Rio Rancho gridlock on development impact fees drags on
The Rio Rancho Governing Body remains divided over development impact fees dating back to a 2012 moratorium and a 2014 end. Despite lawsuits, settlements, and a 2015 consultant study predicting growth to 104,214 by 2022, officials formed another committee and delayed action. With input from staff and a capital improvements panel, the council must decide soon to avoid competitive disadvantages versus Albuquerque and legal jeopardy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rio Rancho
Curb Development Inc
Albuquerque
Dawnn Robinson
Robinson
Capital Improvement Citizens Advisory Committee
Capital Improvement Committee
Cheryl Everett
Gregg Hull
Public lands should reflect the diversity of our people
A reflective essay argues public lands must mirror America’s diverse populations. It cites historical underrepresentation of Hispanics in Oregon and broader racial gaps in National Park Service staffing, urging bold outreach and inclusive policies to connect children of color with parks and cultural sites in New Mexico and beyond.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oregon
New Mexico
NPS
Bandelier
Gila Cliff
Salinas Pueblo Mission
Fort Union
Carlsbad Caverns
Seeing through the facade of Rio Rancho politics
Mark Scott, a former Rio Rancho city councilor, criticizes Councilor Cheryl Everett for promises of open government. He sketches alleged closed meetings, a redefined utilities commission, and an ethics ordinance that he says limits oversight and creates conflicts of interest.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cheryl Everett
Everett
The
Utilities Commission
Utilities Fund
G&a
Bill White
Mark Scott
Rio Rancho
Return elections to the people and curb big money
Tom Buckner of Rio Rancho argues that elections are dominated by large donors and media campaigns. He proposes limiting campaign time, restricting fundraising, and offering nominal radio and TV airtime to major parties to restore focus on issues and return electoral power to voters.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New Mexico
United States
Viewpoints policy on submissions and dialogue
The Observer publishes guest columns and letters as submitted without fact checking or corrections. They reflect the author's beliefs and do not imply endorsement by the Observer. Submissions from all perspectives are welcomed to foster a respectful community dialogue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Observer
Also Mentioned on This Page
Malpais
Valles Caldera
White Sands
James Jimenez
Voices For Children
New Mexico Senate
Susana Martinez
Senate
Tom Buckner
Thomas Buckner
Creel SN
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!