News and Articles
04/07/2026
City and County of Santa Fe Introduce Joint Resolution on Area 1B Future
SANTA FE, NM, April 7, 2026—The City and County of Santa Fe have jointly drafted a resolution addressing the future of Area 1B, Santa Fe, near Agua Fría, that has been the subject of ongoing discussions regarding jurisdiction, planning, and service delivery. The resolution will be introduced to the Santa Fe City Council on Tuesday, April 7, and will be introduced to the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners on April 14, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative planning effort.
The introduction follows months of work by a joint working group comprised of County Commissioners Lisa Cacari Stone and Adam F. Johnson and City Councilors Alma Castro and Pat Feghali, who were convened earlier this year to explore options including possible annexation and other alternatives for Area 1B. The proposed resolution comes after a Community Forum comprised of 80 residents who gathered on March 19 at the Food Depot and virtually to discuss and provide feedback on various policy options regarding the future of Area 1B.
The joint resolution directs City and County staff to bring forward amendments to longstanding annexation agreements that would terminate Phase 3 of annexation for the remainder of Area 1B, waive the City’s right to challenge the County’s potential designation of the area as part of the Traditional Historic Community of Agua Fría, and reconvene the Extraterritorial Land Use Authority to implement any necessary land-use changes. The resolution also preserves the ability of individual property owners to petition for annexation, without obligating the City to approve such requests, ensuring flexibility while prioritizing community-informed outcomes.
“I am proud to support this joint resolution as a step toward resolving longstanding questions around Area 1B," said Mayor M. Garcia. "By advancing a collaborative path forward, we are creating the conditions for clearer governance, better planning, and stronger relationships with the county and the residents we serve.”
Commissioner, District 2, Lisa Cacari Stone added, “This action brings long-overdue clarity to Area 1B residents who have lived for years in uncertainty about their future. It reflects what we heard directly from the community—a clear desire for stability, respect for their identity, and a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives."
The resolution will now undergo review through City and County committees before coming to a final vote including:
- April 7: Introduction — Santa Fe City Council
- April 14: Introduction — Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners
- April 20: Committee Review — Public Works and Utilities Committee (City)
- April 22: Committee Review — Quality of Life Committee (City)
- April 27: Committee Review — Finance Committee (City)
- April 28: Vote — Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners
- April 29: Vote — Santa Fe City Council
Residents and community members are encouraged to attend committee and governing body meetings to learn more about the resolution and share their perspectives. Meeting schedules, agendas, and remote participation information will be posted on the City and County websites.
For more information, please visit Santa Fe County website or City of Santa Fe, or contact:
City of Santa Fe, Peter Olson, (505) 819-1062, PDolson@SantaFeNM.gov
Santa Fe County, Communications Coordinator, Shawna Graves, (505) 986-6224, SGraves@SantaFeCountyNM.gov
Issued jointly by the City of Santa Fe and the County of Santa Fe.
