Program Information
Registration for the 2026 Neighborhood Leadership Academy is now open. See Below for Session Details.
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? Residents ages 18 and above are invited 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.
The City of Las Cruces offers the Neighborhood Leadership Academy for residents who reside within the city limits. Participants will receive first-hand information about City services and programs through comprehensive presentations from City personnel, and on-site field trips to various public facilities.
Program Summary
Mission
The mission of the City of Las Cruces Neighborhood Leadership Academy is to provide improved knowledge of City government to residents, so they can become effective neighborhood advocates and community leaders.
Objectives
- To develop neighborhood and community leaders
- Provide an understanding and knowledge of City services and processes
- Promote civic engagement and residents’ roles in decision-making processes
- Increase residents’ pride in our community and understanding of how City government works
This free program helps residents better understand how their city government operates and how they can work with the city government to preserve and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Through weekly workshops of presentations and scheduled field trips, participants receive first-hand information about government operations, the scope of services and programs offered by the City and the appropriate way to bring about change within our community’s neighborhoods.
Classes and Participation
The Academy is a once-a-week evening course program for a total of 11 meeting times plus a City Council recognition and graduation. Participants are encouraged to attend all classes to obtain a Certificate of Graduation from the City of Las Cruces. Participants who miss more than three classes will not be able to complete the program or receive a graduation certificate.
Selection Criteria
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a resident living within Las Cruces City Limits
- Must complete and submit the Neighborhood Academy application form for enrollment
For more information please contact Community Engagement at (575) 541-2100 or CLCEngage@LasCruces.gov
City Clerk And Legal
City Hall Council Chambers
City of Las Cruces
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Police Department and Fire Department
East Mesa Safety Complex
550 North Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Financial Services and Economic Development
Rio Grande Theater
211 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Quality of Life
Branigan Library-Roadrunner Room
200 E. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Codes and Ask Las Cruces
City Hall Council Chambers
City of Las Cruces
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Parks and Recreation
Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center-Auditorium
304 Bell Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88005
Community Development and Housing
City Hall Council Chambers
City of Las Cruces
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Communications
Visit Las Cruces
Rio Grande Theater
211 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Utilities: Open House
Sustainability
Utilities
680 N. Motel Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88007
Public Works
City Hall Council Chambers
City of Las Cruces
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Transit, Airport, and Fleet
Roadrunner Transit
2340 Westway Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88005
11:00 a.m. – 3rd Floor, City Managers Suite
Recognition City Council Meeting
1:00 p.m.- Council Chambers
City of Las Cruces
700 N. Main St.
Las Cruces NM, 88001
Developing Youth Leaders
Please fill out the following and click submit when compete. If you have questions, please call the Community Engagement Office at (575) 541-2100.
