Lift Up Las Cruces is a Finalist for Best Neighborhood Program Award

The City of Las Cruces Lift Up program has been selected as a finalist for the Neighborhoods, USA Neighborhood of the Year program.

As a finalist, the City of Las Cruces will make a 15-minute presentation to a panel of judges for Neighborhoods, USA on May 24, 2024. The award winner will be announced Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) is a national, non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations. NUSA was created in 1975 to share information and experiences used to build stronger communities.

NUSA continues to encourage networking and information-sharing to facilitate the development of partnerships among neighborhood organizations, government, and the private sector for the goal of strengthening neighborhoods.

Lift Up Las Cruces is a collaborative initiative created by the City of Las Cruces City Manager's Office. Since its start in June 2022, the goal of Lift Up Las Cruces has been to address the evolving needs and concerns of Las Cruces neighborhoods by concentrating resources and efforts on one neighborhood at a time.

The program has focused its efforts, in City Council District 1, around the Apodaca Park and Villa Mora Dam neighborhoods. Substantial improvements within selected neighborhoods through strategic allocation of funds, leveraging resources from the City's general fund, state grants, and federal assistance has been a significant objective.

The inception of Lift Up Las Cruces can be traced back to the rapid growth experienced by the city, resulting in potential neglect of older neighborhoods and delays in essential infrastructure projects. The program is driven by the desire to prioritize the revitalization of older neighborhoods while promoting community engagement and empowerment.

Lift Up Las Cruces' success can be attributed to its emphasis on community involvement and transparency, which has helped foster a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring that projects have been tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. By actively soliciting input through surveys to residents and block parties, the City has gained valuable insights and is cultivating a spirit of collaboration and trust within the community.

Tangible improvements witnessed in Lift Up neighborhoods have ranged from infrastructure enhancements to community events. The completion of projects such as road resurfacing, Americans with Disabilities Act ramp installations, and the addition of recreational amenities have not only enhanced the physical environment but also contributed to the overall quality of life for residents.

The Lift Up Las Cruces program has achieved numerous accomplishments in the span of one year. The Parks and Recreation Department successfully organized four Music in the Park events throughout the program at Apodaca Park. Additionally, the City teamed with TreeNM and held a tree planting event to bolster the tree canopy and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

In November, the City partnered with Casa de Peregrinos to host a turkey drive, distributing close to 80 turkeys to residents. The Public Works Department made significant improvements to neighborhood conditions. Madrid Avenue, Walnut Street, Kilmer Street, Ash Avenue, and Evelyn Street all have seen major upgrades, including utility line improvements, new bike lanes, and enhanced street signs.

Lift Up Las Cruces has made a significant difference in the community by revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering civic engagement, and improving residents' well-being. Benchmarks used to measure successes include:

• Infrastructure enhancements: Completion of road resurfacing, sidewalk improvements, ADA ramp installations, and other public works projects.
• Community engagement: Participation rates in surveys, block parties, and community events, indicating the level of resident involvement and satisfaction.
• Quality of Life improvements: Assessments of public safety, infrastructure, and recreational amenities through resident surveys and feedback mechanisms.
• Economic development: Indicators of neighborhood revitalization and property value appreciation following program implementation.

Additionally, post project follow-up surveys provided quantitative data to assess the program's outcomes and gauge resident satisfaction. This feedback mechanism not only validated the success of the program but also identified areas for further improvement, ensuring continuous refinement and adaptation.

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