Seeing a crane, orange barrel or message board has always been a sign of progress and investment to me.  Many different projects have made these sights commonplace in Rio Rancho over the last several years.

All four corners of Rio Rancho have seen activity stemming from:

  • 36 major road projects and 110 miles of improved residential streets.
  • The opening of Campus Park featuring the award-winning Sky Room Amphitheater, Broadmoor Senior, and The Hub @ Enchanted Hills quality-of-life center featuring a branch library and indoor pickleball courts.
  • Reopening of a fire station with additional personnel.
  • Water and sewer system replacements.
  • Street light upgrades for efficiency.
  • New home construction and business openings.

This fall, different initiatives will be underway to contribute to Rio Rancho remaining nationally recognized on lists of the best places to live.

Major road projects will be occurring on Enchanted Hills Blvd. and Quantum Road. The first phase of playground replacement and improvement work at older city parks will begin thanks to voter support of a Quality of Life Facilities Bond question, which did not raise taxes. The continued replacement and acquisition of police-fire/rescue equipment and vehicles will help keep community public safety high.

From October through December, the community can come together and celebrate at several special events coordinated by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.

The Fall Festival on Saturday, October 21, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Campus Park in City Center will feature carnival games, pumpkin carving, food trucks and trunk or treating.

We will celebrate our military veterans with a parade down Southern Blvd. and a special ceremony at Veterans Monument Park on Saturday, Nov. 11, beginning at 10 a.m.

The holiday season will officially kick off in Rio Rancho on Friday, Dec. 1, beginning at 5 p.m. at our Winterfest celebration in City Center and Campus Park. The highlights will include a parade, music, free hot chocolate, a tree-lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus (with picture opportunities).

I look forward to seeing and visiting with residents at these upcoming community events.

For more information about what is happening in the city, I encourage you to view my annual State of the City Report, which will be available on the city’s website (rrnm.gov) and the city’s YouTube channel next month.