The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a joint resolution with the City of Santa Fe regarding Area 1B during its regular meeting on April 28.
The decision is significant for residents and property owners in District 2, as it addresses ongoing issues related to jurisdiction, planning, and service delivery for Area 1B. The resolution aims to clarify authority over the area and streamline future actions concerning land use and annexation.
According to the county’s announcement, the joint resolution will end phase three of annexation, waive the City’s right to challenge Santa Fe County’s designation of Agua Fria as a traditional historic community, convene the Extraterritorial Land Use Authority to return land-use authority to the county, and preserve property owners’ ability to petition for annexation without needing city approval. The next step is consideration by the City of Santa Fe’s Governing Body at its regular meeting on April 29.
The working group that developed this framework included Commissioner Lisa Cacari Stone (District 2), Commissioner Adam F. Johnson (District 4), City Councilors Alma Castro and Pat Feghali, with coordination from Mayor Michael J. Garcia. The proposal was introduced at an earlier board meeting on April 14 where it received positive feedback without any requested changes.
Santa Fe County promotes community engagement through public meetings, advisory boards and access to documents according to its official website. The county supports operations via administrative and service facilities across its region according to its official website. Transparent governance, resource stewardship and provision of essential services are core priorities for improving quality of life according to its official website.
Santa Fe County operates under a Board of County Commissioners responsible for policy-making alongside a County Manager who oversees administration according to its official website. Services are extended not only within unincorporated areas but also incorporated municipalities and pueblos throughout the region according to its official website. Areas served include public safety, health services, human services, public works and community development according to its official website.
Broader implications may follow if both governing bodies adopt this framework for resolving long-standing questions about Area 1B’s status.
