered waiting areas would be provided, and how the plan would integrate regional providers such as the North Central Regional Transit District. One participant noted transit riders' varied schedules and urged service design that serves off‑peak users and essential workers.

On the Places and Resilience frameworks, attendees emphasized using images and examples that feel rooted in Santa Fe rather than stock photos, showing existing local examples of missing‑middle housing, and protecting open space and watershed areas. The team agreed to refine graphics and make the materials more place‑based for public audiences.

Consultants and staff outlined next steps: publishing refined materials and tools on santafeforward.org and City Smart (a new public spatial data platform released Nov. 17), briefing the city's executive team, and seeking a progress check with the governing body in January. Staff said an implementation action plan will translate the frameworks into short‑, medium‑ and long‑term tasks and identify departmental responsibilities and resource needs.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from Dec. 4 by roll-call votes (unanimous yes); and it approved findings and conclusions for Case 202511526 (final subdivision plat) by roll call. No amendments to the items were recorded.

What happens next: staff and consultants will update the framework graphics and materials to be more place‑based, post revised documents and interactive maps on santafeforward.org and City Smart, and return to the governing body for a January progress check; commissioners discussed forming a policy subcommittee by February to guide Phase 2 of the code and policy work.

Acknowledgments: presenters and staff thanked participants for feedback; one planning staff member announced this would be their last meeting and that an interim assistant (Frank Rubalid) would be available beginning Jan. 5.