Ronald Trujillo
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?
Trujillo: I take the wildfire threat to our neighborhoods very seriously, especially given our dense tree cover, limited evacuation routes, and the reality that climate change is intensifying both fire and flood risks. My approach would include:
Reducing Wildfire Risk: I support stronger vegetation management in partnership with city fire services, neighborhood associations, and private property owners. That includes thinning overgrown areas, clearing defensible space, and ensuring utility companies manage vegetation around power lines.
Evacuation Routes & Strategies: With our limited egress, I will work to prioritize improvements to evacuation planning—both physical (studying and, where feasible, creating or improving alternative routes) and operational (ensuring every neighborhood has clear, practiced evacuation protocols).
Advance Warning & Technology: I strongly support the installation of wildfire spotting cameras and improved early warning systems. The more lead time residents have, the safer they’ll be.
Shelter in Place / Safe Zones: In neighborhoods where evacuation may not always be possible, I would advocate for designated and properly equipped safe shelter areas as a last-resort option.
Flood Risk: After wildfires, flood risk increases dramatically due to burn scars. I will support proactive flood mitigation: reinforcing drainage systems, prioritizing post-fire erosion control, and ensuring residents have accurate flood risk maps and alerts.
In short, my commitment is to a multi-layered approach prevention, preparedness, early warning, and safe evacuation or shelter options so that our neighborhoods are as resilient as possible to wildfire and related emergencies.
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?
Trujillo:
Roads and Safety:
Santa Fe’s roads are some of the oldest in the state, and many of them were never designed for today’s traffic. They’re narrow, overused, and too often unsafe for walkers, bikers, and drivers. As Mayor, I will make road safety and maintenance a top priority.
First, we must be proactive, not reactive. That means year-round maintenance filling cracks before they become potholes on roads like Cerrillos Road or Airport Road, cleaning storm drains along St. Michael’s Drive before monsoon season, and reinforcing shoulders on narrow streets like those in the Historic Eastside before erosion damages them. Preventative work saves money and keeps people safe.
Second, we need safer infrastructure for everyone. For pedestrians, that means repairing broken sidewalks along Cerrillos Road and adding new ones near Sweeney Elementary and other schools so kids and families can walk safely. For bikers, we need to expand and clearly mark bike lanes especially on Agua Fría and Rodeo Road, where traffic is heavy and visibility is low. For pedestrians and drivers, improving crosswalks on St. Michael’s Drive with better lighting and signals will save lives.
Third, runoff and erosion are major threats. We’ve all seen how Arroyo Chamiso overflows during heavy rains, sending water across roads and creating hazards. I will push for upgraded drainage systems, new culverts in flood-prone neighborhoods like Candelero and the Railyard area, and green infrastructure that slows stormwater before it reaches our streets.
Finally, we cannot do this alone. Santa Fe deserves its fair share of state and federal infrastructure dollars, and as Mayor I’ll fight for them so our community isn’t left to carry the burden by itself.
Safer roads mean more than smoother drives they mean children can walk to school without fear, seniors can cross busy intersections confidently, bikers can ride without constant danger, and neighborhoods stay connected even during storms. That’s the proactive leadership I will bring.
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?
Trujillo:
Land Use and Growth in Santa Fe:
Santa Fe is facing real pressures on housing, but unchecked development could overwhelm our neighborhoods and infrastructure. Even without zoning changes, if all vacant lots were built on, some areas could see housing density double straining roads, water, sewer, and public services. As Mayor, I will take a proactive, neighborhood-focused approach.
Infrastructure First: Before approving new development, we must ensure our roads, water, and sewer systems can handle it. For example, neighborhoods near Agua Fría Street and Calle Mejia already experience traffic congestion and stormwater issues. Our water system, particularly in the Southside and Westside, is stressed during drought, and sewer capacity in older parts of the city like the Historic Eastside is limited. I will prioritize upgrades in these areas before adding density.
Responsible Density: Development should match neighborhood capacity. Projects in fragile areas, like Arroyo Chamiso corridor neighborhoods, should not move forward if infrastructure can’t support them. Growth should be directed to areas built for higher density, such as along Cerrillos Road, St. Michael’s Drive, and near the Santa Fe Railyard, where roads and utilities can better handle it.
Neighborhood Voice: Residents must have a say early. I will require community meetings and impact assessments before approving projects in established neighborhoods so people know what’s coming and can provide input.
Short-Term Rentals: I support stronger regulation and enforcement of short-term rentals. Neighborhoods like Downtown Santa Fe and the Railyard area have seen long-term housing pulled off the market, driving up rents. Santa Fe housing should prioritize residents, not short-term investors.
Balanced Growth: We need more housing, but growth must be strategic and sustainable. Affordable housing should be focused in areas already served by transit and infrastructure, while fragile, high-risk neighborhoods remain protected.
By planning carefully and investing in our infrastructure, we can grow responsibly, protect our neighborhoods, and make Santa Fe a safe, livable city for everyone.
