Gonzales will oversee building safety and land use operations, including permitting and inspections.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces has appointed Sara Gonzales as deputy director of community development for building and development services, where she will oversee building safety and land use operations.

In the role, Gonzales will help guide the city’s permitting and inspection teams while supporting broader development services functions.

Gonzales most recently served as interim deputy director. Her previous roles with the city include senior urban planner, economic development project manager, planner and permit technician.

City officials said Gonzales played a key role in finalizing updates to the city’s land use code, known as Realize Las Cruces, working across departments to ensure the code is clear, implementable and aligned with community priorities.

“Sara consistently goes above and beyond, and she brings the kind of leadership our building development team needs,” Community Development Director Chris Faivre said. “She is highly knowledgeable, dependable and committed to supporting staff and residents with professionalism and integrity.”

Gonzales holds professional credentials including certified zoning official and International Right of Way Association right of way agent.