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Council approves city administrative reorganization; some councilors urge restored ARU leadership
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance reorganizing departments (creating Economic Development and Creative Industries; Land Use; Tourism Santa Fe; Regional Airport; renaming MRA) and shifting several divisions. Several speakers and councilors urged restoring emergency medical services leadership and clinical supervision for the Alternative Response Unit (ARU); one councilor voted no.
On April 29 the Santa Fe City Council adopted an ordinance (bill 2026‑3) reorganizing several city departments: establishing a standalone Economic Development and Creative Industries Department, a Land Use Department (including Affordable Housing Division), the Tourism Santa Fe Department, a Regional Airport Department and renaming the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) as a department. The ordinance also shifted functions among existing departments and repealed obsolete code sections.
The reorganization prompted questions from staff and members of the public about operational continuity for public‑health and emergency‑response functions. Several current and former city staff — including speakers with Mobile Integrated Health and Alternative Response Unit (ARU) experience — urged council to ensure strong clinical supervision and to consider restoring an assistant‑chief level position within the Fire Department to provide executive oversight for EMS, MIH and ARU operations. Commenters and councilors noted recent departures of clinical supervisors and a behavioral health director and said clinical leadership is critical to sustain case managers and field services.
Mayor Garcia and other councilors said the reorganization is intended to improve clarity in reporting and to position the city to move programs forward; they also said the budget process will consider additional support and staffing to implement the reorganization effectively. One councilor voted against the ordinance; the reorganization otherwise passed with a majority.
Speakers quoted (first reference): Mayor Michael J. Garcia; City Manager; Andres Nicalo (former battalion chief and ARU/MIH program lead).
