Santa Fe County’s hearing officer considered Jeffrey and Isabel Lewis’ request to install a separate septic system for a proposed accessory dwelling unit. County staff recommended approval with nine conditions; the hearing officer took the matter under advisement and will send a recommendation to the Planning Commission.

Discussion Points

•Jeffrey Lewis said he may abandon the casita project if connection to the existing system is required and estimated that 30 to 50 trees could be removed.
•Staff and the applicants’ designer said terrain, distance and restored landscaping make connection to the existing septic system difficult.
•The designer said a separate gravity-fed system would be practical and, in his opinion, would not harm neighbors or the property.

Decisions

•No decision was made on the variance. The Hearing Officer took case 26-5040 under advisement and said he would submit a written recommendation to the Planning Commission within 15 business days.

Directions

•The Hearing Officer said the record would reflect that the one-year expiration condition applies if all permitting has not been obtained.
•The Hearing Officer said the record would reflect the corrected water-meter reporting start date of January 1, 2027.

Nov

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Nov 10 2026

Santa Fe County Commission met Nov. 10 to approve proclamations, consider modernizing minutes, hear a wildfire protection plan update and other presentations, approve several resolutions including a grant delegation for a transitional housing project, and hear public comment; one land-use case (Eloisa Subdivision) was tabled for Dec. 1.

Discussion Points

•Affordable-lot delivery mechanism and quality of lot raised
•Coordination with state-level roadmap and county services
•CWPP update process and key technical findings
•Define reserves as insurance vs savings account
•Diagnostic advances and treatment options
•Due-diligence and procurement conditions before disbursement
•Funding gaps and grant-seeking challenges
•Grant awardees: emphasis on arts & culture and proposed weighting for off‑season and emerging events
•Growth in lodgers tax receipts and tourism metrics
•Need for better reporting on lodging revenue sources including STRs
•Neighbors requested more complete engineering exhibits and HOA covenants
•Operational improvements: detection cameras, Firewise outreach, biochar pilot exploration
•Pool reserves across funds to reduce redundant reserves
•Priority projects: watershed protection, landscape fuel treatments, community WUI protections
•Program max assistance, allowable uses, fee structure and access for low-income households
•Project scope and developer responsibilities
•Set a confidence target (80–95%) to remain above rating thresholds
•State Engineer letter received after packet; staff to incorporate it into record
•State grants reauthorized and county as fiscal agent
•Traffic study thresholds not met for a full TIA but targeted access analysis requested
•Workforce/training needs and caregiver supports

Decisions

•Application tabled to Dec. 1, 2026.
•Approved the FY27 marketing and TIFA grant awards; staff to return with recommended changes to the grant guidelines.
•Board signaled support for moving forward with a pooled, risk-based reserve framework and asked staff to return with policy implementation details.
•Commissioners asked staff to return with implementation and funding plan for prioritized projects
•Proclamation adopted; staff to pursue coordination and report back.
•Resolution approved; county to act as fiscal agent and proceed with grant closing steps.
•Updated DPA regulations adopted (Resolution 2026-159)

Directions

•Adjust criteria to incentivize low‑season programming and support emerging organizers
•Applicant to return Dec. 1 with engineering plans, sewer confirmation and recorded HOA covenants; staff to prepare targeted traffic and access analysis
•Coordinate with sustainability and agriculture for biochar pilots
•County manager authorized to execute documents after due diligence and receipt of state funds
•Expand wildfire detection camera coverage in FY27
•Implement updated regulations; staff to design hardship waivers and county trust fund to assist low‑income applicants
•Pursue grant opportunities and partnerships for priority projects
•Pursue partnerships with state Office of Alzheimer's and local providers; assess local diagnostic capacity and training needs.
•Return with a multi-year list of recommended mitigation investments tied to reserve strategy
•Staff to draft policy language reflecting a chosen confidence target (board preference around 85–90% noted)
•Staff to explore data breakdowns by payor and district

