Committee endorses joint‑meeting framework with county; amendment adds regional housing strategy

The Santa Fe Finance Committee voted to approve a joint‑resolution framework to formalize periodic meetings between the City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County, and committee members approved an amendment to add a regional housing strategy to the list of initial topics.

The resolution, described at the meeting as sponsored by County Commissioner Lisa Karkari Stone, Mayor Michael Garcia and Councilor Faulkner, is intended to create a recurring structure for the two jurisdictions to meet and to establish action‑oriented working groups. Councilor Cassett pulled the item to propose an amendment adding "regional housing strategy" to the list of targeted topics and moved both the main motion and the amendment.

Mayor Michael Garcia told the committee the list of topics in the draft is not exhaustive and that the joint bodies would develop a prioritization list when meetings begin. He said the framework is meant to let full governing bodies participate — unlike some existing joint entities where not every member sits on each body — and to create subworking groups that can act more efficiently. When asked whether the resolution would create joint funding to pursue projects, Mayor Garcia said that idea was "off the table."

Councilor Castro asked why a new joint body was needed given existing intergovernmental coordination on topics such as MPO, GRAMA and solid waste; staff and the mayor said those existing entities are topic‑specific and do not allow all members of each governing body to participate in broader discussions.

The amendment to include a regional housing strategy and the underlying resolution both passed on roll call with Councilor Cassett, Councilor Castro, Councilor Garcia, Councilor Bustamante and Chair Faulkner voting yes.

The resolution will proceed as approved, with the committee noting that specific topics and priorities will be developed as the joint meetings begin.