Explore the history of Ruidoso and New Mexico through Lines Across the Land, a special exhibit now on display at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. Featuring historic maps that trace the region’s evolving communities, transportation routes, and landscapes, the exhibit offers a unique perspective on local heritage. Open through the end of September.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched RuidosoReady.com, a new preparedness and recovery website that helps residents, businesses, and visitors prepare for emergencies, access recovery resources, and build resilience year-round. During active emergencies, the Village Emergency Information page will continue to provide official updates, alerts, road closures, and incident information.

More than 2,700 historic photographs from the Carmon Phillips Collection are now available through the Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s online collections database. The images document life in Ruidoso during the 1950s and 1960s, with additional photographs and historical information continuing to be added as cataloging work progresses.

The Village of Ruidoso has earned StormReady recognition from the National Weather Service, acknowledging the community’s commitment to emergency preparedness, public warning systems, and coordinated response capabilities. The designation reflects ongoing investments in resilience, emergency communications, and public safety.

June 1, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The final Community Flood Preparedness Workshop in Ruidoso, scheduled for June 3, 2026, has been canceled due to weather conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the Flood Aware 2026 presentation slides from the National Weather Service and Village of Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center, covering monsoon weather, burn scar flooding, flash flood alerts, emergency preparedness, and flood safety information.

The Village of Ruidoso will host two public input meetings for the FY 2028–2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on future infrastructure needs, capital improvement priorities, and long-range community planning projects. Meetings will be held May 21 at the Ruidoso Community Center and May 27 at Village Hall.

Ruidoso launches its first commercial airline service with nonstop Contour Airlines flights between Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (RUI) and Denver International Airport (DEN) starting June 25, 2026. The new route enhances regional access, supports tourism, and connects the community to national and global destinations.

April 27, 2026: The Village of Ruidoso recognizes its Quarterly Employees and Department of the Quarter, honoring staff for their dedication and service to the community. This quarter’s recipients reflect the professionalism and commitment that support essential Village operations and keep residents informed and connected.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched a Clean & Lien Program to address unsafe structures and reduce flood risk following recent wildfire and flooding events. The ordinance-based process prioritizes high-risk properties, supports FEMA program coordination, and helps protect public safety, infrastructure, and community resilience ahead of the 2026 monsoon season.

Ruidoso has been named the #1 Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking its second consecutive year earning the top honor. The recognition highlights the village’s vibrant arts, music, heritage, and community spirit, supported by residents, visitors, and local partners.

Updated March 25, 2026: Additional program information and forms are now available.

Lincoln County and partner agencies will host a community meeting on March 25 at ENMU–Ruidoso to share information about the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), including voluntary property buyout options, eligibility, and next steps following recent fire and flood impacts. A virtual attendance option is also available.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is providing free tree removal, chainsaw services, and debris cleanup for Ruidoso residents affected by the January 2026 winter storm. Learn where and how to register for no-cost disaster relief assistance, including intake location, hours, and phone registration details.

Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burning on the Smokey Bear Ranger District from January 29 through February 1, pending favorable weather and approvals. The work will reduce hazardous fuels near Ruidoso, including areas around the Ruidoso Lookout Tower and McBride Fire Scar. Temporary closures and smoke impacts are possible.

The Village of Ruidoso has declared a local emergency following the January winter storm to support response and recovery efforts. The declaration allows coordination with county and state partners, documents storm impacts, and preserves eligibility for assistance if needed. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related damages through the REACH Survey.

The Village of Ruidoso has released the 2026 State of the Village report, outlining recovery progress, financial stability, infrastructure investments, and key priorities for the year ahead. Presented by Mayor Lynn D. Crawford, the report highlights community resilience, transparency, and long-term planning.

The Village of Ruidoso Forestry Department has begun a 35-acre tree thinning project on the west side of Grindstone Lake. Work will continue for up to 90 days and includes temporary trail closures for public safety. Visitors should follow posted signage and avoid restricted areas during operations.

Mayor Lynn Crawford issued a statement on January 19, 2026, announcing that Ruidoso Downs Race Track will not host the 2026 racing season due to flood-related damage. The 2026 meet will be held at the Downs at Albuquerque, while sales events and casino operations will continue in Ruidoso.

The Village of Ruidoso invites final public comments on proposed improvement concepts for Sudderth Drive, from traffic through the intersection with Mechem Drive. Community input will inform the selection of a preferred concept. Review the concepts and submit feedback by Friday, December 26, 2025 at usrp-ruidoso.com.

December 19, 2025: The Village of Ruidoso recognizes four longtime employees entering retirement, honoring decades of service across Forestry, Solid Waste, Water Production, and Parks & Recreation. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the community they proudly served.

A new thinning project is underway on Lower Crown Drive in the Camelot area of Ruidoso to improve neighborhood safety and reduce wildfire risk. As part of the WUI Barrier Project, crews will thin 20 acres and begin treatments across 250 contracted acres. Residents may see equipment and posted signage in active areas as this multi-year wildfire mitigation effort progresses.