City appoints new development boss

Chris Faivre, formerly the City’s deputy economic development director, was appointed to lead the City’s Community Development Department. 

According to a job posting, Faivre will oversee the City’s planning, zoning, permitting, and inspection and is tasked with enhancing the City’s economic, social, and cultural development in compliance with City, State, and Federal Laws and Regulations. 

“I am honored to serve as Community Development Director and look forward to working alongside our talented team to support sustainable growth, improve planning processes, and foster strong partnerships with our community,” Faivre said in a news release. 

The news release also touted Faivre’s 24 years in the City of Las Cruces. 

“He has been instrumental in advancing major initiatives such as the recent establishment of Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas; The City’s recent efforts to increase the Gross Receipts Tax for public safety and critical infrastructure; and the adoption of Realize Las Cruces, an update to the City’s land use code, intended to facilitate urban planning improvements, and streamlining departmental processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery,” the news release said. 

According to publicly available resume information, Faivre completed a bachelor's in journalism at New Mexico State University in 1999. The news release said Faivre also holds a master’s degree in communication. 

“Throughout his career, he has held key roles, including Director of Marketing for Visit Las Cruces, Business Development Administrator, and Deputy Director of Economic Development,” the news release said. 

The salary listed on the job posting was $102,711.23 to $149,906.85. Faivre begins the new role on March 9. 

Larry Nicols previously held the office.