Local legislators declare Rio Rancho Day in Roundhouse

SANTA FE — A House memorial will recognize Feb. 20 as Excellence in Rio Rancho Day during the 2025 New Mexico legislative session.

House Reps. Josh Hernandez, Catherine Cullen and Kathleen Cates sponsored the memorial. The memorial will be shared with Mayor Gregg Hull, city council members, City Manager Matt Geisel and Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Schalow Thursday.

It references Rio Rancho’s history, including its start as Rio Rancho Estates in 1960 and the city’s incorporation in 1981. It states the city is the third-largest city in New Mexico with a population of more than 100,000 people. It also says the city is the fastest-growing city in the state, referencing economic growth. The memorial states median household income increased from $54,000 to $85,000. It also states Rio Rancho is recognized as one of the safest cities in the state and the American Southwest.

The memorial also recognizes the Rio Rancho Public School District, which is celebrating 30 years of educating the community this year.

Additionally, the recognition refers to four publications that compliment Rio Rancho’s “livability and family-friendly environment” as well as several businesses in Rio Rancho.

“Rio Rancho has a growing business community that includes innovators in many industries, such as Intel, Lectrosonics, Insight Lighting, Aeroparts Manufacturing, Aersale Component Solutions, Green Theme Technologies, NTX Nature’s Toolbox, Stainless Motors, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and other prominent businesses, and is home to the university of New Mexico Health Sciences’ Advanced Center of Excellence for orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation,” it states.

The memorial is currently tabled in the House of Representatives.

The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce will also host an invite-only reception in recognition of Rio Rancho Day.