New Mexico Needs a 5-Year Strategic Plan
As we welcome the new year, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the 70 state representatives and 42 state senators joining New Mexico’s 57th Legislature. I am deeply grateful for the many dedicated individuals who generously dedicate their time and resources to enhancing the quality of life in our state.
It has been 14 months since my retirement as mayor of Las Cruces, but the city is well-prepared to move forward with several key initiatives, thanks to the comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan that my colleagues and I crafted. This plan showcases the significant strides our city has made over the past 16 years during my tenure as mayor.
I bring up the Strategic Plan because I have noticed various cabinet members outlining their strategic objectives; however, I have yet to see a unified plan for the state as a whole. While I acknowledge the absence of such a plan, I believe it would be beneficial to convene the legislature for statewide town hall meetings where legislators and residents can collaborate to develop citizen-led initiatives. Moreover, I see great potential in collaborating with legislators on specific state goals and exploring ways to achieve them outside the legislative session.
A prime example of collaborative planning is the City of Las Cruces’ request for $4.5 million to enhance affordable housing initiatives, including the construction of a 50-unit apartment complex. I commend my former colleagues for their efforts to expand the city’s affordable housing inventory.
Imagine if the state could build housing units throughout New Mexico and sell them at cost with reasonable interest rates. This strategy would not only expedite the availability of essential housing and job opportunities statewide but also help residents realize the American dream of homeownership, decrease rental costs due to increased supply, and generate revenue for the state.
By organizing statewide “work sessions” throughout the year, local elected officials, city councilors, and county commissioners could share and learn from successful practices being implemented in various cities and counties across New Mexico.
One of the most innovative initiatives launched by the Las Cruces Fire Department is Project L.I.G.H.T., which stands for “Lessening the Incidence of Grief, Harm, and Trauma.” This program offers holistic support to residents facing mental health or substance use challenges, providing trauma-informed care through specially trained mental health providers and paramedics during critical situations. I believe Albuquerque has a similar initiative to Project L.I.G.H.T.
Finally, the city is seeking $1.5 million for crime reduction initiatives, including the installation of additional traffic cameras, drone pods on city buildings, and five regional police response vehicles to assist the NM State Police with tactical operations. Could similar crime reduction strategies be adopted by other cities in the state that are looking to proactively tackle crime?
I would also like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the men and women in law enforcement for their steadfast commitment to serving and protecting our communities. The next time you encounter a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or corrections officer, please take a moment to thank them for their invaluable service.
Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1963.
He is of both Japanese and Mexican descent. He has lived in Las Cruces since 1971.
Ken was elected Mayor of Las Cruces in 2007 and retired on December 31, 2023. Heattended public schools and, in 1985, graduated from New Mexico State University (NMSU) with a BBA majoring in finance and real estate. He also has an MBA from UT-El Paso (UTEP). In 1984, while still attending NMSU, Ken began his insurance and financial services business, which he still owns today. He is also an adjunct college professor of finance at NMSU.
Ken and Rosie have four children, Danielle, John, Frank and Carlos.
