The City completed its latest Charter Review a few months ago after a lengthy process that started in October 2024. This review is conducted every five years by an independent commission made up of residents representing each ward of the community along with a municipal law expert. The commission is responsible for reviewing the City Charter, which is the foundational document that defines how our local government operates. Following the review, ten (10) ballot questions were approved by the City Council and will appear on this year’s local election ballot for city voters. City voters must decide whether these amendments move forward or not. These proposed changes could directly impact how the city functions in the future. Residents are encouraged to attend a local ward meeting to learn more about the Charter Review process, the commission’s recommendations, and the ballot questions that will be up for a vote. This is your chance to ask questions, understand the proposed changes, and be an informed voter. Join us at one of the following meetings, each held from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM: Thursday, October 9 at Don Cecilio Gymnasium, 412 Santa Fe Street Thursday, October 16 at Las Vegas Fire Station 1, 604 Legion Drive Thursday, October 23 at City Hall Council Chambers, 1700 N Grand Avenue Thursday, October 30 at Las Vegas Senior Center, 500 Sabino Street Make your voice heard. Stay informed. Help shape the future of our city.

As temperatures drop and fireplaces start getting used again, the Las Vegas Fire Department wants to make sure you are aware of the dangers and why cleaning your chimney before use is critical. Most chimney fires are caused by creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, especially when the fire does not burn completely. It starts as a gas, then cools and sticks to the inside walls of your chimney. Over time, it hardens into a thick, tar-like substance. The amount of creosote that builds up depends on several factors, including the type of wood you burn, the temperature of the fire, and how well air flows through your chimney. This buildup is dangerous for two main reasons. First, it can clog the chimney, increasing the risk of smoke or carbon monoxide entering your home. Second, it is highly flammable and can ignite from a single spark, potentially causing a fast-moving and dangerous chimney fire. The photos below show a chimney flue before cleaning and the amount of creosote that was removed. Even after cleaning, creosote begins building up again the next time you use your fireplace, which is why yearly maintenance is so important.  In particularly cold winters, fireplaces tend to be used more frequently and for longer periods of time. This leads to greater creosote buildup than usual. If possible, it is recommended to have your chimney flue cleaned during the season as well, especially if you notice heavy use. As colder weather sets in, the Las Vegas Fire Department urges all residents to have their chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected before winter begins and again mid-season if needed. Keep warm and stay safe throughout the fall and winter.

Las Vegas, N.M. — The City of Las Vegas Solid Waste Department has added a new MAC Walking Floor Trailer to its fleet, strengthening the city’s ability to transport trash to the Wagon Mound Landfill. The trailer is expected to make daily operations more efficient and help the department keep up with increasing demands. The truck was purchased with funding from last fiscal year’s budget and only needed a trailer to be put to full use. The trailer came as an added cost that required additional funding. Part of the expense was covered by trading in a scrap trailer that had been purchased several years ago but no longer met the department’s needs. The remaining funds were provided by City Councilman Marvin Martinez through a community-focused initiative. With both now in service, the equipment package is complete. “This trailer supports Ward 4 and all wards in our community, and it helps our solid waste employees get the job done,” said Councilman Martinez. “I am proud to have offered Ward 4 funding for our community, and I will continue to support the needs of Ward 4 and the entire city as a councilman.” The department says the new equipment was a much-needed addition. As the city continues to grow, the volume of trash collected each day has increased, putting pressure on existing resources. Solid waste crews are often tasked with working long hours to keep up with demand, and the addition of the new trailer and truck will allow for larger hauls and fewer trips to the landfill. This not only saves time and fuel but also reduces wear on existing vehicles and equipment, helping extend the life of the city’s fleet. “We thank Councilman Martinez for reaching out to assist us with this purchase,” said David Marquez, Solid Waste Director. “These things don’t happen at the flip of a light switch, but with the support of our mayor, council, and city manager, these things become possible and this is the kind of support our staff receives.”   Mayor David Romero, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, Councilman David Ulibarri, and City Manager Robert A. Anaya all remain committed to supporting the efforts of all city departments. This project highlights the importance of strategic investments in city infrastructure and the value of collaboration across departments and leadership. As the City of Las Vegas continues to grow and modernize, initiatives like this ensure that essential services keep pace with community needs, all while making operations more cost-effective and sustainable .

