46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON STATE LAND-USE POLICIES, LAWS AND RULES AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE COORDINATION OF LAND-USE ACTIVITIES OF VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES.

WHEREAS, local governments in New Mexico have identified a need for greater overall state awareness of the planning and land-use decisions of state agencies, improved consistency in the policies and programs of state agencies and increased assistance to local governments in resolving planning and land-use problems; and

WHEREAS, in 1996, the legislature passed Senate Joint Memorial 34, which requested the local government division of the department of finance and administration to conduct a comprehensive study of the costs and benefits of growth and to evaluate growth management alternatives; and

WHEREAS, the December 1996 report, Growth in New Mexico, Impact and Options, offers a comprehensive analysis of issues and options for statewide growth; and

WHEREAS, a joint interim land-use committee was created to study land-use issues and frameworks in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, decisions about new growth and development in the state have become increasingly complex and challenging for all levels of government, due to regulation and differing public policy objectives; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation and for diverse viewpoints in land-use policy in the state; and

WHEREAS, state agencies have recognized that they need to provide appropriate and acceptable responses to local land-use decisions; and

WHEREAS, state-coordinated efforts pertaining to land use and development may lead to significant savings in public infrastructure costs; better stewardship of the state's natural, historic, scenic and cultural resources; an increased supply of affordable housing; orderly, safe and well-planned urban and rural environments; and increased private economic development activities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to create a blue ribbon task force to study land-use issues in New Mexico, including a comprehensive review of the state's planning, subdivision and land-use enabling statutes and state agency rules and policies; ways for the state to more effectively serve the needs of state and local governments in land-use planning; and mechanisms to improve overall coordination of state responsibilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the legislature by December 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the governor.