SUNLAND PARK, NM — The Sunland Park City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to approximately 2,625.47 acres of land during its December 16, 2025 meeting, following a formal petition submitted by a majority of the property owners within the proposed annexation area.

The annexation request was initiated by the landowners in accordance with New Mexico state law, which allows property owners to petition a municipality for annexation when statutory requirements are met. City staff confirmed that the petition satisfied all legal criteria, including contiguity to existing city boundaries and majority ownership of the acreage proposed for annexation. State law also establishes timelines for municipal review and action once a petition is submitted and evaluated, ensuring annexation requests are addressed through a defined public process.

“By bringing this area into the City, we’re keeping future decisions local,” said Mayor Javier Perea. “It ensures that any future proposals are reviewed under Sunland Park’s standards, with public input and a focus on what’s best for our residents.”

The annexation covers land along the NM-136 and Airport Road area, bringing future planning for that corridor under the City. Approval of the annexation brings the land under the City’s jurisdiction for planning, zoning, and service coordination purposes.

City officials emphasized that annexation does not approve development, nor does it authorize construction. Any future development proposals will be subject to separate public processes, including zoning, site plans, permits, and required hearings.

By approving the annexation, the City gains the ability to:

• • Plan infrastructure and transportation in a coordinated manner

• • Apply consistent zoning and development standards

• • Ensure future growth aligns with public safety, utility capacity, and long-term community needs

Future land use, zoning, and development proposals within the annexed area will be subject to separate public review and approval processes.