Las Crucens will have multiple opportunities to weigh in on how the City of Las Cruces will manage land use and zoning as it relates to cannabis growers and retailers now that the New Mexico Legislature has legalized cannabis for recreational use.
“Since recreational cannabis became legal in New Mexico on June 29, we are providing a multitude of engagement opportunities for the public to find out more information, discover potential positive economic impacts, and to provide us input on their ideas and concerns as we examine land use and zoning options,” explained Assistant City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau, who is also serving as interim economic development director beginning the end of July.
The City encourages members of the public to participate in a survey that will close on August 15. Information for the survey, which is in English and Spanish, may be found at City of Las Cruces Cannabis Survey.
Additionally, community members are invited to any of the public meetings scheduled to hear discussion on the topic, and are especially encouraged to attend a Town Hall Interactive Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St. A second town hall meeting will be scheduled in August to provide results of input and next steps.
“At this town hall on July 22 we offer community members the opportunity to talk to city officials and participate in activities similar to a charette that provide us input on zoning and land use,” Taumoepeau said.
Community Development Department Director Larry Nichols said community input is very important in preparing an ordinance for the City.
“We really want to get a sense from community members about their concerns and preferences on the legalized growing and sale of cannabis within the confines of state law,” Nichols said. He added that the department has been researching what other cities have been doing. The ordinance will address the City’s business license registration and building codes, and the zoning and land use code. Once drafted, it will be forwarded to City Council for consideration.
The City of Las Cruces is providing information on its website and links to other information, including the state’s Cannabis Control Division at https://ccd.rld.state.nm.us/ to understand the new rules for the state of New Mexico and how those rules may impact local communities.
More information about cannabis may be found at Cannabis Information | Las Cruces, NM (las-cruces.org)
The following dates are scheduled for the survey, presentations, and public meetings.
July 15 - August 15 – Survey to public. Digital survey available online at City of Las Cruces Cannabis Survey.
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 – Economic Development Policy Review Meeting discussion, Library Board Room, Second Floor, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.
1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 – Quality of Life Policy Review Meeting discussion, Conference Room A, City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 – Town Hall Interactive Meeting #1, in-person at Council Chambers, City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
1 p.m. Monday, July 26 – Work Session to City Council, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
6 p.m. Tuesday, July 27 – Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 12 – Town Hall #2, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
1 p.m. Monday, August 16 – City Council Regular Meeting, (anticipated) first reading of proposed ordinance related to recreational cannabis, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St. Public may contact their city councilors to provide comment to them leading up to Sept. 7 meeting.
1 p.m. Tuesday, September 7 – City Councilor Regular Meeting, (anticipated) final consideration of proposed ordinance related to recreational cannabis, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
For information regarding this the survey and meetings, please contact the Community Engagement Office at 575/541-2192 or by email at cannabis@las-cruces.org.