Nov

Special BCC Meeting - Nov 02 2026

Special Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners meeting (hybrid) on Nov. 2, 2026: staff presented proposed amendments to short‑term rental rules and to the Sustainable Land Development Code (ADUs, parking, stormwater, open space, data‑center moratorium); commissioners discussed enforcement, caps, waiting periods, water and ADU incentives; agenda items approved and meeting adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Kokari Stone noted national resources and interagency collaborations as useful.
•Commissioners requested geolocation of unpermitted listings, platform outreach, and revenue impact analysis (lodgers tax/gross receipts) for commercial operations.
•Commissioners requested incentives and ADU‑ready infrastructure tie‑ins to lower future retrofit costs and encourage smaller units for affordability.
•Data center moratorium and night‑sky protections will require outside experts and separate timelines.
•Data center moratorium flagged as requiring specific deadlines and outside expertise; staff recommended retaining consultants and researching model ordinances.
•No ordinance vote; staff will return with detailed proposals and coordination with housing/water departments.
•No policy was adopted; staff will return with consultant scope and draft language.
•Proposals include applying existing caps to all STRs, requiring permits be tied to natural persons, a 24‑month waiting period for investor permits, expanding notice to 500 feet, and adding conditional‑use triggers for larger occupancies.
•Staff proposed code modernization: ADU flexibility tied to water/septic capacity, parking rightsizing and shared parking, standardized height limits, green stormwater infrastructure and clarified inclusionary zoning provisions.
•Staff proposed escalated fines and license revocation as enforcement tools but provided no immediate enforcement action at the meeting.
•Staff proposed explicit evidence rules (advertising screenshots, booking calendars) and escalating fines plus license revocation for repeat violations.
•Staff proposed sizing ADUs to water/septic capacity and deferring technical determinations to state agencies (NMED) or the assessor.
•Staff reported ~630 STRs countywide with 275 permits and ~355 unpermitted listings and proposed comprehensive ordinance changes.
•Staff said enforcement backlog is driven by staffing losses and time required to assemble evidence from listings; vendor Granicus is used to flag properties.
•Stakeholder input and three stakeholder meetings were cited; staff remains at conceptual stage without redlines.

Directions

•Staff to attempt geolocation mapping of unpermitted listings and to follow up on revenue figures and platform outreach options

Oct

Nuisance Hearing Officer Meeting - Oct 29 2026

Santa Fe County code enforcement held public nuisance hearings on two La Cienega-area properties (11 Paseo De Espaderos and 3 Paseo Los Pereas). County inspectors asked the hearing officer to find violations and recommend clean-and-lien abatement while owners said cleanup is underway and requested more time.

Discussion Points

•County inspectors described interior conditions (holes in floors, mold, feces, no running water/power in parts) and documented the scene with dozens of photographs taken during execution of a court‑authorized warrant.
•County presented inspection reports and photographs documenting trash, junk vehicles and unsafe conditions at 11 Paseo.
•Occupants said they have removed multiple truckloads of debris, made interior clean‑outs and repaired some holes but that structural repairs remain and additional time is needed.
•Owner Frances Perea Fowler said family members removed an estimated 10–12 tons and that 75% of yard cleanup is complete; she estimated costs so far at $5,000.
•Ownership and probate status were discussed; occupants acknowledged they did not bring documentation of taxes or title to the hearing.
•Parties disputed which photos showed the subject property versus adjacent parcels.

Decisions

•No final abatement order issued at hearing; hearing officer will file recommendation to county board.
•No immediate abatement order issued at the hearing; recommendation pending.

Directions

•Hearing officer will issue a recommendation within five working days and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for final determination on any abatement.
•Hearing officer will issue a written recommendation within five working days and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for any abatement action.

Oct

Employee of the Quarter 3rd Quarter - Eppie Tapia

Zepi Tapia, risk management supervisor in the Human Resources Risk Management Division, described her duties scheduling safety trainings for roughly 900 employees, the annual emergency action plan requirement, and thanked former HR risk director Sonia Quinta after noting an unexpected recognition. Remarks focused on training logistics and Tapia’s career path into risk management.

Discussion Points

•Scheduling trainings for ~900 employees and completing the annual emergency action plan.
•Tapia described division duties, training coordination, and background.

Oct

Housing Authority Board Meeting - Oct 27 2026

Santa Fe County Housing Authority board met Oct. 27 for its monthly meeting. Board members heard a public comment alleging missed minute approvals, received a detailed briefing on RAD (rental assistance demonstration) options and capital needs, reviewed multiple grant and capital fund updates, and received operations and staffing reports including mold remediation updates.

Discussion Points

•Eight home rehab projects moved to funding; six in construction
•Multiple funds and grants reviewed with expenditures and encumbrances noted
•Nine units identified with mold across Camino De Jacobo, Santa Cruz and Via Vista
•Public comment alleged missed approvals of Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 minutes and questioned oversight
•RAD can convert operating and capital funds to more flexible revenue and requires replacement reserves
•RAD increases access to private capital (LIHTC, bonds, loans) via long-term HAP contracts
•Requests submitted for capital outlay acceptance and LIHTC/bond applications are underway
•Resident protections under RAD include right to return and rents capped at 30% of adjusted income
•Scope includes procurement of stoves and refrigerators and site landscaping work at Santa Cruz and Valle Vista
•Staff explained vendor change caused transcript delays and committed to faster distribution
•Staff to coordinate scheduling with residents to avoid displacement
•Two maintenance technician hires filled; senior maintenance start pending Nov. 16; temporary technician through Dec. 30
•Two units have purchase orders and active remediation; quotes pending for remaining units
•Upcoming procurement anticipated for several capital projects
•Voucher utilization 80% in Sept. vs a 98% target; public housing utilization 94% with eight vacancies

