2026 Neighborhood Leadership Academy Registration Opens

Have you ever wondered what keeps the City of Las Cruces running behind the scenes? Are you curious about the departments that shape your everyday experiences – from Communications to Transit.

The City of Las Cruces invites residents ages 18 and above to join the 2026 Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a unique, behind-the-scenes experience that will deepen your understanding of how local government serves the community. This 11-week program begins January 22, 2026.

Online Registration is open from Nov. 24, 2025, through Jan. 16, 2026
The Academy runs Thursday evenings from January 22, 2026 – April 2, 2026.
Recognition will take place for those who attend all sessions at 1 p.m. on April 6, 2026, during the City Council meeting.

Classes will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at various city locations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about your community! Register Online at https://publicrecords.las-cruces.org/Forms/NLARegistration.

For more information, contact Community Engagement at 575-541-2100 or by email at CLCEngage@clcstaging.lascruces.gov or visit LasCruces.Gov/NLA

Session 1, January 22, 2026
City Clerk and Legal
City Hall Council Chambers
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 2, January 29, 2026
Police Department and Fire Department
East Mesa Safety Complex
550 North Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Session 3, February 5, 2026
Financial Services and Economic Development
Rio Grande Theater
211 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 4, February 12, 2026
Quality of Life
Branigan Library-Roadrunner Room
200 E. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Session 5, February 19, 2026
Codes and Ask Las Cruces
City Hall Council Chambers
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 6, February 26, 2026
Parks and Recreation
Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center-Auditorium
304 Bell Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88005

Session 7, March 5, 2026
Community Development and Housing
City Hall Council Chambers
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 8, March 12, 2026
Communications
Visit Las Cruces
Rio Grande Theater
211 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 9, March 19, 2026
Utilities: Open House
Sustainability
Utilities
680 N. Motel Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88007

Session 10, March 26, 2026
Public Works
City Hall Council Chambers
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001

Session 11, April 2, 2026
Transit, Airport, and Fleet
Roadrunner Transit
2340 Westway Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88005

Graduation, April 6, 2026
Graduation Brunch
11:00 a.m. – 3rd Floor, City Managers Suite
Recognition City Council Meeting
1:00 p.m.- Council Chambers
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001