Las Vegas, N.M. — The City of Las Vegas has been awarded $1.5 million from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) through its Transportation Alternatives Program for the Riverwalk Trail Restoration Project. The funding will go toward major improvements to the walking trail that runs from National Avenue to Mills Avenue. The total cost of the project is $1.7 million and includes a required local match of $260,000. The City has submitted a request to NMDOT for a waiver of the local match requirement. Among the planned improvements is a new pedestrian walkover bridge at the Mills Avenue intersection. This bridge will connect the existing trail to the northern section along Cinder Road, enhancing both safety and accessibility while encouraging greater use of the trail system. The existing trail, built more than 20 years ago, has significantly deteriorated. Planned enhancements will bring the trail up to ADA standards and includes new pavement, trail markings, fitness stations, benches, and additional solar lighting consistent with prior improvements. These updates are aimed at increasing safety, supporting existing infrastructure, and promoting outdoor recreation and physical activity. The Riverwalk Trail Restoration Project is part of the broader Gallinas River Park initiative, which seeks to create a vibrant community destination and gathering space for both residents and visitors. Beautification and infrastructure enhancements have been ongoing. In 2024, the City installed three decorative gateway arches between Independence Avenue and National Avenue, funded by a $50,000 grant from the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program. A fourth arch is currently being fabricated for placement just beyond National Avenue. Robert Archuleta of Arch Consulting, LLC has also submitted an additional grant application to the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division in hopes to fund the final two arches leading up to Mills Avenue.    Additional improvements include the installation of new electrical infrastructure to support maintenance and special events such as “Luces en El Río”, a popular winter holiday celebration for families and visitors. Lockable electrical outlets have been added for safety and are activated only through permitted use. Solar lighting has also been installed along parts of the trail using capital outlay funds, with more lighting planned to further improve visibility and safety. The City of Las Vegas extends its sincere thanks to NMDOT Chairman Walter Adams and the entire District 4 staff for their continued partnership and support. This progress would not be possible without the leadership and dedication of Public Works Director Arnold Lopez and Public Works Manager Danny Gurule, as well as the successful grant writing efforts of Robert Archuleta of Arch Consulting, LLC. The City also acknowledges the ongoing support of the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments. Together, their efforts have been instrumental in securing funding and advancing this important community project. Mayor David Romero, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, Councilman David Ulibarri, and City Manager Robert A. Anaya remain committed to developing and maintaining high-quality outdoor recreational spaces for the community. The City will continue working closely with its local, regional, and state partners to ensure the long-term success of the Gallinas River Park project.

The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution will be working to repair a water leak affecting the 300 block of Santa Fe Street which began at 8:30 a.m. today and is expected to be completed at approximately 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. During this time, residents in the affected area may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage. Detour routes will be in place, and drivers are urged to use caution when traveling in the area. The City is committed to restoring service as quickly and safely as possible and will provide updates as needed. We understand that utility disruptions are inconvenient and appreciate your patience and cooperation while this important work is completed. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at (505) 454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas invites all clubs, businesses, and organizations to participate in Boo Fest, which will be held on Friday, October 31, starting at 3:00 p.m. and continuing while supplies last. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring costumes, treats, and Halloween fun. We encourage everyone to help make this Halloween a memorable celebration for our community. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and hand out candy, promotional items, or other giveaways. The inner circle of the Plaza will be closed during the event to ensure safety for children, though access through the Plaza will remain open. Law enforcement will be on-site, and drivers are reminded to reduce speed in the area. Trick-or-treaters will begin at Valencia Street and Bridge Street, near the Las Vegas Optic, and follow a loop-style trail along Bridge Street, around Plaza Park, and through the park itself where additional participants will be set up. The route will continue toward Bridge Street and Paseo de las Escuelas. Those not located in storefronts will be assigned space in Plaza Park on a first-come, first-served basis. Space may be limited. All participants must register for the event. The application can be found on the City’s website at www.lasvegasnm.gov , both on the homepage and in the Events section. Please note: ·No food or drink vendors are allowed. ·No items may be sold during the event. ·This is strictly a trick-or-treat event so children can collect their goodies and continue on to the next stop. For more information regarding street closures or event logistics, please contact Chuck Griego or Thomas Fernandez at 505-454-1401. The City of Las Vegas appreciates the community’s support and looks forward to a safe and fun Boo Fest.