Decisions

•Sept. 29 minutes approved by motion

Directions

•Staff/clerk to ensure transcripts are provided promptly; follow-up on transcriber performance
•Staff to advance procurement and provide updates
•Staff to continue coordination with co-developer TWG and prepare for BCC acceptance/closing steps
•Staff to continue onboarding and monitor utilization; provide year-in-review metrics at next meeting
•Staff to obtain and provide quotes and update the board
•Staff to prepare materials and schedule a December work study/special meeting to review governance and capital needs if board directs
•Staff to solicit resident input for scheduling

Oct

Santa Fe County Planning Commission Meeting - Oct 15 2026

Santa Fe County Planning Commission met Oct. 15, 2026. The commission approved a temporary conditional use permit for a Duke City Ready Mix concrete processing facility with an added environmental-impact condition and approved three variances for a steep-slope residential lot in the South Summit subdivision. Staff announced forthcoming Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC) amendments including ADU changes and discussed extraterritorial Area 1B coordination with the City of Santa Fe.

Discussion Points

•Added EIR condition for Duke City CUP
•Adequacy of public notice to adjacent Pueblos and property owners
•Air quality registration and stormwater/retention requirements
•Extent of 30% slope disturbance and erosion control
•Extrateritorial land use commission includes county and city members; county needs to nominate appointees
•Need for certified topo/slope documentation and fire protection coordination
•Need to amend intergovernmental agreement to return Area 1B to county jurisdiction
•Proposed ADU and SLDC updates to support affordability and sustainability
•Staff will circulate red-line drafts for commission input
•Unanimous approval for Gose variances and questions about precedent/takings
•Whether an EIR should be required or the matter should be tabled until study results are available
•Whether denial of variance could create takings claims for similarly platted lots
•Whether temporary lease length constitutes permanent change (lease = 5 years)

Decisions

•All three variances approved unanimously
•CUP and height variance approved with added environmental study condition
•Informational; no formal action taken
•Staff will present SLDC redlines at upcoming meetings (Nov. 19 and subsequent)
•Two major land-use approvals completed

Directions

•Add condition requiring environmental impact assessment prior to recordation/site development plan
•Approve variances with staff conditions; require certified topo and site development plan at permit stage
•Commissioners to consider whether they want to be nominated
•Commissioners to review draft changes and provide feedback before hearings
•Staff to continue discussions with city and return with details
•Staff to verify studies and enforce conditions before recordation or operation
•Staff to withhold recordation and operations until study confirms compliance

Oct

Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer Meeting - Oct 08 2026

Hearing officer Joe Haupp heard a variance request from Juan Garcia for multiple accessory structures in the La Cienega overlay (Case 26-5220). County staff recommended denial, the applicant's agent said upcoming overlay changes could reduce noncompliance, and the hearing officer took the matter under advisement and will issue a written recommendation to the Planning Commission within 15 business days.

Discussion Points

•Agent argued overlay amendments could change setback applicability and reduce noncompliance.
•Applicant\u0002s agent argued overlay revisions could make the structures compliant in the future.
•Hearing officer asked for clarification and reserved decision.
•Staff clarified overlay revisions would not eliminate all remaining encroachments; options include modification/removal or seeking an adjustment from the adjacent landowner (BLM).
•Staff countered that portions of structures would remain in setback and suggested modification, removal, or seeking an adjustment from BLM.
•Staff presented that the accessory structures were built resulting in setback violations and that staff considers the hardship self-created.

Decisions

•No decision; matter taken under advisement.
•No final decision made at the hearing; matter taken under advisement

Directions

•Hearing officer to issue written recommendation to Planning Commission within 15 business days.
•Planning Commission may schedule public hearing on Oct. 15, 2026.

Sep

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Sep 29 2026

Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on Sept. 29, 2026. Commissioners approved a revised road acceptance policy (Spur Ranch Road to become County Road 125), sent letters opposing uranium exploration and seeking state guidance on testing for ambulance drivers, allocated $1.2M for the Nueva Secchia affordable housing gap, and adopted a county "facilities and community trust" ordinance limiting county participation in civil immigration enforcement.

