City Council Receives Update on Realize Las Cruces

Las Cruces City Councilors met in a work session Monday, Dec. 9, and received an update on progress made in the final review and refinement of the Realize Las Cruces development code update.

Realize Las Cruces, initiated in the spring of 2021, is intended to update the land development codes and implement land use policies from the Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan.

Councilors heard from City staff, members of the community including the Historic Preservation Commission, the New Mexico Construction Association and residents who offered their feedback on the proposed changes to the land use code.

The development of the Realize Las Cruces project, done in large part by the Realize Las Cruces Technical Advisory Committee, is in its third and final stage of developing proposed amendments to the code.

Some of the topics discussed were roadway cross sections, park dedication, outdoor lighting and land-use restrictions.

Councilor Becki Graham emphasized the need to accommodate design for emergency vehicles such as fire apparatus on all roadways.

Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo expressed her desire to see a document that cultivates growth and redevelopment of underserved areas of the City.

Staff, working with the consultants, will fine tune the document and will have it ready for consideration for adoption by City Council on Feb. 18, 2025.

No votes were taken during Monday’s work session.

The current draft of Realize Las Cruces and the supporting Technical Manual can be found online.

Monday’s meeting, along with all City Council work sessions and regular meetings, can be viewed on the City’s YouTube Channel.

Councilors will next meet in a regular meeting at 1 p.m. Dec. 16, 2024, at Council Chambers, 700 N. Main St.