City plans to launch email newsletter program

Residents can sign up to receive updates, info on variety of topics

As part of Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber’s emphasis on “neighborhood engagement” and a more user-friendly City Hall, the city soon will begin sending tailored email newsletters directly to city residents.

“This is the first step in establishing a new communication path with our constituents,” said Kristine Mihelcic, director of the city’s new Constituent and Council Services division.

The city intends to keep residents “up-todate on the topics of your choice,” according to a news release. Those topics include each of the four City Council districts, updates from Webber’s office, “City Hall happenings,” and information on events and closures at the city’s recreation facilities, among others.

New hires in the Constituent and Council Services Office will be compiling the email blasts, said city spokesman Matt Ross. Those positions include a neighborhood engagement director as well as council liaisons who will help city councilors manage communications with constituents.

Webber, elected in March, has begun several initiatives aimed at direct communication, including a monthly “meet the mayor” event at a local coffee shop or restaurant and a rotating series of City Council meetings held in different council districts.

“Communicating directly with our residents by email is a clear and convenient way to be transparent and improve communication as we build better relationships with our community,” Webber said in a statement.

Residents may sign up for the newsletters, which Ross said will begin roughly within the next month or two, at www.santafenm.gov/community_engagement.