Highlights from the Week of September 13, 2021
There's a lot going on in the City Different!
Festive Groundbreaking for Southside Teen Center!
A CELEBRATORY cloud of dirt was shoveled into the morning sunshine by a host of elected officials, leaders of City departments, and representatives of youth advocacy organizations at Tuesday's groundbreaking of the Southside Teen Center.

Various parties have advocated and planned the Teen Center for at least a decade. The groundwork earned $6.8 million of funding by the State Legislature, and $3.2 million was unanimously allocated by the Governing Body last week. Construction of the facility is expected to be complete by May of 2023.

“This is a great day for the teens of Santa Fe and a great day for future generations,” said Councilor Christopher Rivera.

Councilor Roman "Tiger" Abeyta said four years ago he expressed to Mayor Webber that building the Teen Center would be his top priority as Councilor – "and here we are today breaking ground."

Located across Country Club Rd. from the Southside Public Library, the center will include a gym, game room, arts and crafts space, a dance and performance studio, and an outdoor sports area/soccer field. The 17,000 square foot building will be LEED-certified Silver for sustainability.

Watch a video of the ceremony here: Southside Teen Center Groundbreaking - YouTube
MAYOR'S NOTE:
Promises Made, Promises Kept
A budget is more than a financial document. It’s a statement of values: "Show me where you put your money and I'll show you what you stand for."
 
This week we broke ground on the $9.3-million Southside Teen Center. It’s more than a building. It’s a statement of our values: Our young people matter. We’re putting their health and well-being at the top of our agenda. We aim to earn their trust by keeping a longstanding promise.
 
It's just the beginning, a down payment: The Southside needs a senior center–and we're going to have one. Across the city, our young people need more recreational facilities–we're going to build more.
 
Look at what we've done in recent weeks: We broke ground on the public restroom downtown, another long overdue project now under construction. We're awaiting bids for much-needed improvements at the airport. We’ve found the money to rebuild Bicentennial Pool. We’re building the future of Santa Fe, promise by promise.

Promises made, promises kept.
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SFCC Students to Get $400 Monthly
Mayors for Guaranteed Income Pilot Project
100 student-parents enrolled at the Santa Fe Community College have been selected as part of a Mayors for Guaranteed Income Pilot Project – the Santa Fe LEAP (Learn, Earn and Achieve Project) – and will begin to receive a basic guaranteed income later this month.
Funding for the pilot project comes from MGI, and donations are sought to expand the program to a second year and increase payments to $500. Learn about the program and how to donate here.
CHART Survey Online Now
Artful Life is pleased to announce the opening of the CHART Santa Fe online survey. Residents of the City and County of Santa Fe are invited to complete this three-question survey, which is available in English and in Spanish and on the CHART Santa Fe website at chartsantafe.com. The survey will be available until December 19, 2021. Please take the survey and share it!
Food: A Terrible Thing to Waste
Did you know that 30-40 percent of food in the U.S. winds up in the trash? Throwing that food away isn't just wasteful – it also contributes to the production of methane, a greenhouse gas, in our landfills. But, there are solutions! Check out our interview with a food waste/composting expert on the most recent ESD radio show for more info and tips on how you can help.
Take Part in Planning
The City is hosting the second Midtown Moving Forward Planning Sessions on September 23-25, giving community members a chance to learn about and weigh-in on alternatives for the physical development of the Midtown District. The City is also sponsoring a series of fun, creative, inclusive, and interactive events online and at the Midtown site throughout September and October. Click for more info and have a hand in planning the future of your hometown.
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