Discussion Points

•Board retains discretion to accept legacy roads and to require improvements or right-of-way acquisition
•Commissioners discussed targeted legal queries to PRC/AG and early engagement with potential partners (city, PNM, Kit Carson)
•Commissioners emphasized momentum and desire to proceed to groundbreaking
•Concern about cross-border competition and firm-specific relocation or consolidation risks
•Concerns about chemical residues from in-situ testing and long-term contamination of Chama and San Juan–Chama water supplies
•Concerns about improper application of US DOT testing to non‑mandated staff and potential loss of ambulance billing/funding
•County rules prohibit window ACs in some units; rooftop solar exists and could support heat pumps
•Desire to copy downstream counties and federal delegations to raise wider awareness
•HDR presented three governance models and recommended parallel analysis of each
•Indoor temperatures exceeding 110°F during heat waves in Via Vista units
•Legal screening suggests options exist for a class A county but many operational issues remain
•Measure restricts county cooperation in civil immigration enforcement but preserves compliance with lawful warrants
•Modeling shows concentrated benefits for low-wage workers and modest aggregate employment impacts
•Need for clarity on whether off‑duty medical cannabis use is permitted for non‑DOT‑mandated employees (ambulance drivers without CDLs)
•Need to look at large public employers, school districts and health providers for potential exposure
•New policy uses average daily traffic and road function to create adoptability thresholds
•Ordinance aims to preserve trust so residents report crimes and access services without fear of immigration enforcement
•Project has complex capital stack with multiple lenders and tax-credit valuation risk
•Staff recommended managerial delegation to ensure timely closing on lender deadlines
•The 2021 policy placed prohibitive upfront costs on applicants (surveys/environmental studies)
•Union emphasized safety obligations and requested regulatory certainty

Decisions

•Delegation approved and $1.2M allocation authorized
•Informational presentation; no final policy decision at this meeting
•Letter approved and to be sent
•Letter approved and to be transmitted with expanded distribution
•None (public comment)
•Ordinance adopted (O2026-08) by roll call vote; staff to prepare implementation steps
•Proceed with Phase 1 analysis; no formal board decision to select a governance model yet
•Resolution adopted; Spur Ranch Road designated County Road 125

Directions

•Consultant to continue analysis and return with scenario evaluations and a final report (target: November)
•County attorney to assist with legal framing and targeted questions
•Delegate authority to manager to execute documents; allocate $1.2M gap financing; staff to brief board on closing schedule
•Expand cc list to downstream counties, soil and water districts and federal delegations, and send letter promptly
•Implement ordinance language, develop guidance for county staff and detention facility procedures
•Send a letter requesting formal clarification from NMDOT and monitor responses; staff to brief the board when reply received
•Staff to accept new applications under revised policy and to process Spur Ranch Road application quickly
•Staff to follow up with funding options and inclusion in upcoming action plan for Via Vista
•Staff to work with Commissioner Hughes and others if board wants to move toward ordinance publication and hearings

Sep

Special BCC Meeting - Sep 25 2026

Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners approved a motion to send a revised naming request to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, changing the requested designation of New Mexico 41 from "Survivors Memorial Highway" to "Survivors Memorial Way" following DOT feedback; the motion passed unanimously. The meeting also included a brief announcement recognizing Dolly Parton Celebration Day and adjourned by unanimous consent.

Discussion Points

•Agenda approved by motion and roll call.
•Commissioner Bustamante stated there are '2 known suicides' he connected to the Epstein Estate and urged retaining 'memorial'.
•Commissioner Ka'Carri Stone announced Dolly Parton Celebration Day and encouraged participation.
•DOT advised the use of the word 'highway' could trigger federal involvement; survivors requested keeping 'memorial' but changing 'highway' to 'way' to avoid federal process.
•Multiple commissioners expressed support for the nomenclature change and for submitting the amended letter to NMDOT.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; meeting adjourned by consensus.
•Motion to send amended letter approved by unanimous roll-call vote.

Directions

•Send amended letter to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for October consideration.

Sep

Sustainable Land Development Code Hearing Officer Meeting - Sep 10 2026

The Santa Fe County Sustainable Land Development Code hearing officer heard four variance/CUP matters including requests by Sarah Y. West, Duke City Ready Mix, Michael Wright, and Jeff and Laurie Goss. Staff recommended denial on some variance requests, recommended conditions where approval was possible, and the hearing officer left all four matters under advisement with written recommendations due to the Planning Commission within 15 business days.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described a revenue-sharing agreement and argued subdivision would isolate the slag and improve marketability.
•Applicant says she is coordinating septic and well permitting and cited a prior county variance case as precedent.
•Applicants said they are exploring recycled nonpotable water use and have undertaken neighborhood outreach.
•HOA stressed CC&R requirements and Design Review Committee process; HOA argued county approval would not compel HOA variance approval.
•Staff concluded the applicant created noncompliant conditions by constructing unpermitted dwellings.
•Staff emphasized that private mineral-rights disputes and historical townsite zoning do not alone satisfy variance criteria.
•Staff emphasized topographic constraints; applicant argued alternatives would require excessive excavation.
•Staff found only one NMED-permitted septic system for the main house (ES060332) and no records for the other two septic systems.
•Staff projected ~25 daily trips and emphasized dust suppression and compliance.

Decisions

•Matter taken under advisement; hearing officer will issue written recommendation to Planning Commission within 15 business days.
•Matter taken under advisement; hearing officer will issue written recommendation within 15 business days.
•Matter taken under advisement; recommendation due in writing within 15 business days.
•Matter taken under advisement; written recommendation due to Planning Commission within 15 business days.

