At his final meeting as chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, newly elected Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith outlined priorities he plans to advance with a strong emphasis on revitalizing downtown Silver City. Among these priorities is a commitment to regularly question the police chief at Town Council meetings regarding patrol activity, stops, citations, public safety concerns, and complaints related to noise, odors, and property damage, including issues affecting the Big Ditch area. Another focus will be on the need for zoning updates to increase foot traffic, enhance safety, and support downtown economic vitality.
The Village of Santa Clara will hold its regular meeting on January 8 at 6:00 p.m. at Santa Clara City Hall. Agenda items include the approval or disapproval of several matters, including the American Ramp Company Sourcewell Design-Build Agreement, the 2025 non-exclusive franchise agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC to provide services to the Village of Santa Clara, and Resolution 2026-01 regarding participation in the Transportation Project Fund Program administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
LGBTQ Grant County has recently secured two grants that will strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability and expand its community-focused initiatives. The first award, a $2,000 grant from the Rainbow Fund of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports LGBTQ-centered community efforts. The second, a $9,000 grant from the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Envision Fund, provides general operating support and resources to enhance organizational infrastructure. Together, these grants will help with ongoing advocacy, community education, and programs that foster connection and belonging across Grant County.
In Luna County news:
The Village of Columbus is informing the community of ongoing construction projects taking place throughout the village, including work currently underway on Taft Street. Construction activities are progressing at the intersection of Taft Street and Blair Avenue and will extend slightly into the adjacent North Boundary Avenue. As a precautionary safety measure, barricades will be installed in the affected area. Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution and plan accordingly while the work is in progress.