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?
Trujillo:
Trails and Public Access:
Santa Fe is blessed with a robust public trail system and beautiful informal trails that give residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy our outdoors. As Mayor, I believe we can remain welcoming to hikers while protecting the quality of life for neighborhoods.
Balanced Access: We must respect both hikers and residents. That means maintaining trails in ways that minimize noise, congestion, and parking impacts on nearby neighborhoods, especially areas like the Dale Ball Trails, Arroyo Hondo, and Sun Mountain.
Public-Private Partnerships: Many popular informal trails cross private property. I will work collaboratively with landowners to secure easements or agreements that keep trails open legally and safely, protecting property rights while allowing public enjoyment.
Trail Maintenance and Infrastructure: The passage of the 2008 Parks Bond, which funded trail improvements and park development, showed how targeted investment can enhance access responsibly. I will continue that approach—investing in signage, trailheads, parking management, and erosion control to keep trails safe and sustainable.
Community Engagement: Residents near trails must have a voice. I will ensure neighborhood input is included in trail planning and maintenance decisions so everyone benefits.
Santa Fe can be a model for thoughtful trail access: welcoming hikers, protecting our natural resources, and preserving the peace and safety of our neighborhoods.
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?
Trujillo:
Water and the Two Mile Pond Complex: A Legacy of Stewardship
Santa Fe’s history is deeply intertwined with its water. The Two Mile Pond complex, originally part of the Santa Fe River system, has served multiple roles from a vital water source to a recreational haven. As Mayor, I am committed to honoring this legacy by balancing environmental health, public access, and the needs of downstream users and acequias.
Historical Significance
The Two Mile Pond area is steeped in history. The original Two-Mile Dam, constructed in 1893, was the second of four dams built on the Santa Fe River to store its seasonal flow. This infrastructure was pivotal in meeting the city’s growing water needs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the dam was replaced by larger reservoirs upstream, and the area has since evolved into a cherished natural space.
Restoration and Ecological Balance
To maximize the environmental and public benefits of the Two Mile Pond complex, I support efforts to restore and maintain its ecosystem. This includes dredging to remove sediment buildup, reintroducing native vegetation, and ensuring that water quality supports diverse wildlife. Such restoration not only enhances biodiversity but also preserves the area’s historical significance as a former water source.
Recreational Access for All
Recognizing the importance of accessible recreation, I advocate for improvements that allow residents especially seniors and children to safely enjoy fishing and other activities at Two Mile Pond. Enhancing access points, providing seating areas, and ensuring safety measures will make this space more welcoming to all.
Protecting Downstream Users and Acequias
While promoting recreational use, it is crucial to protect the rights of downstream water users and the integrity of our acequias. I will work closely with the Office of the State Engineer and other stakeholders to ensure that any activities at Two Mile Pond do not compromise water availability for agriculture or disrupt traditional water-sharing practices.
Community Collaboration
The future of Two Mile Pond should be shaped by community input. I will facilitate dialogues with residents, local organizations, and governmental agencies to develop a comprehensive plan that balances ecological restoration, public access, and water rights. By working together, we can ensure that Two Mile Pond continues to serve as a valuable resource for generations to come.
OTHER: What else can you do as Mayor to help preserve and improve life in the Canyon?
Trujillo:
Preserving and Improving Life in the Canyon
The Santa Fe Canyon is more than just a neighborhood—it is a living testament to our city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. As Mayor, I will honor that legacy while ensuring Santa Fe’s future is protected for generations to come.
Honoring History: The Canyon has long been a site of cultural and historical significance, from its role in the acequia system that has sustained agriculture for centuries to the historic homes and landscapes that define its character. I will protect these irreplaceable elements, ensuring new projects respect the Canyon’s heritage.
Infrastructure and Safety: Roads, water systems, and trails in the Canyon are old and sometimes fragile. I will prioritize proactive maintenance, safer pedestrian and biking paths, and stormwater improvements to prevent erosion and protect both homes and natural areas.
Environmental Stewardship: The Canyon’s open spaces, wildlife, and waterways are a community treasure. I support initiatives that restore natural habitats, maintain trails responsibly, and balance public access with ecological protection.
Community Engagement: Residents of the Canyon are the best stewards of their own neighborhoods. I will ensure every voice is heard in planning and decision-making, from traffic management and development to conservation projects.
Recreation and Education: I will support programs that allow children, families, and seniors to enjoy the Canyon safely through outdoor education, guided walks, and accessible recreation so future generations can appreciate its history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.
By protecting the Canyon’s character, environment, and community, we are not only preserving its past—we are safeguarding Santa Fe’s future for generations to come.
Thank you for allowing me to share my view through these questions.
Ronald S. Trujillo
2025 Candidate for Mayor of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ron@ronaldtrujillo4mayor2025.com
1 (505) 795-2598
www.ronaldtrujillo4mayor2025.com
Responsible Leadership and Real Solutions for a Resilient Santa Fe.