Directions

•Applicant to present designs to HOA Design Review Committee as required by CC&Rs.
•Staff to locate prior hearing officer order and Board of County Commissioners' opinion for case v17-5021 and add to the record by next Monday 5:00 PM.

Sep

Santa Fe County Planning Commission Meeting - Aug 20 2026

The Santa Fe County Planning Commission met Aug. 20, 2026. Commissioners recommended approval of a zoning map amendment for Tres Rios Ranch (Case 20100And50) with a condition capping physical development at existing entitlement and approved a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling unit (Case 20100And10); several residents and local advocates spoke in support of preservation via Transfer of Development Rights (TDR).

Discussion Points

•Applicant emphasized preservation intent and proposed severing rights via TDRs; public speakers supported conservation and community-led retirement of TDRs.
•Legal counsel cautioned against conditioning approval on completion of private-party TDR contracts; suggested capping dwelling units as an enforceable measure.
•Neighbor commented on difficulties with shared wells and suggested separate metering; staff confirmed meters are required under SLDC for shared wells.
•Procedural approvals, variance final order, rezoning recommendation and CUP approval recorded.
•Staff confirmed ADU meets SLDC and overlay requirements and that utilities and parking are satisfactory.
•Staff recommended the rezoning as consistent with the La Cienega community plan and SLDC; commissioners asked about development rights and TDR mechanics.

Decisions

•Commission recommended approval of zoning map amendment for Case 20100And50 with the condition capping physical development at current entitlement.
•CUP approved with staff-recommended conditions.
•See actions above.

Directions

•Staff to draft recommended order for BCC consideration on rezoning recommendation; memorialize CUP conditions.
•Staff to draft recommended order reflecting the commission’s cap on physical development for presentation to the Board of County Commissioners.
•Staff to include the recommended conditions and memorialize findings in the recommended order.

Sep

Housing Authority Board Meeting - Sep 29 2026

The Santa Fe County Housing Authority met Sept. 29, 2026. The board heard its new executive director outline options to increase operating subsidy (including possible RAD/section 18 conversions), reviewed an urgent $2,000,000 capital outlay for kitchen remodels that must be spent by June 2027, received financial and operations reports showing staffing gaps and long voucher waitlists, and authorized a loan cure agreement after an executive session on a potential settlement.

Discussion Points

•$2,000,000 capital outlay expires June 2027
•Board requested granular breakdowns by bedroom size and ZIP code
•Board returned and authorized a loan cure and reinstatement action
•CFP23 increase of $44,002.38; CFP24 adjustment to be clarified
•Cordova proposes evaluating RAD/section-18 and project-based voucher conversions
•DRGR grants including $1,212,000 re-stucco and $500,000 electrical meter upgrades will enter procurement
•Du and Associates to prepare a November presentation
•Executive session to consider a potential settlement related to Triple Bottom Line Foundation
•Fund 227 expenditures for August totaled $316,837.78
•HCV utilization 81% vs target 98% in August; voucher utilization ~94.17% of budget authority
•HUD indicated operating subsidy per unit (~$480) is lower than comparable agencies (~$1,200–$1,400)
•Increase maximum assistance to $40,000 and broaden allowable uses
•Plan to split funding $1M per site and accelerate procurement
•Proposed AMI threshold increase to 150% (covering households up to ~$164,000)
•Public hearing scheduled for Oct. 27
•Wait lists: 1,719 HCV applicants; 1,690 public housing; 217 mainstream; average HCV wait 3.8 years

Decisions

•Loan cure authorization approved

Directions

•Amendments to return to board and to County Commission hearing on Oct. 27
•Housing director authorized to negotiate and execute required documents
•Staff and Cordova to attend RAD/section-18 training Oct. 18 and present options to the board in November
•Staff to get contracts procured and bring to board in October
•Staff to include grant sunsets in future financial reports
•Staff to present budget adjustment resolution and clarify CFP24 amounts
•Staff to provide dashboard access and add bedroom-size and geographic breakdowns to future reports

Sep

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Sep 08 2026

Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners met to consider proclamations on suicide prevention and county citizenship, to publish a draft ordinance limiting county assistance to civil immigration enforcement, appoint members to the Water Policy Advisory Committee, approve contracts for wastewater infrastructure and public-awareness campaigns, hear multiple nuisance-abatement public hearings, and receive presentations on a domestic well metering program and a five-year arts and creative-economy plan.