Please be advised that residents and businesses on the west side of Las Vegas may experience low water pressure or a temporary outage. This is due to a contractor accidentally striking a main water line while digging behind the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute. The main break has been isolated, and repair efforts are currently underway. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience. For questions, please contact the Utilities Department at 505-454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution Team is currently working to isolate a water leak in the 1400 Block of 7th Street, near the Taco Bell area. As a result, residents and businesses in the surrounding area may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage while repairs are underway. Crews are actively working to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic control will be in place on 7th Street and Mills Avenue. Please take caution in the area. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The City of Las Vegas is proud to welcome the Historic Preservation Conference to our community. We are excited that Las Vegas, New Mexico was chosen to host this event, taking place October 3 to 5 at New Mexico Highlands University. Las Vegas is filled with history, culture, and unique architecture, and it is an honor to have that legacy highlighted through this important conference. If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time. You can sign up using the link below or register in person at the event. Mayor David Romero, Mayor Pro Tem/Councilman Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, and Councilman David Ulibarri join in warmly welcoming you to Las Vegas. We hope you enjoy your time here and come to appreciate our community as much as we do. https://www.preservenewmexico.com/

The City of Las Vegas is committed to being a fair and impartial government that serves everyone equally. To protect that commitment and comply with the law, political activity is not allowed on city property or by city employees while performing their official duties. This includes campaigning, endorsements, or using city buildings, staff time, equipment, or communication channels for any political purpose. In recent weeks, the city has received questions about why it doesn’t host or promote candidate debates or political forums. We understand the momentum behind the election, but the answer is grounded in law. Federal, state, and local regulations strictly limit political involvement by public agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations. These rules are in place to protect the integrity of public institutions. Violations can lead to serious consequences, such as loss of funding, threats to tax-exempt status, and erosion of public trust. Even the appearance of bias can undermine confidence in local government and the services it provides. Although the city does not participate in political campaigning, City Charter ballot questions will appear on the upcoming election ballot. These items relate only to city governance and are not connected to any candidate or political party. In the coming weeks, the city will share clear, factual information to help voters make informed decisions. We appreciate the community’s understanding. Remaining politically neutral is essential to keeping local government fair, transparent, and focused on serving everyone equally.

The City of Las Vegas Animal Care Center is currently experiencing a significant increase in animal intakes and is asking the community for immediate support. In addition to animals already in the center due to court-mandated holds and previous captures, there has been a recent rise in the number of stray dog packs across the area. The city's animal control officer is working diligently to safely capture these dogs, but the center is now operating well beyond its intended capacity. This increase has placed added pressure on the center’s limited space, staffing, and resources. As a result, the center is temporarily unable to accept additional animals from Las Vegas and San Miguel County. At this time, the center will only be taking in animals that are either vicious or injured and pose a threat to public safety or require immediate medical attention. While managing stray dog packs remains a priority for the city, future intakes will need to be handled in phases as space becomes available. To maintain the quality of care for all animals, public assistance is urgently needed. Community members are encouraged to consider fostering, adopting, or fostering-to-adopt. These efforts provide immediate relief for center staff and make room for more animals in need. To help promote adoptions, fees for all adult dogs are currently being waived. Although there are fewer puppies available, many adult dogs are ready to find caring, permanent homes. "With animals on court holds, a steady flow of new strays, and ongoing work to manage stray dog packs, our center is reaching its limits," said Police Chief Caleb Marquez. "We are asking our community to come together once again. These animals deserve care and compassion, and we’ve seen time and again that Las Vegas is a community that shows up when it matters most." Those interested in fostering or adopting are encouraged to contact the City of Las Vegas Animal Care Center at 505-426-3289. Public support during this time is essential to helping the center continue its mission and ensure every animal receives the attention and care it needs.

The City of Las Vegas Utilities Division would like to inform residents that public access to reclaimed (effluent) water from the standpipe at the Utility Services Center, located at 905 12th Street, e nded for the season on Friday, September 26, 2025. This seasonal closure affects all residents who currently use effluent water from this location. This action is part of our regular seasonal operations and helps ensure that water services remain safe, reliable, and sustainable for our community. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we continue to provide high-quality utility services throughout the year. The City of Las Vegas remains committed to the safety, health, and well-being of all residents. Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at (505) 454-3832.