QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE 07-01-2026

The Quality of Life Committee meeting of the City of Santa Fe on July 1, 2026, focused heavily on housing policy and community safety funding. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of a six-month funding contract for Alchemy, a street outreach and community-based public safety service provider, with potential for contract amendments to adjust service standards. The committee also approved a $350,000 grant agreement with the New Mexico Department of Health for a coordinated community response to violence, emphasizing data analysis to support public health measures. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to debating an ordinance adjusting affordable housing fee requirements from 65% to 30% of area median income, with council members discussing the financial impact on developers and the need for further data analysis before finalizing policy changes. The committee ultimately approved the ordinance, acknowledging it as a technical correction to existing fee calculations. Staff updates included announcements of capital projects such as the Southside Teen Center expansion and ongoing community engagement for the general plan update. Public comments addressed concerns about street closures around the plaza and affordable housing challenges. Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to balance development incentives with affordable housing goals and community safety funding.