City of Las Cruces - Organ Mountain News

Gallery view of the Branigan Cultural Center’s All-City High School Senior Art Show, featuring student artwork on display and a colorful sign promoting the 2025 exhibition.

Branigan Cultural Center invites Las Cruces teens to enter 2026 All-City High School Art Show

Las Cruces high school juniors and seniors can apply now for the 2026 All-City High School Art Show at Branigan Cultural Center, featuring cash awards, a new format and a free framing workshop.

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with its curved adobe-style architecture and turquoise railings.

Local

Las Cruces Public Libraries seek new book vendor after Baker & Taylor bankruptcy

Las Cruces Public Libraries are searching for a new distributor after Baker & Taylor announced bankruptcy on Oct. 7. Staff will use interim purchasing methods, but new materials may arrive more slowly.

A woman takes a selfie in front of a colorful mural in downtown Las Cruces that reads “Downtown Las Cruces Go Thrive.”

City of Las Cruces

City of Las Cruces launches Downtown Master Plan update

Las Cruces begins updating its Downtown Master Plan, inviting public feedback Oct. 20–24 through meetings at Amador Live.

Three people review redevelopment renderings for Camuñez Park displayed on easels during a public meeting about the West Picacho and Motel Boulevard Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan.

City of Las Cruces

City seeks feedback on West Picacho, Motel Boulevard redevelopment plan

Las Cruces is taking public comment on a draft Metropolitan Redevelopment Area plan for West Picacho and Motel Boulevard through Oct. 29, 2025.

Drawing on a white handkerchief showing a man helping a child ride a tricycle, surrounded by pink geometric border designs.

Art

Museum of Art showcases Into the Hourglass: Paño Arte from the Rudy Padilla Collection

The Las Cruces Museum of Art is presenting Into the Hourglass: Paño Arte from the Rudy Padilla Collection, a traveling exhibition of Chicano prison art from the National Hispanic Cultural Center, on display through Jan. 3, 2026.

Elections

League of Women Voters schedules election forums in Las Cruces

The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico will host two nonpartisan candidate forums in September for contested school board and city council races ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Las Cruces City Hall with U.S., New Mexico and city flags flying in front.

City of Las Cruces

Las Cruces’ Know Your City program returns Sept. 3

Las Cruces residents are invited to take part in the city’s Know Your City program beginning Sept. 3, a free 12-week series that offers insight into local government operations.

John Muñoz smiles while wearing a dark suit and red patterned tie, standing against a plain light background.

Local

John Muñoz announces candidacy for Las Cruces City Council District 6

Business and nonprofit leader launches campaign focused on safety, housing and inclusive growth Organ Mountain News report LAS CRUCES – Two candidates are now in the running for Las Cruces City Council’s District 6 seat. Business and nonprofit leader John Muñoz announced his candidacy this week, joining Tommy Black, who

A customer stands at a cashier’s window inside Las Cruces City Hall while a staff member assists from behind the glass.

City of Las Cruces

City reminds utility customers of other payment options during two-hour closure

The City of Las Cruces Cashiering Program will close from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 for staff training. Residents can still pay utility bills by phone, online, at Walmart or through drop-box and one-time payment options.