Newly Elected Officials Orientation Manual
This Orientation Manual is designed as an internal reference for elected officials. It provides foundational information, governing documents, procedural rules, and practical resources to support you in carrying out your duties effectively and in compliance with City requirements.
Quick Access Resources
| Document | Details | [link text="View"]View[/link] |
| Municipal Code | The Santa Fe Municipal Code is the official compilation of local laws, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City to govern its operations, services, and community standards. | https://library.municode.com/nm/santa_fe/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MUCHCOORSAFENEME |
| City Events | The City of Santa Fe Events calendar. Updates to the calendar must be made by request through Communications and Marketing. | https://santafenm.gov/city-clerk-community-engagement/events |
| Legislation Request | Complete this form to submit legislation requests. | https://form.jotform.com/SFCAO/legislative-request-form |
| City of Santa Fe Charter | The Santa Fe City Charter is the City’s foundational governing document that establishes the structure of municipal government, defines the powers of elected officials, and sets the framework for how the City operates. | https://santafenm.gov/MunicipalCharter2020DIGITALversion.pdf |
| Brand Guidelines | The City of Santa Fe Brand Guidelines establish standards for visual identity, tone, and official communications to ensure consistency, clarity, and professionalism across all City materials. | https://santafenm.gov/CoSF_Brand_Guidelines_2023_-_External.pdf |
| Governing Body Procedural Rules | The Governing Body Procedural Rules define how the City’s elected officials conduct meetings, introduce and debate legislation, and carry out official actions in an orderly and transparent manner. | https://santafenm.gov/city-clerk-1/ordinances-resolutions-and-the-city-charter/precedural-rules |
| City Committee Procedural Rules | City Committee Procedural Rules outline the standards and processes by which boards, committees, and commissions conduct meetings, make recommendations, and coordinate with the Governing Body and City staff. | https://santafenm.gov/Council_Committee_Procedural_Rules_2022.pdf |
| Meetings, Minutes and Agendas | Meetings, minutes, and agendas for City Council, boards, and commissions provide the official record of proceedings and outline the items scheduled for discussion and action. | https://santafenm.gov/city-clerk-1/meetings-minutes-and-agendas |
| Santa Fe Municode | The Santa Fe Municode website is the online platform that provides access to the City’s municipal code, ordinances, and local regulations for reference and research. | https://library.municode.com/nm/santa_fe |
| Ordinances and Resolutions | Santa Fe ordinances and resolutions are the formal legislative actions adopted by the City Council to create, amend, or repeal local laws and to establish official City policies. | https://santafenm.gov/city-clerk-1/ordinances-resolutions-and-the-city-charter/documents-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 |
| Legislative Services | Santa Fe Legislative Services is the City department that manages the drafting, review, tracking, and official publication of legislation, ensuring that Council actions are properly documented and accessible. | https://santafenm.gov/city-attorney/legislative-services |
| Compliance Guides | The Compliance Guides—including the Inspection of Public Records, Open Meetings Act, and Governmental Conduct Act guides—provide elected officials and staff with clear instructions for adhering to transparency, ethics, and legal requirements in City operations. | https://nmdoj.gov/publications/compliance-guides/ |
| Governing Body & Committee Events | Governing Body & Committee Events provide a centralized schedule of official meetings, public hearings, and City-sponsored events to keep elected officials and staff informed and engaged. | https://santafenm.gov/boards-commissions-and-committees/city-council-committees |