Mayor Michael Garcia’s First 100 Days
On April 10, Mayor Garcia marked his first 100 days in office and shared updates on several priority initiatives underway across the City of Santa Fe.
“After 100 days in office, I’m filled with gratitude and optimism for the future of our great city. I want to thank our city team and share some of the significant accomplishments we’ve achieved in this short time,” said Mayor Garcia.
100-Day Highlights
Garcia initiated a comprehensive review of city departments and leadership structure to improve responsiveness and service delivery.
- Key vacancies, including the city attorney and city clerk positions, have been filled.
- A search for a new city manager is underway.
- The administration announced plans to establish an Office of the Independent Inspector General to strengthen public accountability.
- Public access to municipal records is being expanded.
Addressing homelessness and the city’s affordable housing shortage remains a central priority.
- A Homelessness Summit is scheduled for June to convene stakeholders and assess community needs and resources.
- A new strategic housing plan is in development.
- Alternative housing models, including tiny home communities, are being explored.
- Regional coordination efforts are ongoing with Santa Fe County and the state.
A land swap agreement with the state to acquire property at the Midtown campus, the former College of Santa Fe, received unanimous approval from the New Mexico Legislature.
The project is expected to expand opportunities for affordable housing and economic development.
- A contract for speed and sound camera traffic enforcement is nearing finalization.
- This technology will assist police with traffic enforcement.
- Garcia plans to introduce an ordinance restricting the use of city property by federal immigration enforcement agencies for ICE operations.
Two long-deferred road projects are nearing completion:
- Repaving of Airport Road
- Installation of traffic signals at South Meadows Road and Agua Fria Street
- Garcia worked with Santa Fe County to establish twice-yearly joint meetings between city and county governing bodies.
- The meetings will begin in June and focus on regional challenges.
- A joint city-county task force reviewed the proposed annexation of Area 1B.
- Both governing bodies introduced resolutions stating the city will not pursue annexation.
- The administration fulfilled a previously unaddressed court order to determine whether the Veterans Administration would accept the Soldiers’ Monument at the National Cemetery.
- Work is underway with the state to temporarily display the fractured pieces of the obelisk at the New Mexico History Museum in downtown Santa Fe.
- A special governing body meeting was held to review a feasibility study, and discussions with councilors are ongoing.
To increase transparency and community engagement, the administration has launched:
- Monthly “Meet with Mike” constituent sessions
- Weekly video updates
- Active social media outreach
- Regular radio interviews