A farewell tour from a Latin music legend tops a weekend packed with live music, family-friendly exhibits, creative workshops and community gatherings across Rio Rancho and the surrounding area this Friday through Sunday. Before you make entertainment plans, make a plan to vote. Early voting runs through 6 p.m. Saturday at five locations in Rio […]
The 528 Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho council to consider zoning changes, master plan adoption
The Rio Rancho Governing Body will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers to consider several zoning ordinances, a new master plan and a budget adjustment, among other items. The meeting will also be available via Zoom and streamed live on the city’s website. Among the most substantial items on the agenda […]
Rio Rancho’s Citizens’ Police Academy pulls back the curtain on police work
Eleven weeks. One night a week. And for many participants, a completely changed perspective on the people who patrol their streets. The Rio Rancho Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy is currently underway, with roughly two dozen residents getting an inside look at how one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing cities keeps itself safe. The program, which […]
Rio Rancho police, fire departments report mixed results in 2025
Rio Rancho’s police and fire departments handled tens of thousands of calls in 2025, with new data showing faster fire response times but a notable rise in structure fires and a wide spread in police response times depending on call urgency. The Rio Rancho Police Department received 66,232 total calls for service between Jan. 1 […]
Why is a mayoral candidate suing the City of Rio Rancho?
A federal lawsuit alleging that Rio Rancho has systematically ignored its own legislative rules has become a central pillar for one candidate in the city’s upcoming mayoral race. The city denies the allegations in the lawsuit and maintains that it has complied with all applicable rules and regulations. Corrine Rios, the lead plaintiff in Rios […]
New Mexico Goatheads unveil mascot, Avalanche affiliation
The New Mexico Goatheads have announced a multi-year NHL affiliation agreement with the Colorado Avalanche, establishing a formal player development pipeline as the franchise prepares to begin play in fall 2026. Under the agreement, the Goatheads will serve as the ECHL affiliate of both the Avalanche and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. […]
High demand sparks growth: Broadmoor Senior Center’s Phase 2 nears completion
Construction on a major expansion of the Broadmoor Senior Center is expected to wrap up by the end of March, adding a new multipurpose room and a sprawling outdoor terrace to the facility. The Broadmoor Senior Center is undergoing planned renovations as part of its second phase after serving thousands of senior citizens over the […]
Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue ready to break ground on new fire station
After years of planning, data collection and funding pursuits, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue is on the verge of breaking ground on Fire Station 8 — the city’s first new fire station since 2011 — with a bid closing March 26 and shovels expected in the ground as early as late April. Fire Chief James Wenzel […]
Balloons to fill Rio Rancho skies for Valentine’s weekend rally
More than 70 hot-air balloons will ascend over Rio Rancho this Valentine’s Day weekend as the Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally returns for its annual celebration. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, with launches beginning in the early morning around 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The rally, hosted by […]
Rio Rancho moves forward with $63.4M water plan
The Rio Rancho City Council on Thursday took a step towards authorizing up to $63.4 million in water and wastewater system bonds to fund critical utility infrastructure improvements and refinance existing debt, a move officials said will save ratepayers up to $2 million in interest costs over 20 years. The council unanimously approved the bond […]

