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Santa Fe council confirms interim leadership and directs negotiations on Tract 0

Santa Fe Governing Body · January 16, 2026

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Summary

Council appointed internal staff to interim leadership roles — including an interim city manager, city attorney and city clerk — and after an executive session directed the city manager to negotiate a possible acquisition of Tract 0 with the State of New Mexico.

The Santa Fe governing body on Jan. 15 confirmed a series of interim appointments and authorized staff to begin negotiations on a possible land acquisition discussed in executive session.

Appointments: The governing body approved the appointment of Chief Brian Moyer as interim city manager (item 21a). Councilors praised Chief Moyer’s leadership and communication skills during brief remarks before the roll-call confirmation. The council also approved Marcos Martinez as interim city attorney (21b) and Geralyn Cardenas as interim city clerk and director of community engagement (21c). Councilor Lee Garcia was appointed Mayor Pro Tem (21d); the clerk announced Councilor Alma Castro as parliamentarian.

Executive session and direction on Tract 0: Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, the council entered executive session to discuss acquisition of real property or water rights. After reconvening, members voted to direct the city manager to proceed with negotiations regarding a possible acquisition of Tract 0 from the State of New Mexico. The motion was approved by roll call.

What happens next: The city manager is directed to engage state counterparts on Tract 0 and report back. Personnel changes are in effect on an interim basis; the council indicated it will continue recruitment or confirm permanent appointments as needed.