Discussion Points

•Advocates argued the ordinance would preserve community trust and limit voluntary county assistance to ICE.
•Code enforcement presented photographic and inspection evidence of fire damage, debris and open storage.
•Commissioners asked about costs to homeowners for connection; staff estimated $25k–$30k per grinder hookup due to topography.
•Commissioners favored continuing the council rather than sunsetting it after plan adoption, and encouraged funding/staffing to support implementation.
•Commissioners supported using county channels for outreach and asked for implementation details.
•Competitive bid process produced Apple Mountain as lowest responsible bidder.
•Concerns focused on emergency‑service access, propane and supply deliveries, and landlocked parcels if the road is closed.
•Council framed mission and strategic priorities; year‑one focuses on stakeholder mapping, pilot program selection and the Encanto online hub.
•County attorney clarified that posting the summary is a procedural step; adoption is not immediate.
•Enrollment will be tied to development permits; the county will send receipts and instructions to developers/well users.
•Fire Stick Studios selected from six proposals; campaigns will be bilingual and countywide.
•Initial focus on education and voluntary compliance; enforcement penalties in SLDC would apply in later years if noncompliance persists.
•Initial funding from DWI grant funds; future-year funding depends on appropriations.
•Personal representative testified about cleanup progress and resource constraints; staff acknowledged some progress but the resolution preserves county authority.
•Residents described decades of use and evidence (assessor, county clerk, federal settlement notice) supporting public access claims.
•Somos speakers described free citizenship services and estimated eligible residents (3,000–3,500).
•Staff plan bilingual outreach (open houses, radio, flyers) and a web portal to submit readings; calendar-year reporting with reminders was discussed.

Decisions

•Agreement approved; staff to coordinate implementation.
•Agreement approved; work to begin per public-works schedule.
•Board approved publication of title and general summary for public notice.
•Board signaled support; no formal vote to adopt plan at this meeting.
•Move forward with portal procurement and outreach; target early 2027 implementation.
•No formal county action taken at the meeting; follow-up committed.
•Proclamation adopted; county to proceed with outreach.
•Resolutions adopted for both properties; staff to follow statutory notice, offer timelines and proceed if no compliance.

Directions

•Commissioner Bustamante to continue outreach and follow-up with the affected community.
•County management to publicize resources and coordinate events.
•Delegate contract signature to county manager and begin preparations for campaign deployment.
•Delegate contract signing authority to county manager and proceed with procurement steps.
•If voluntary compliance fails, county may abate and place liens to recover costs.
•Procure web developer, finalize outreach materials, schedule open houses, return with portal demonstration before rollout.
•Publish notice of intent; prepare for a hearing on Sept. 29.
•Pursue grant funding and coordinate with city and tribal stakeholders for collaboration.
•Staff to accept records provided by residents and work with Commissioner Bustamante to explore options.
•Staff to prepare outreach materials and legal analysis for public hearing.
•Staff to provide implementation plan and contact points.
•Staff to publish the resolution summary per ordinance and allow 30 days for owner to submit a timeline; county will work to agree on timelines and consider permits needed.
•Staff to return with a resolution to adopt the plan, continue the council, and outline pilot program funding.

Sep

Special BCC Meeting - Sep 08 2026

Santa Fe County commissioners opened their Sept. 8 meeting with a proclamation recognizing Fiesta de Santa Fe and introductions of the 2026 Royal Court, paused for a short celebration, then reconvened for regular business with roll call and a land acknowledgement.

Discussion Points

•Attendee alleged prior firing for vaccine refusal and rights violation.
•Chair requested motion to adjourn for celebration.
•Eloysa Gonzales apologized; commissioner encouraged dialog with HR and county management.
•Motion recorded as coming from Commissioner Johnson with a second from Commissioner Hughes and carried by ayes.
•Proclamation text emphasizing cultural recognition and dialogue.
•Thanks to county management and invitation to public events.

Decisions

•Proclamation presented to Fiesta Royal Court; no formal policy action recorded.
•Temporary adjournment approved; meeting reconvened afterward.

Directions

•Meeting to pause until 2:15 for celebration and refreshments.

Sep

A Second Chance Starts with an Opportunity

Officials and reentry providers described a community reentry fair set for October 10 at the First Judicial District Courthouse courtyard in Santa Fe to connect people leaving custody with IDs, benefits enrollment, housing help and employment resources.

Discussion Points

•Peer-run staffing as the program model; how peers build trust and provide direct support such as accompanying clients to appointments
•Program expansion to Santa Fe; Fresh Start pays initial rent/deposit and up to six months of rental assistance; about 10 families housed so far
•Program graduation count (215) and reported non-reoffense rate (over 56%); role of staff in outcomes
•Purpose and goals of the reentry fair; replicating in-jail resource fairs on the outside; collaboration among county and community partners
•Which agencies will provide on-site IDs and benefits; how immediate access addresses employment barriers

Directions

•Agencies to attend and provide on-the-spot services at the fair
•Vendors to register by Sept. 14; event set for Oct. 10 at the courthouse courtyard

Aug

Housing Authority Board Meeting - Aug 25 2026

The Santa Fe County Housing Authority board reviewed monthly finance and operations reports, discussed mold remediation and staffing shortages, received an affordable-housing update including a confirmed $1,200,000 funding gap for the Nueva Secchia project, heard public criticism alleging Open Meetings Act violations, and entered an executive session on threatened litigation tied to agreement 2019279.

