Now You Know July 3, 2026

Brownfields Identification Survey
The City of Las Cruces Economic Development Department is inviting residents, property owners, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in the Brownfields Identification Survey, an initiative designed to help identify vacant, abandoned, underutilized, or neglected properties that may have redevelopment potential.

The survey will assist the city in identifying sites that could qualify as brownfields. Brownfields are properties where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination.

Identifying these sites is an important first step toward revitalization, economic investment, and community improvement.

Community input will help the city better understand local concerns and opportunities while supporting efforts to:

· Improve neighborhood appearance
· Address safety and blight concerns
· Support future housing and business opportunities
· Identify properties that may benefit from brownfield assessment and redevelopment resources
The information gathered through the survey will help the city build an inventory of potential brownfield sites, prioritize future assessment efforts, pursue funding opportunities, and support long-term planning for redevelopment and community revitalization.
The Brownfields Identification Survey will remain open through October 15.
Submitting a property through the survey does not automatically designate the property as a brownfield, does not obligate a property owner to participate in future programs, and does not guarantee funding or redevelopment activities. Rather, the survey serves as a planning tool to help the city identify and better understand potential redevelopment opportunities within the community.
Residents are encouraged to participate by completing the Brownfields Identification Survey and getting more information at LasCruces.Gov/EconomicDevelopment.

County extends hours for Building Services and Planning

The Doña Ana County Building Services and Planning Department has expanded its service hours to provide residents, contractors and developers with greater access to permitting and planning services. The department is now open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The extended schedule gives residents additional time to conduct business while enabling the department to continue providing the same level of customer service.

To ensure staff have adequate time to assist each visitor before the end of the business day, the last customer will be accepted at 5:45 p.m.

Residents should note the following:

Mobile Home Installation Permits will continue to be processed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday because the process requires coordination with other county departments whose operating hours have not changed.

Claim of Exemption and Subdivisions recording services are available by appointment only.

For more information about Building Services and Planning services, contact the department at (575) 647-7350 or visit the department webpage at www.donaana.gov/departments/community_services/building_services/index.php.

Committee chair receives State Heritage Preservation Award 

 The City of Las Cruces recognized Historic Preservation Committee Chair Dr. Jerry Wallace for receiving the Heritage Preservation Individual Achievement Award from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Dr. Wallace was honored during the 54th Annual Heritage Preservation Awards ceremony held May 29, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The awards are presented each year during Historic Preservation Month, celebrated statewide throughout May.

A public historian at New Mexico State University, Dr. Wallace has served as chair of the City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Committee and has been a strong advocate for preserving and promoting the community's historic and cultural resources. Through his professional work, community engagement, and leadership, Dr. Wallace has helped advance public understanding of New Mexico's rich history and the importance of preserving historic places.

The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division's Heritage Preservation Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that demonstrate excellence in preserving and promoting the state's cultural and historic resources.

The City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Committee advises the city on matters related to the identification, preservation, and protection of historic properties and cultural resources, helping ensure that Las Cruces' unique heritage is preserved for future generations.

Small Business Safety Improvement Grant program expands 
The City of Las Cruces Economic Development Department announced that, beginning July 1, the Small Business Safety Improvement Grant Program is now available to eligible businesses and commercial property owners located within the W. Picacho & Motel Blvd Metropolitan Redevelopment Area.

The program provides reimbursement of up to $5,000 for eligible security improvements designed to enhance business safety and deter crime. Eligible improvements may include security cameras, locks and doors, sensors, outdoor lighting, and fencing.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is offered as a reimbursement. To qualify, expenses must be incurred on or after July 1. Expenses incurred prior to that date are not eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible applicants include independently owned businesses and qualifying nonprofit organizations with 40 or fewer full-time employees, as well as commercial property owners located within the MRA boundary.

In partnership with the Las Cruces Police Department, the program also offers free Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments, on-site safety evaluations, crime prevention recommendations, and access to community safety resources.

Business and property owners who are unsure whether they are located within the W. Picacho & Motel Blvd MRA are encouraged to visit the City of Las Cruces website to review the MRA boundary map and program eligibility requirements.

For additional information, eligibility requirements, and application materials, visit LasCruces.Gov/BusinessIncentives.

Criminal justice group looks forward

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Dona Ana County has elected officers, adopted a strategic plan, and is seeking additional members. The officers are Chair Michael Stout, Vice-Chair Judge Nathan Graff, and Secretary Joel Diemer.

“We are looking for others in Dona Ana County who wish to improve criminal justice. Regardless of one’s perspective, they’re welcome to participate.”

There is no cost. The council meets monthly at noon and is open to the public. Those interested may contact Michael Stout at 575-524-1471 or erporter@mlstoutlaw.com.