FirmoGraphs keeps its clients up to date on capital plans of interest for long-term business development. We help our customers use this information to gain a competitive advantage and improve proactive conversations with their clients. We recently processed the latest capital spending plan by the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are our observations.
Santa Fe’s latest Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027–2031 reflects a strategic expansion in city infrastructure investment, with total planned spending rising by approximately 16% from the prior 2025–2029 plan. The growth is largely driven by a significant allocation to wastewater infrastructure, most notably the Replacement Paseo Real Wastewater Reclamation Facility, a $220 million project that underscores the city’s focus on sustainability and long-term utility resilience. While Facilities and Transportation funding remains relatively stable, Water programs see a notable decrease, suggesting completion of earlier cycle investments or reprioritization toward environmental services. The 2027–2031 plan outlines 73 projects, down slightly from 82 in the previous cycle, indicating a consolidation toward fewer but higher-value initiatives that align with Santa Fe’s sustainability and modernization goals. The table below breaks down City’s planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
*Numbers are Rounded
Top 3 Projects by Value (2026-2030 CIP)
1. Replacement Paseo Real Wastewater Reclamation Facility – $220,000,000. This is the single largest investment in the new CIP. The project is to upgrade treatment capacity, improve energy efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance with state and federal environmental standards.
2. New City Services Center – $69,948,000. This project proposes the construction of a modern, centralized municipal services facility to consolidate key city departments and improve operational efficiency.
3. San Juan Chama Return Flow Project – $63,745,640. A major water resource sustainability project designed to return treated effluent to the Rio Grande system and increase Santa Fe’s reusable water supply.
City of Santa Fe CIP Development and Approval Process
The City of Santa Fe’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is developed through a structured process led by the Budget and Performance Division and approved by the City Council as part of the annual budget cycle. Departments propose projects based on need and strategic alignment, followed by public review, prioritization, and Council adoption. Implementation and oversight are managed by the Finance Department and City Manager’s Office, ensuring transparency, fiscal responsibility, and consistency with the city’s long-term infrastructure and sustainability goals.
Sources: City of Santa Fe – Capital Improvement Program - https://www.santafenm.gov/cip
Spending Trends and Insights
The 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) marks a strategic shift in Santa Fe’s spending priorities, emphasizing large-scale infrastructure renewal and environmental stewardship. The most notable increase occurs in the “Other” category, which grows from $32 million to $220 million, largely due to the Replacement Paseo Real Wastewater Reclamation Facility—a transformative investment addressing wastewater capacity and compliance. Facilities spending remains stable, decreasing slightly by 3%, suggesting continued modernization of municipal buildings but with major projects nearing completion. Transportation funding shows a modest 1% increase, maintaining steady investment in mobility, road safety, and accessibility. Conversely, Water program funding declines by 24%, likely reflecting the completion of prior major projects and a temporary shift in focus toward wastewater and city services. Equipment and Economic Development allocations also decline, indicating a strategic consolidation toward core public infrastructure.Overall, Santa Fe’s capital priorities continue to evolve toward sustainability, service delivery efficiency, and infrastructure resilience, signaling a commitment to long-term fiscal balance and environmental responsibility.
History of City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is recognized as the oldest state capital in the United States and one of the earliest continuously inhabited cities in North America. Originally a Spanish colonial outpost, it later became a key center of trade, culture, and governance in the Southwest. The city’s distinctive Pueblo-style architecture, rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, and vibrant arts community make it a cornerstone of New Mexico’s cultural identity.
Sources: Santa Fe's History – https://www.santafenm.gov/history
Fun Facts about City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Known as “The City Different,” Santa Fe is internationally recognized for its art scene, with over 250 galleries and the renowned Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
- Approximately 7,000 feet (2,134 meters), giving it one of the highest elevations of any U.S. capital city.
- Its adobe architecture and Pueblo Revival style are protected by strict design ordinances, preserving its historic charm.
- With over 300 sunny days per year, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and artists alike.
How FirmoGraphs Can Help
FirmoGraphs curates data about U.S. public sector markets, including transportation improvement programs, regulatory developments, and other critical information. We help our customers use this information to gain a competitive advantage and improve proactive conversations with their clients. We’d be glad to meet with you and help your company sort through the wealth of information in improvement programs and other publicly available documents. Feel free to request a meeting and review the data live on our Business Intelligence platform.
