Grant and Luna counties are preparing for the possibility of heavy rain and flash flooding across southwest New Mexico. Grant County is making filled sandbags available at the County Administration Building in Silver City and the Cliff-Gila Volunteer Fire Department, while Luna County residents can receive up to 10 filled sandbags per person at the County Road Department in Deming. Luna County is also asking residents to report areas affected by flooding to help officials identify damage and prioritize road repairs. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and take precautions as additional rain moves through the region.
The Lordsburg Playa Dust Mitigation Project is gaining international attention as an example of using nature-based solutions to reduce dangerous dust storms along Interstate 10. A new case study from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification highlights efforts to restore vegetation, improve water infiltration and reduce erosion rather than relying solely on traditional engineering. Research has found increased vegetation and less bare soil in treated areas, and the project is now being looked at as a potential model for addressing severe dust problems in other dry regions.
Luna County is bringing community members together to talk about homelessness and how it is affecting the area. The Homelessness Forum 2026 is scheduled for September 29 at 6 p.m. at the Mimbres Valley Special Events Center. The event will cover state and local laws, available services and ways organizations and residents can work together to address the issue. Community members will also have an opportunity to share ideas and discuss possible strategies for the future.
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New Mexico is moving forward with a regional approach to behavioral health services. The committee overseeing the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act reports that 11 of the state’s 13 regional plans have been approved. The plans address treatment and recovery services, support for youth and families, housing and transportation needs, and the behavioral-health workforce. The plans have a combined estimated cost of about 110 million dollars, but officials say it is too early to measure results because many of the programs have not yet fully launched. Luna County is part of Region Six under the statewide plan.