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In a unanimous move that reflects the city's commitment to bolstering local businesses' defenses against crime, the Las Cruces City Council recently passed the Small Business Safety Improvement plan. With a fund of $100,000, the plan is aimed at supporting businesses within the El Paseo/South Solano Metropolitan Redevelopment Area by providing grants for crime-prevention equipment and enhancing cooperation with local law enforcement. The initiative, set to kick off in November, offers up to $5,000 for individual enterprises to spend on security cameras, locks, door and window sensors, outdoor lighting, and fencing. Additionally, the Las Cruces Police Community Outreach Unit will provide safety evaluations, crime-prevention strategies, and community training as part of its outreach to businesses in the area. As reported by the City of Las Cruces, this financial aid is accessible on a first-come, first-served basis, and, if more funds become available, the program could be further expanded. Other resolutions from the City Council's Oct. 20 meeting addressed key financial adjustments for the 2026 fiscal year, touching upon a spectrum of municipal requisites. These include operational necessities for the Fire, Police, and Parks and Recreation departments. The council also directed budgetary changes to accommodate the receipt and application of new grants. Notably, the council approved a significant contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The contract, which can reach up to $2.5 million per year, covers procurement of body-worn cameras and data storage services, as well as non-lethal electrically conducted weapons for the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD). This move ensures that outdated equipment can be replaced and that the LCPD is sufficiently equipped for its expansion, according to the City of Las Cruces.
