Strategic Planning for 2027-2031: How Truth or Consequences Prioritizes Infrastructure Investments
Truth or Consequences, NM - On May 22, city officials convened for the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) meeting to strategically plan for major infrastructure projects from 2027 to 2031. This meeting was one of four ICIP sessions hosted by the South Central Council of Governments representative, Yvette Bayless, where citizens were invited to participate in discussions shaping the city's future. The ICIP is not a wishlist—it is a critical planning tool that helps the state determine which projects to fund. Each municipality submits five prioritized projects, with the top three being the most likely to receive funding consideration. With this structured approach, Truth or Consequences is balancing immediate infrastructure needs with long-term investment strategies to ensure efficient resource allocation.
The final public meeting for the ICIP will take place during the June 11 Commission Meeting, where the Commission will review all public comments and rank their top projects. Following this, the plan will return to the Commission on June 25 for final review and adoption; however, this meeting will not include public input.
Advancing Water & Wastewater Improvements
With nearly $50 million in state funding secured, Truth or Consequences is actively implementing major water infrastructure projects over the next three to five years. While these projects are moving forward, officials are also seeking funding for wastewater treatment facility upgrades and collection system improvements to ensure long-term sustainability.
"We’re tackling the projects we have funded first while preparing for future needs," said Assistant City Manager Traci Alvarez, emphasizing the city’s structured approach to prioritization without overwhelming any single department.
Roadway Upgrades & Coordinated Planning
A major infrastructure challenge is aligning road repairs with utility work. Ideally, repaving follows water line replacements, but delaying necessary street upgrades isn’t always an option.
"We don’t want to repave a road only to dig it up later—but at the same time, some roads desperately need work now," Alvarez explained. Using asset inventory data, officials are strategically prioritizing road repairs based on condition, upcoming water projects, and safety concerns to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Enhancing Pedestrian Safety
Sidewalk upgrades are another priority, particularly near schools. The city is pursuing grants through the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) and Transportation Project Fund (TPF) to combine sidewalk and roadway improvements where possible.
"In a perfect world, we’d design and construct sidewalks and roads together. We’re working to align funding sources to make that happen," Alvarez noted.
Planning for Future Growth
Beyond infrastructure, the city is revisiting zoning regulations to better accommodate tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and short-term rentals. "We’ve asked our Planning and Zoning Commission to start reviewing these issues and see what the community wants," Alvarez shared.
Through careful prioritization and multi-sector coordination, Truth or Consequences is ensuring that the top infrastructure projects align with both community needs and state funding opportunities, paving the way for a resilient and well-planned future.