Two significant projects — a 278-home subdivision and a new $13.7 million fire station — come before the Rio Rancho Governing Body Thursday night as the city continues to manage rapid growth in its southern neighborhoods. The Governing Body will hold a public hearing on the Orchard Park Master Plan, a 43-acre single-family development proposed […]
Rio Rancho
Posted inRio Rancho
Federal judge dismisses Rio Rancho lawsuit but plaintiff says the fight isn’t over
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Rio Rancho of enacting ordinances without following its own procedural rules — but the lead plaintiff argues the court never actually ruled that the city did anything right. U.S. District Judge Sarah M. Davenport granted the city’s motion to dismiss March 31, ruling the federal court lacked […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Rio Rancho runoff early voting pace outstrips March election
Rio Rancho voters are turning out for the mayoral runoff at a faster early-voting pace than they did for March’s six-candidate election — but both candidates warn that low turnout, not momentum, could decide who becomes the city’s next mayor. More than 4,700 residents cast ballots in the first five days of early voting, March […]
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The 528 sits down with Rio Rancho’s next mayor — before you vote
Rio Rancho voters are already casting ballots to choose their next mayor — and The 528 sat down exclusively with both candidates to ask what they plan to do with the job. Early voting runs through Saturday, April 11, ahead of the April 14 runoff election between District 4 City Councilor Paul Wymer and Alexandria […]
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High-flying thrills and stand-up laughs: Your Rio Rancho weekend preview
The City of Vision is kicking off April with a high-flying celebration as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters arrive in Rio Rancho, anchoring a weekend of professional comedy, local markets and youth STEM programs. From the hardwood of the Rio Rancho Events Center to community hubs on the city’s south side, here is what’s happening in […]
Posted inNew Mexico Legislature #nmleg, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho wins millions in state funding for parks, police and roads
Rio Rancho walks away from the2026 New Mexico Legislature with nearly $4 million in state capital outlay funding, covering upgrades to parks, police equipment and city roads — and in several cases, more money than the city asked for. The legislature funded all but one of the nine priorities the city’s Governing Body approved in […]
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Mayoral campaign cash race: Piland out-raises Wymer in first runoff report, but trails in total funds raised
Alexandria Piland out-raised Paul Wymer in the first campaign finance reporting period of the Rio Rancho mayoral runoff — and holds nearly double his cash on hand — as both candidates make their final financial push before the April 14 election. Piland’s committee, Elect Alexandria, raised $18,185 in the first runoff reporting period to Wymer’s […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Rio Rancho
No fooling: Rio Rancho outdoor watering restrictions take effect April 1
Rio Rancho residents must follow outdoor watering restrictions starting April 1, through Oct. 31, under the city’s annual water conservation program. Spray irrigation — including sprinklers and any device that propels water as droplets — is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily for all properties within city limits. Hand watering is permitted during […]
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Rio Rancho firefighters get $26K state grant for new gear
Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue will receive $26,112.50 in state equipment funding to outfit 11 new firefighter positions, part of a $1.6 million grant program the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration announced. The funds will cover personal protective equipment for new hires, including turnout coats, pants and helmets. Rio Rancho is one of […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Rio Rancho man faces felony charges after hospital attack on nurse, officer
A patient at Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho attacked a nurse and a responding police officer — and attempted to grab the officer’s firearm — in an early-morning emergency room incident last week, according to court documents filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. Rio Rancho police responded around 1 a.m. on March 24 […]