At a recent work session on Tuesday, the Las Cruces City Council was briefed on several key initiatives, including a fire department master plan and citywide sustainability efforts. The Fire Chief, Jason Smith, outlined the progress of creating the department's proposed master plan since February this year, which incorporated feedback from public surveys, community meetings, and fire personnel consultations. According to the City of Las Cruces, Smith confirmed that a draft of the master plan, aimed at guiding the next 7 to 10 years, is expected to be ready by Nov. 12.
In the same session, Lotus Engineering and Sustainability reported that Las Cruces boasted lower per capita emissions compared to several regional cities, presenting these details to the council. The 2023 mtCO2e measurements for Las Cruces stood at seven per capita, which undercuts figures from El Paso, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Denver. Improvements in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions were also noted, with an overall decrease of around 12 percent from 2018 to 2023. The city's efforts in implementing landfill gas capture systems and other efficiency measures were highlighted as significant contributing factors.
Sustainability advancements didn't stop there. By decreasing municipal emissions by 22 percent from 2018 through energy-efficient upgrades and increased reliance on solar power, the City showed commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. "I am both pleased and surprised by the great results that we saw city-wide by reducing greenhouse gases by 12 percent and within the municipality by 22 percent," Lisa LaRocque, the City’s Sustainability Officer said, as per City of Las Cruces.
LaRocque also touched on Las Cruces's strategy to tackle energy and housing equity, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Faced with numerous barriers such as outdated homes and high utility costs, the city has identified approximately 14,000 households living below the poverty line and lacking adequate cooling systems. In response, the Plugged in for Good Energy alliance aims to alleviate these challenges, already securing $1.5 million in grants and exploring opportunities for an additional $10.6 million to support energy affordability for low and moderate-income residents.
Updates about the 2022 Go Bond projects were also provided during Tuesday's session, covering a variety of development projects that included new fire stations, park upgrades, and the construction of new housing complexes. All City Council meetings, including work sessions, are accessible on the City’s YouTube Channel for public viewing. The Las Cruces City Council is set to convene for its next regular session on Oct. 21, at 700 N. Main St.
