Finance Committee Meeting

The City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met on July 28, 2026, to discuss several key procurement and policy items related to affordable housing and public space management. A significant portion of the meeting focused on Bill 2026-11, which proposes amending the fee-in-lieu calculation for affordable housing from 65% to 30% of the area median income, aiming to better align fees with actual affordable housing costs. The committee debated an amendment allowing developers to pay fees over time rather than upfront, weighing administrative burdens against potential benefits of increased fee collection. The amendment was tabled for further refinement and scheduled for consideration at the governing body meeting. Additionally, the committee considered a resolution to amend prior resolutions regarding the permanent seasonal closure of certain streets around the Santa Fe Plaza to enhance pedestrian safety and event management. The discussion included public safety concerns, emergency vehicle access, and the impact on local events. Multiple amendments were proposed and voted on, resulting in a compromise to keep one lane open for emergency access during closures. The meeting concluded with requests for reports on capital improvement projects, including a $1 million beautification fund for the plaza and $5 million for Fort Marcy Park improvements.