MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

June 2026

I can’t believe summer is here! This is the time of year when our mountain community truly shines, and this summer, I believe, will be no exception. I do want to acknowledge that this summer will look a little different than those of the past. As many of you know, horse racing will not be returning to Ruidoso Downs this season. That track is not just a venue. It is a piece of our history, a part of who we are. Work is actively underway to ensure we can welcome that cherished tradition back in the coming years, and I am committed to keeping our community informed every step of the way. Your patience and support during this time means more than I can say.

That said, there is still so much to look forward to this season. Ruidoso has never needed just one reason to celebrate, and this summer is no different. We are thrilled to host the IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, welcoming world-class athletes and visitors from across the country to experience our community at its finest. The Cool Summer Nights (formerly Under a Mountain Sky) weekly music series returns to fill our evenings with great live music under the stars at Wingfield Park, and a full calendar of events will keep things lively from Memorial Day through Labor Day and beyond.

As we head into monsoon season, I want to take a moment to talk about the work that has been taking place since last summer to help protect our community. Our teams have been working hard on flood mitigation efforts throughout the Village, and we are better prepared today than we have been. Please make sure you read the article on the following pages and familiarize yourself with our new Outdoor Warning System which will no longer just be used for evacuations

We will also continue the Flood Safe Partners program, which connects locals and visitors alike with businesses throughout the Village that have agreed to open their doors and provide refuge for anyone who needs higher ground to ride out a flood event. Look for the Flood Safe Partners designation at participating locations and know that you are welcome there. Above all, please use common sense. If you are in a low-lying area and it starts to rain, don’t wait. Move to higher ground and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. No errand, no view, no parking spot is worth your safety.

Ruidoso is resilient, resourceful, and ready for a great summer. I am proud to lead this community, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the months ahead.

As always, a reminder to tune in to KRUI 99.1 FM or 1490 AM—The Mountain every Monday from 8:00 to 10:00 AM for ‘Mondays with the Mayor’ (or stream it) to get the inside scoop on all things VOR. Text your questions to 575-937-3071, and we will be happy to share answers and information during the show.

Mayor Lynn Crawford