MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

May 2026

I want to use this space this month to talk about an important program now underway that will play a major role in flood mitigation as we move into monsoon season. As we continue further into recovery, I want to make sure residents understand the steps we’re already taking to keep Ruidoso safe this year.

We’ve established what we’re calling the Clean & Lien Task Force — a coordinated team of Village departments working together to address structures that were damaged or destabilized by the 2024 wildfires and subsequent burn scar flooding. Some of these buildings pose real risks to public safety, and with monsoon season upon us, we cannot afford to wait.

This community has been through multiple large-scale disasters in a short period of time, and the impacts didn’t end when the events ended. This effort is about protecting our neighbors, our infrastructure, and the long-term future of this community. I want to be clear that it is NOT about taking property — it is about responsible risk reduction and protecting the broader community. If we don’t act now, we risk repeating the damage we saw during previous monsoon seasons.

Here’s where things stand: we’ve identified 134 properties that need assessment, and 78 of those have been flagged for immediate evaluation. Our team is working through them based on risk level, starting with structures closest to flood flow paths in Upper Canyon and moving downstream along the Rio Ruidoso.

The task force is not conducting physical assessments itself. Instead, it is coordinating qualified contractors, ensuring compliance with Village ordinance Section 38-81, and aligning all work with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Commercial Property Debris Removal (CPDR) programs.

I want to be clear about what this process looks like for property owners. If your property is identified as a risk, you will receive official notices, and you have 10 days to file an objection or begin removal yourself. We are committed to doing this the right way — transparently and in compliance with our ordinance — while also moving quickly enough to meet some firm deadlines.

Those deadlines are critical. The April 30 application window for the PPDR and CPDR programs has now closed. All Council demolition authorizations must be finalized by May 13, 2026, and debris removal operations must wrap up by July 23, 2026.

This is hard work, but it’s necessary work. Every unsafe structure we address is one less hazard our community faces — and one more step toward the Ruidoso we’re all working to rebuild. If you have questions regarding the Clean & Lien Task Force, please contact Village Hall at 575-258-4343 and ask to be connected to the Executive offices.

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