Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces is inviting residents to participate in the 2025 Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a 12-week program designed to provide a closer look at how the city operates. Open to residents 18 and older, the program runs from Jan. 8 to April 2, 2025, with classes held Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at various locations.

Registration for the academy is open through Dec. 27, 2024. The program will culminate with a graduation brunch on April 7, followed by a recognition ceremony during the City Council meeting.

According to city representatives, the academy offers an opportunity for residents to learn about city services and departments, including public safety, financial management, parks and recreation and public works. Each session is led by city staff and takes place in different city facilities to provide participants with hands-on experiences.

For registration information, residents can contact Catrina Godinez at 575-528-3003 or by email at cgodinez@lascruces.gov.

Academy Schedule:

• Jan. 8: City Clerk, Legal, and Audit – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• Jan. 15: Police, Fire, and Codes – East Mesa Safety Complex, 550 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
• Jan. 22: Financial Services & Budget – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• Jan. 29: Quality of Life – Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St.
• Feb. 5: Economic Development, Planning – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• Feb. 12: Parks and Recreation – Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 Bell Ave.
• Feb. 19: Community Development, Housing – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• Feb. 26: Utilities Open House – Utilities Building, 680 N. Motel Blvd.
• March 5: Human Resources, IT – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• March 12: No session (Spring Break)
• March 19: Communications, Community Engagement – Visit Las Cruces, 336 S. Main St.
• March 26: Public Works – City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2007 B/C, 700 N. Main St.
• April 2: Transit, Airport, Fleet – New Transit Station, 2340 Westway Ave.

The city encourages residents to consider joining the academy to gain insight into municipal operations and engage with city staff.