MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

November 2026

What a month it has been. Hosting the XTERRA 30th Anniversary World Championship was one of the great honors in our Village’s history. Ruidoso welcomed some of the finest off-road triathletes on the planet, along with their families, coaches, and fans from around the world. Watching these athletes take on our mountains, trails, and waters was something none of us will soon forget.

None of it would have been possible without you. To our residents, thank you for your patience on race days and for the warm welcome you gave our visitors. To our local businesses, restaurants, and lodgers, thank you for opening your doors, feeding hungry athletes, and making sure everyone who came to town felt at home. You showed the world what Ruidoso hospitality is all about.

I also want to thank XTERRA for trusting Ruidoso with such a milestone event. Partnerships like this one put our community on the global stage, and we do not take that trust lightly. And to our Village of Ruidoso staff: the countless hours you put in behind the scenes, from planning and permitting to course preparation and cleanup, made this event a reality. Thank you for your dedication. We are already counting the days until we welcome XTERRA back in 2027.

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I am excited for the holiday season ahead. There is nothing quite like the holidays in Ruidoso, and I hope you will take time to enjoy the events, shops, and restaurants that make our Village so special this time of year. Forecasters are also predicting a “Super” El Niño this winter, which could bring us a wet season with plenty of snow. That is great news for our slopes, our visitors, and our watershed. Let’s hope the forecast holds!

If you have not yet tried our new Contour Airlines service, now is the perfect time. Flights from Sierra Blanca Regional Airport to Denver International Airport make it easier than ever to plan a quick weekend getaway. Catch a Broncos game, cheer on the Nuggets, or watch the Avalanche take the ice. Explore Denver’s neighborhoods, museums, and sights, enjoy some fantastic food, and be back home in the mountains before you know it. No long drive required.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Judi Starkovich, our Village of Ruidoso Director of Finance. Over the last 12 years, Judi played a crucial role in putting the Village on sound financial footing. Her diligence, integrity, and steady hand guided us through challenging times, and our community is stronger because of her work. Please join me in keeping Judi’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts.

Don’t forget to tune in to 99.1 FM/1490 AM every Monday morning from 8:00-10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor. Finally, thank you for all you do to make Ruidoso such a wonderful place to call home.

Mayor Lynn Crawford