Now You Know July 17, 2026

City invites resident input
The City of Las Cruces is inviting residents across the community to help shape the city’s future through a series of public meetings and a Community Needs Survey launching as part of the City Strategic Plan Update. Over the coming weeks, residents will have opportunities to share their perspectives, priorities, and vision for the future of Las Cruces as the city works to update the Strategic Plan that will guide city priorities, programs, and investments over the next several years. 

The public engagement phase follows the release of the city’s Landscape Analysis & Needs Assessment, which provided a comprehensive overview of current conditions, leadership perspectives, and the broader economic and community context shaping Las Cruces’ future. Now, the city is asking residents to help identify the priorities and goals that should guide the next chapter of Las Cruces. 

“This next phase is about listening to the people who experience Las Cruces every day,” said Mayor Eric Enriquez. “We want to hear what residents value most about our community, where they see opportunities for improvement, and what they want the future of Las Cruces to look like.” 

Community input gathered through the meetings and survey will help inform strategic priorities and future implementation planning. Residents are encouraged to participate whether they have lived in Las Cruces for decades or are newer members of the community. 

“The Strategic Plan Update is designed to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of our community,” said Chris Faivre, Director of Community Development. “Public participation is critical to ensuring the final plan reflects the experiences and perspectives of residents across Las Cruces.” 

Residents can participate by attending a public meeting in their council district and by completing the Community Needs Survey online. Food and refreshments will be available at all public meetings.  

Upcoming Public Meetings:

Frank O’Brien Papen Center Auditorium, July 29, 3:30 p.m. 

Roadrunner Room at Branigan Library, July 30, 3:30 p.m. 

Lynn Middle School (Community School), Aug. 4, 3:30 p.m.

East Mesa Public Safety Complex, Aug. 5, 3:30 p.m.

Sage Café (East Mesa Location), Aug. 6, 3:30 p.m. 

WIA Building, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. 

More information about the Strategic Plan Update, public meetings, and opportunities to participate is available at LasCruces.Gov/StrategicPlan.

The city encourages residents from every neighborhood and council district to participate and help shape the future of Las Cruces. 

Community meeting with police auditor 

The OIR Group, the firm the City of Las Cruces hired in 2021 to audit the police department, will host a community outreach meeting on July 27.

The meeting is set to begin at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27 at City Council Chambers, 700 N Main St. The meeting is expected to last about two hours.

The community outreach meeting will serve as an opportunity for residents to connect with representatives from the OIR Group and gain insight into the purpose, function and types of services provided by the OIR Group.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the police auditors in an open forum and share experiences, information or concerns to help the OIR Group get a pulse on policing in our community.

Earlier in the day, the OIR Group will present its 10th semi-annual report to City Council during a work session that begins at 1 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

The OIR Group reviews LCPD Internal Affairs investigations into alleged misconduct and provides feedback on the accuracy of the findings. The firm presents its findings and recommendations to City Council twice a year

Adult 4v4 sand volleyball tournament

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will be offering team registration for adult 4v4 sand volleyball tournaments.

The fee will be per participant at $25 per individual. Proof of age, and a Parks & Recreation annual waiver is required to register. The tournament is online registration only.
Registration opens 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Tournament play starts around 6 p.m. on Friday, July 24 and goes into the night with a championship game to take place around 12:30 a.m. Space is limited, and registration is first come, first served. 
Online Registration: 

Wednesday, July 15, 9 a.m. (until online capacity is met)

When registration opens online, only team managers should register their team to reserve a spot. Once your team has been registered, the league director will contact each team manager with instructions to:

·       Submit a complete team roster

·       Ensure all players have completed a valid participation waiver

·       Notify players to complete their individual registration and submit their team payment in person to finalize their spot on the roster

Registration for the tournament is available online at lascruces.gov/play. For more information call Meerscheidt Recreation Center at (575) 541-2563, TTY 711, or email athletics@lascruces.gov.