NEWS RELEASE: Robert Anaya Appointed City Manager of Las Vegas by Unanimous Vote
- asalas843
- 1 day ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
Contact: Amanda C. Salas, Mayor Liaison/PIO
Email: clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov
Phone: (505) 426-5703
Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov
Las Vegas, NM — In a unanimous vote during Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, Robert Anaya was officially appointed as the new City Manager of Las Vegas, following the resignation of former City Manager Timothy Montgomery earlier this month.
Due to the short timeframe and the upcoming municipal elections in November, which could result in changes to the mayoral and council positions, the Governing Body voted to waive the Charter Rule that requires two qualified candidates to be presented for appointment. Anaya was a qualified candidate willing to serve under the current transitional circumstances, despite extensive efforts by Mayor David Romero to identify additional candidates. City officials emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent leadership during this critical period.
After the appointment, Anaya addressed the Governing Body with humility and gratitude, stating, “I appreciate the confidence and the opportunity that you give me to come and work for the City of Las Vegas, the Meadow City that I live in and am a resident of. I look forward to working with all of you to move forward the objectives, policies, and procedures that you as the mayor and each one of you council members have put forward. I look forward to working with the individuals behind me, beside me, all around me throughout the city and community, including the staff.”
Mayor David Romero expressed strong support for Anaya’s appointment and thanked the Governing Body, noting the importance of avoiding a lapse in leadership. He emphasized that the city must continue its momentum and stay on track with current goals and initiatives. Council members also shared positive remarks, highlighting their previous work with Anaya and expressing confidence in his ability to step into the role effectively.
Anaya brings a wide range of experience to the position. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Public Affairs, and has completed the Alternative Teaching Licensure Program in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies.
He currently serves as the Farmington and Santa Fe Center Manager for New Mexico Highlands University and is also the President of the NMHU Staff Senate. His professional background includes work in education as a substitute and student teacher, experience as an apprentice electrician and propane technician, and service with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. He also held various roles in Santa Fe County government, including work in the Housing Authority, Community Development, Health and Economic Development, Senior Services, and County Fair Operations. In addition, Anaya is a ranch owner and a former Santa Fe County Commissioner.
With his strong ties to the community and diverse background in public service, Anaya is expected to provide steady leadership and foster collaboration across city departments and throughout the community. He will assume the role of City Manager in mid-June.
Update from Acting Co-City Managers Caleb Marquez and Lucas Marquez
During the City Council meeting, Acting Co-City Managers Caleb Marquez and Lucas Marquez provided a brief report on their interim efforts while serving in the leadership role. They highlighted several key initiatives and accomplishments that took place during their tenure:
Advanced plans and approved filter bed replacements at the water treatment plant
Monitored current river elevations in coordination with the Fire Chief, with plans in place to take action if necessary to protect public safety
Continued progress on grant-funded and capital outlay projects, securing necessary approvals
Conducted departmental budget reviews
Issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for debris removal
Finalized contract negotiations with two labor unions
Ensured operational consistency across all city departments
Their leadership during this transitional period was acknowledged by the City Council, which expressed appreciation for their dedication and efforts in maintaining essential city functions and services.
Peterson Dam Project Progress
Travis Martinez, Utility Director (Water), provided an update on the Peterson Dam Project. He reported that project plans and designs are progressing ahead of schedule through ongoing collaboration with the New Mexico State Engineer. Full approval and permitting are anticipated by November 2025.The project aims to:
Increase water storage by 100 acre-feet
Address infrastructure needs identified after the June 2024 flood, including levy system reinforcement
Martinez noted that the water plant is currently operating efficiently, with storage levels at 97% capacity.
After-Action Review Investigation Underway
Attorney Stevie Nichols of Ortiz & Zamora, Attorneys at Law, LLC, provided a brief update on the ongoing After-Action Review related to the February 2025 water incident.
Mayor David Romero emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the process. “As you’re aware, the city manager last month said that he would have an update to this governing body and I made sure of that,” said Mayor Romero. “I did reach out to Stevie to see if she could give an update. I know she ran into some roadblocks, but I think it is important the community knows this is being taken seriously. It didn’t fall on deaf ears and is being worked on.”
Nichols reported that 18 individuals are scheduled to be interviewed as part of the investigation, with approximately 9 interviews completed to date. She anticipates the remaining interviews will be finalized within a week.
The official After-Action Review report is expected to be completed and formally presented to the Governing Body and public by the law firm at the first regular City Council meeting in June.
Council Approves $1 Million for Hot Springs Project – Phase 2
The Governing Body voted unanimously to allocate $1,000,000 dollars for Phase 2 of the Hot Springs Road Improvement Project, which will be budgeted for the FY 2025–2026 fiscal year.
This funding builds on a previous council decision to pursue a major infrastructure initiative as a joint effort by the Governing Body.
Additional Items
The Robertson High School Boys Basketball Team was recognized for winning the State Championship in March.
Council approved proposals for citywide concrete services and for access control and camera system services.
To watch this meeting and others, visit the City of Las Vegas, New Mexico YouTube channel. The City Council holds regular meetings on the second and third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Las Vegas City Hall, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701.