Discussion Points

•Board voted to enter executive session and later reported no decisions were made.
•Confirmed funding gap of $1,200,000 to be presented to BCC for approval.
•County attorney identified the item as threatened litigation related to agreement 2019279.
•Fee-in-lieu quoted at over $3,000,000 for Terra Pintada; staff prefer on-site units but will negotiate.
•Nueva Secchia scheduled closing date of Sept. 30; staff finalizing documents.
•Public commenter alleged repeated Open Meetings Act violations and incomplete resolutions.
•ROSS grant removal from FY27 budget due to not being awarded for calendar 2027.
•Staffing vacancies (2 field maintenance, 3 administrative) and recruitment plans.
•Voucher utilization 82% vs 98% target due to tenant exits; budget authority still available.

Decisions

•Entered executive session; no public decisions recorded.

Directions

•Staff to include additional utilization context in next month’s report.
•Staff to prepare memo for BCC detailing gap composition and funding sources.

Aug

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Aug 25 2026

Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners met Aug. 25 to hear public comment and take action on a package of items including a resolution to ask NMDOT to designate part of State Highway 41 as "Survivors' Memorial Highway," approval to send general obligation bond questions to the ballot, water-portfolio presentations and several agreements and grants.

Discussion Points

•BDD physical diversion capacity is a limiting factor; staff presented available buffer for deliveries and water reserved for approved development.
•Board adjusted mile markers from an earlier draft and affirmed transmittal to state offices.
•Clerk Clark outlined immediate and operational impacts including the potential end of online registration and new documentation requirements.
•Commenters urged exploration of alternate alignments such as Dinosaur Trail and asked for transparency regarding any land acquisition or condemnation.
•Commissioners asked no substantive questions and approved moving the item earlier in the agenda to meet statutory deadlines.
•Commissioners pressed on reentry coordination and gender‑specific services for women; LifeLink and jail reentry staff described collaboration and reentry fair involvement.
•Commissioners supported writing a letter and requested ongoing updates.
•County Attorney Boyd advised on litigation participation options and suggested coordinated multi‑party approaches.
•County has recurring supplies made up of San Juan Chama storage, native surface water rights and a city–county water resources agreement.
•LifeLink described expansion driven by increased capacity needs and program outcomes (35 served in FY26; 10 secured permanent housing).
•NMDOT staff explained county request will proceed through state administrative process including State Transportation Commission consideration.
•Residents reported conservation easement protections and raised questions about whether county actions would conflict with the easement and state law.
•Return Flow Pipeline (Title‑16 federal project) aims to capture treated effluent returns to increase wet water; county currently holds 7% interest in project returns.
•Schaeffer explained category allocations and recommended rounding to $5,000 increments for bond sale mechanics.
•Survivors and family members testified about abuse tied to the corridor and called for a permanent public memorial.

Decisions

•Amendment approved; county manager delegated signing authority.
•Approved letter to congressional delegation opposing the Save America Act.
•Bond questions to be placed on the ballot; resolution 2026111 adopted.
•No final routing or condemnation decision recorded in open session.
•No immediate decision; board requested more data and scheduled continued review.
•Resolution 2026110 approved; transmittal and coordination assigned to county manager.

Directions

•County manager to transmit certified copies to NMDOT, governor, attorney general, state legislators and tribal governments; staff to consult with survivor advocates and tribal nations in follow‑up.
•Implement contract amendment and strengthen reentry coordination; staff to report outcomes and continue partnership building.
•Manager and clerk to prepare ballot materials and outreach.
•Staff to post infographic and supporting materials to the utility webpage; provide follow‑up briefings on Pawaukee/Poejaque Basin, carrying capacity and ledgering for potential interbasin uses.
•Staff to review legal and environmental constraints and address issues in the executive session as scheduled; board to consider any formal action in open session later.
•Staff to support the clerk in advocacy and provide board updates.

Aug

Special BCC Meeting - Aug 20 2026

Santa Fe County commissioners met in a special session and voted unanimously to authorize the county manager to apply for a New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration grant to acquire 22.1 acres from Leah Morton adjacent to the Rio And Medeo open space; commissioners also asked staff to re-engage stakeholders before any final acquisition or development decisions.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners insisted on reengaging stakeholders and tribal governments prior to final acquisition or development decisions.
•Commitment to reengage tribes, neighbors, ditch association and interested groups for planning and conflict resolution.
•COPAC recommended acquisition after site visit and public comment; staff noted existing adjacent restoration budget and that acquisition could expand options.
•Ditch association reported denied access to working-group minutes and raised floodplain concerns.
•Multiple site constraints: easements, acequia, private in-holdings, narrow/eroded one-lane road and potential emergency access problems.
•Neighbors said they were not notified promptly and that easement status precludes easy vehicle access.
•Owner framed acquisition as a route to wetlands and watershed restoration; she described loss of vehicular access and impacts to water table.
•Public works flagged potential multi-million-dollar infrastructure needs (bridge or crossing) to provide safe parking and emergency access.
•Separation of immediate, time-sensitive application action from later decisions about access, parking and capital improvements.
•Short grant deadline (application due Aug. 21) and competitive criteria; staff suggested a ~$500,000 request as an illustrative budget.
•Staff explained grant is acquisition-focused but may accept total project budgets listing restoration expenses for DFA consideration.

