Michael J. Garcia
WILDFIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES: What would you do to reduce wildfire risks in our neighborhood, with its heavy tree cover and extremely limited egress? Will you actively support improved evacuation routes/strategies, use of wildfire spotting cameras and other advance warning systems? The creation of safe areas for sheltering if evacuation is not possible? What about flood risk?
Garcia: The impact of climate change on our community continues to grow each year. As a result, areas like the Canyon neighborhood are facing increased risks from natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding. As your mayor, I will prioritize the safety of our residents by initiating a targeted evacuation and disaster preparedness plan specifically designed for the Canyon area.
This plan will include:
Clear evacuation routes and procedures for both wildfire and flooding scenarios.
Risk reduction strategies, such as collaborating with residents to thin overgrown vegetation and heavy tree cover.
Emergency drills and preparedness exercises to ensure residents are familiar with what to do in the event of a disaster.
Robust communication and warning systems to deliver timely alerts and instructions.
Quarterly community meetings focused on disaster prevention, preparedness, and long-term climate resilience planning.
Our city has a responsibility to provide all residents especially those in high-risk areas with the information, training, and resources they need to stay safe. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient community in the face of climate change.
ROADS: How could you as Mayor keep our residents safer while walking, biking, or driving on our very old, narrow, and overused roads? And from the impacts from runoff and erosion?
Garcia: As the current Chair of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), I have worked to ensure that our roads support safe and accessible travel for all whether by bike, on foot, or by car. It is critical that we continue to expand on this work by embracing Complete Streets policies designing and upgrading our roadways to support multi-modal transportation and ensure the safety of all users, regardless of age or ability. I am proud to be a sponsor of the legislation that adopted the Complete Stetts model.
As your mayor, I will lead the effort to leverage modern technology to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Santa Fe’s roadways. This analysis will enable city staff to:
Identify roads in need of reconstruction, resurfacing, or grading
Pinpoint areas facing erosion or drainage challenges that require mitigation
Prioritize infrastructure investments based on data-driven assessments and community needs
By combining innovative tools with community-focused planning, we can create safer, more sustainable streets that reflect the values and needs of all Santa Fe residents.
LAND USE: Even without any zoning changes or variances, if undeveloped lots in our neighborhood were built upon, housing density could double, overwhelming our crowded roads, and other infrastructure including water and sewer. How could you as Mayor mitigate this problem, from limiting density to improving infrastructure, to short-term rental regulation and beyond?
Garcia: As mayor, I will work closely with city staff during the update of both the Land Use Code and the General Plan to ensure that growth in Santa Fe is managed responsibly and sustainably. I will advocate for the inclusion of clear language in both planning tools that requires a thorough infrastructure impact assessment before any higher-density development is approved in already developed areas. This means carefully evaluating whether existing infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, and public services, can support additional development without compromising the quality of life for current residents.
I will also begin the process of evaluating the City’s short-term rental ordinance to ensure it is serving the best interests of Santa Fe residents. This includes a thorough review of both the ordinance itself and how it is being enforced. To support this effort, I will fully staff a dedicated enforcement office responsible for the effective oversight and management of short-term rentals across the city. This will ensure compliance with city regulations, protect neighborhood character, and address concerns raised by residents. Santa Fe must strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the integrity of our communities, and that starts with strong, consistent, and fair enforcement.
TRAILS: With a robust public trail system and popular informal trails that often cross private property, how can you help us remain welcoming to hikers without losing quality of life for our residents?
Garcia: Santa Fe is proud to be home to an outstanding trail system that allows residents and visitors to experience the beauty of our city from a wide range of outdoor perspectives. These trails are a vital part of our community’s character, recreation, and connection to nature. However, as trail use increases, it's important to ensure that users understand when they are on public land versus private property.
To support this, the city must invest in clear and consistent trail markings and signage to help prevent unintentional trespassing and maintain positive relationships between trail users and nearby residents. As the chair of BPAC, I led the process of getting appropriate signage installed on the city’s bike paths. Because of my experience on the topic of getting signage installed, this will be helpful as I work to get appropriate signage installed on the trails in the Canyon neighborhood area.
If there are areas where residents prefer not to have trail access, the city can work collaboratively and respectfully with property owners to find solutions that minimize conflict while preserving trail access wherever appropriate. As mayor, I will commit to working with both residents and trail users to ensure that our trail system continues to be a cherished resource, enhancing, not diminishing, the quality of life for those who live near it.
WATER: How would you maximize environmental and public benefit from the Two Mile Pond complex without sacrificing downstream water users or the acequias? Will you support restoring a pond ecosystem fed by Living River water, by dredging, or other means?
Garcia: I have been a strong advocate for the restoration of Two-Mile Pond and the dedication of sufficient water resources to support a healthy, thriving wetland ecosystem. Revitalizing this area would bring significant ecological, recreational, and educational benefits to the residents of Santa Fe. By restoring Two-Mile Pond, we can create a living wetland that attracts wildlife, supports biodiversity, and showcases our commitment to environmental stewardship. This space would not only serve as a refuge for nature but also offer recreational opportunities such as walking, birdwatching, and nature-based activities for residents of all ages.
Importantly, the restored wetland would serve as a unique outdoor classroom, providing hands-on learning experiences for children and students across Santa Fe. It would become a place where environmental science, conservation, and appreciation for the natural world come to life.
As mayor, I will remain committed to making this vision a reality, ensuring that Two-Mile Pond becomes a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable space for nature, learning, and community connection.
OTHER: What else can you do as Mayor to help preserve and improve life in the Canyon?
Garcia: As mayor, I will prioritize ongoing conversations and meaningful engagement with residents of the Canyon neighborhood. I am committed to listening closely, understanding your concerns, and ensuring that the needs of the community are not overlooked. It will be my priority to address any gaps in services or support, and to work collaboratively with residents to find real, lasting solutions that enhance quality of life in the neighborhood.