Accomplishments Achieved with Council Consensus & Staff Support

Economic Development

• The General Fund Reserve Account grew from $156,000 to over $12,000,000
• Las Cruces has achieved the LOWEST unemployment rate in history
• Our two hospitals have been strengthened through strong negotiations on leasing options that benefit all citizens
• An ordinance to protect the Organ Mountains from development and obstruction was secured
• Affordable housingopportunities continue to increase
• Passed a referendum to allow citizens to vote on a Spaceport tax to attract higher paying jobs to Las Cruces

Safety

• A reasonable pay increase was championed and acquired for our police force in order to attract and retain skilled officers
• The measure of criminal arrests is approximately 75% in Las Cruces compared to the national crime clearance rate of 25%
• Initial funding was successfully acquired to build a fire and police academy in our community

Community

• All city council meetings and work sessions are now televised for open communication with the public
• The battle to keep the “Crosses” as our city logo was fought and won for our citizens
• Five new neighborhood swimming pools are being developed throughout the community
• Twenty three million dollars in funds has been secured for new infrastructure and street improvements in aging neighborhoods
• A National award for After School Programs was awarded due to a partnership between city government and Las Cruces Public Schools
• Created Mayors Top 50 Teens as a recognition program for challenged teens for personal and academic achievement
• Free programs such as “Music in the Park” has resulted in increased attendance for area parks, museums and community theatres
• A New Senior Citizen Center being built in the often neglected East Mesa, while expanding and improving the existing centers
• A “NO KILL” policy for animals was proposed along with a new Dog Park
• The Southern New Mexico Community Foundation has grown and been strengthened by community awareness brought about by the Mayor’s support