Decisions

•Apply for DFA grant now due to deadline, but reengage stakeholders and complete due diligence before final acquisition or permitting for parking.
•Apply for the grant; delegate contingent negotiation authority to the county manager; commit to stakeholder re-engagement.
•Authorize application to DFA grant program to acquire 22.1 acres; delegate contingent negotiation authority to county manager; commit to stakeholder re-engagement prior to final acquisition/development decisions.
•Proceed with grant application; separate planning and restoration decisions to follow if acquisition is completed.

Directions

•Consider preliminary engineering report to scope access and cost before committing to parking or major works.
•County to reengage neighbors, ditch association and working group as part of planning.
•If awarded, county manager delegated authority to negotiate and execute acquisition documents and proceed with due diligence.
•Reengage Rio And Medeo working group, ditch association, Santa Fe Conservation Trust, tribal governments, neighbors and other stakeholders for planning and conflict resolution.
•Staff may include restoration elements in the total project budget subject to DFA eligibility and scoring.
•Staff to submit application and return with updates; reengage stakeholders post-application and prior to final acquisition or development decisions.
•Staff to submit DFA grant application by deadline and include accurate statements about current public access and proposed project scope.

Aug

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Aug 11 2026

Santa Fe County commissioners met Aug. 11, 2026. They heard public comment on a proposed Rio And Medeo trailhead and reuse center, approved resolutions on dark‑sky protections and reopening the El Dorado reuse center (pilot), voted to forward Yolanda Jaramillo as the county's nominee for the District 41 legislative vacancy, discussed major affordable housing rule changes and down payment assistance updates, appointed an interim housing authority director, approved several contracts and change orders, and issued a final order denying the Camino Verde conceptual plan.

Discussion Points

•Attorney Boyd advised a roll‑call vote to keep the record consistent with the earlier hearing disposition.
•Attorney Boyd presented parcel info and asked for authority to pursue condemnation.
•Board entered executive session to discuss limited personnel matters and returned to open session.
•Board returned from executive session and recorded a motion to adopt the final order denying the plan.
•Commissioners added direction to study parking configuration and opportunities to work with Habitat for Humanity and other partners.
•Commissioners emphasized her acequia experience, education background and community ties.
•Commissioners favored a phased implementation and equity safeguards so lower‑income residents can participate.
•Commissioners moved and approved the resolution authorizing the county attorney's office to initiate proceedings if necessary.
•Commissioners questioned demand for tennis vs. pickleball; staff said courts were part of the approved master plan.
•Commissioners requested better data on need, marketing and tribal consultation before formal adoption.
•Public commenter raised migratory bird impacts and cultural value of dark skies.
•Public volunteers presented an operations manual, sanitation protocols and volunteer staffing estimates (30 volunteers cited).
•Staff explained statutory process and noted Jaramillo had won the primary as only candidate for the general election.
•Staff noted prior diversion estimates were not independently verified and recommended the pilot to collect metrics.
•Staff proposed appointing the deputy county manager as interim executive director of the housing authority.
•Staff proposed raising DPA cap to $40,000 and expanding eligibility to up to 150% AMI to reach teachers, nurses and first responders.
•Sustainability staff explained construction‑phase lighting control findings and the need for additional safety inserts and demo work.

Decisions

•Board approved forwarding Yolanda Jaramillo as the county nominee.
•Both contract and change order approved.
•Final order denying Camino Verde conceptual plan adopted.
•Leandro Cordova appointed interim executive director.
•No formal vote; board directed staff to proceed with drafting and outreach.
•Resolution adopted, authority granted to county attorney.
•Resolution adopted to reopen the reuse center on a trial basis.
•Resolution adopted with amendment to direct staff study.

Directions

•Attempt negotiated purchase first; pursue condemnation only if negotiations fail.
•Consider adding lighting upgrades to existing home‑efficiency programs.
•File the final order and notify interested parties.
•Forward the county\u0002s recommendation to the governor.
•Implement appointment and execute administrative filings.
•Pilot reopening with county oversight and evaluation period.
•Proceed with contracting and change order execution; county manager delegated signatory authority.
•Return to the board at the next meeting with proposed ordinance and resolution.
•Staff to analyze site configuration and provide cost estimates for parking/road work.
•Staff to draft amendments and DPA regulations, prepare outreach plan and consult with tribal governments where applicable.
•Staff to identify parks and county open spaces for equitable night‑sky viewing and cost estimates for implementation and outreach.
•Staff to submit the required paperwork and notify stakeholders.

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