Las Cruces and Doña Ana County begin work on 2025-26 budgets

City and county officials say the coming fiscal year will focus on public safety, infrastructure and housing

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - City and county leaders are shaping their budgets for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with key priorities emerging around housing, infrastructure and public safety — and opportunities ahead for residents to help shape the outcome.

What’s in the proposed city budget

The Las Cruces City Council is reviewing a proposed $596.6 million budget for the coming fiscal year. That includes $165.1 million in the General Fund, which supports most day-to-day services.

The city is using a “BASE” approach to develop the budget — emphasizing balance, accountability, sustainability and efficiency. The process unfolds in three phases:

• Maintaining contractual and legal obligations
• Funding existing levels of public service
• Evaluating new requests, including one-time costs and staff reclassifications

City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau said the city is also working to make the budget process more accessible, with clearer summaries and more user-friendly public meetings.

The proposed budget will be presented at a public work session and hearing scheduled for April 14. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.

What to expect from Doña Ana County’s 2025-26 budget

Doña Ana County has not yet released its full proposed budget for the next fiscal year. But officials are expected to present a preliminary draft later this spring.

The budget will likely address ongoing priorities such as road improvements, flood control, rural infrastructure and emergency services — which have featured prominently in past years.

Once a draft is available, it will go through a series of public meetings before being finalized.

How to get involved

Local officials say resident input is essential. Members of the public can help shape both the city and county budgets by:

• Attending public hearings or work sessions
• Reviewing draft budgets online once published
• Submitting comments or questions through city and county websites

For Las Cruces, upcoming agendas and budget documents will be posted at lascruces.gov. County updates can be found at donaanacounty.org.