What’s new with Las Cruces’ 2022 GO bonds

Projects funded by the 2022 general obligation bond cycle are progressing on track, with some exceptions, according to a presentation to the Las Cruces City Council on Jan. 27. 

Voters approved the four projects—a new fire station, park improvements, a recreation center, and affordable housing—and $23 million in the 2022 general election with overwhelming majorities. 

David Sedillo, the city’s public works director, presented the updates as part of a quarterly check-in on the progress. 

Fire Station 9

The first of the four updates featured progress for Fire Station 9. 

Billed as a new fire station for Las Cruces' ever-growing East Mesa on the Mesa Verde development, voters sent $9.8 million in public funds to the project. In all, Sedillo said the project will cost about $12.13 million. The gap in funding is being filled by Telshor Fund money and grants. 

The city hosted a groundbreaking for the fire station in October, and it’s now about 10 percent complete. Sedillo estimated a completion date of Feb. 28, 2026.

Park Improvements

The second project was about $1.98 million for park improvements. The city chose to invest the bond funds in improvements to La Llorona Park, with extra funds going to Tellbrook Park. The city will redo the restrooms, upgrade amenities and repair the trail at La Llorona. At Tellbrook, the city will replace exercise equipment. 

Sedillo said the La Llorona improvements are awaiting final approval from the International Boundary and Water Commission, an international body that oversees development on border rivers including the Rio Grande.

Sedillo said this project is behind schedule largely because of the back-and-forth with the IBWC. However, the expected completion date remains at the end of 2025. 

East Mesa Public Recreational Complex

One of the largest public works projects undertaken by the city in recent years, the East Mesa Public Recreational Complex, has required two bonds to complete. Sedillo said about $2.25 million was needed from the $5 million bond to finish phase one. 

Now, those remaining items include a shade structure and playground equipment. Sedillo said the shade structures were delayed but should be available and installed in February. In all, Sedillo said he expects a completion date toward the end of 2025.

Affordable Housing Bond 

Natalie Green, the city’s housing and neighborhood services manager, listed three projects when updating councilors about the $6 million GO Bond, which is meant to help the city grow its affordable housing supply. 

The first project was Three Sisters, a 70-unit housing complex on N. Walnut Street for families with children. The units will be reserved for families making less than 60 percent of the area's median income.

Green said the project was about 70 percent complete, with a tentative opening date in March. 

The second project was Pedrena apartments on El Paseo Road and Farney Lane. This 80-unit apartment complex is reserved for residents 55 or older who make less than 60 percent of the area's median income.

This project was about 60 percent complete. Green has previously estimated completion for December 2025. 

Peachtree Canyon was the final GO-bond-funded project Green presented. The city broke ground on this project in October 2024. It’s a 144-unit affordable housing development on the East Mesa. Construction remains in the early phases, Green said. She did not provide an estimated completion date.