The City of Santa Fe has announced an increase in the local Living Wage to $15.40 per hour, effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment is based on a 2.68 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the Western Region over the past year. The previous rate for 2025 was $15.00 per hour.
Under the city’s Living Wage Ordinance, employers can count tips toward meeting the wage requirement for employees who regularly earn at least $100 per month in tips or commissions. Employers may pay a base wage of $3.00 per hour; if combined wages and tips do not meet the new hourly minimum, employers are required to make up the difference so that each employee receives at least $15.40 per hour.
Printed copies of the updated Living Wage poster are available at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall.
The city also announced its annual Egg Hunt & Big Truck Event will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Municipal Recreation Complex. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with the egg hunt beginning at 10:00 a.m. Additional event details will be provided as the date approaches.
Roadway improvements are scheduled to begin February 23, 2026, on Airport Road between Cerrillos Road and NM 599 as part of a project led by the Public Works Department’s Complete Streets Division. Phase One focuses on concrete and accessibility improvements from Cerrillos Road to Fairly Road before asphalt work begins later in spring. Construction is expected to continue through May, depending on weather and field conditions.
The Genoveva Chavez Community Center swimming pools will be closed on February 28 and March 1 to host the Charger Aquatics Swim Meet, which brings together swimmers from across the region for competitive events. Pools will reopen for regular activities on Monday, March 2.
Santa Fe’s Go Local Go Different initiative continues efforts to support local businesses and foster community engagement through shared resources and promotional activities as part of its broader Community Investment Program.
Registration is now open for Spring Break Youth Camp taking place March 30 through April 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Genoveva Chavez Community Center. The camp is available for children ages six to twelve and includes various recreational activities such as swimming and ice skating. Fees are determined by household income; parents must provide proof of age and income during registration.
The city is seeking applicants for an At-Large member position on its Transit Advisory Board. This four-year term involves monthly meetings focused on public transportation policy matters affecting Santa Fe residents. Applications are due by March 13, 2026.
River Talks returns this year with presentations about topics related to the Santa Fe River watershed. The first event takes place Thursday, March 12, featuring speakers Arle Kruckeberg from Native Plant Society and Michael Carr from Santa Fe County discussing riparian species found locally as well as ongoing citizen science projects.
Community members interested in more information about these initiatives or events can visit official city channels or contact designated staff members directly.
