GUEST COLUMN: 2023 was a year of progress in Rio Rancho

The past year was one of progress in Rio Rancho and another year when our city was recognized nationally as a best place to live.

• A new dual-purpose facility designed to enhance community lifestyle and quality of life, The Hub @ Enchanted Hills, opened. This facility includes two indoor sports courts for year-round recreation and the city’s third library. The library offers a variety of resources and programming for all ages, as well as meeting space.

• Major road and utility projects such as Riverside Drive, King Boulevard, Pinetree Road, and 19th Avenue were completed. Other projects, including Spring Road, Enchanted Hills Boulevard and Quantum/Laser/Vortex Roads, got underway. In 2024, Northern Boulevard work will begin, and an additional 26 miles of residential street improvements will be made. Since 2016, 38 major road projects, with a cost of more than $108 million, have been undertaken, and more than 110 miles of residential/neighborhood roadways have been addressed.

• Fire Station #6 in Mariposa reopened after being closed for nearly 10 years. By prioritizing resources, more than $1.8 million was allocated to remodel, purchase vehicles and equipment, and staff this station to serve the growing northern Rio Rancho area.

• The city invested more than $1 million to begin upgrading the street lighting system with energy-efficient, cost-effective LED lighting. The first phase of citywide water meter replacements began using the latest technology.

• The governing body adopted a new five-year strategic plan for municipal government operations/services and updated vision, mission and core values statements. The plan outlines goals and strategies to achieve those goals.

Focus areas include community/economic development, quality of life, infrastructure, organizational excellence, and public safety.

• The governing body approved non-exclusive agreements for Comcast/Xfinity and Vexus Fiber to expand into the community and provide more services, including internet.

In closing, looking ahead to 2024, more progress is already planned, and the community will have the opportunity to make critical decisions.

The coming year will see phase 2 work initiated at City Center-Campus Park and the Broadmoor Senior Center.

The city will hold an election on March 5 to elect three city councilors and vote on three general obligation bond questions for roads, public safety and quality-of-life facilities. Approval of the bond questions will not raise property taxes and provide additional resources to address important needs. More information about the election is available on the city’s website, rrnm.gov/rrvotes.

Please have a safe and joyous holiday season, from my family to yours.

Sincerely, Mayor Greggory D. Hull