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
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.
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
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
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.