Some Santa Fe businesses are reporting an increase in crime at the start of tourism season, prompting them to call on city leaders for solutions. The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting to address the issue, beginning with a presentation on organized retail crime. One business owner expressed concerns about how smaller businesses could receive support from officials, emphasizing the need for more involvement from the Santa Fe Police Department.
The New Mexico Department of Justice discussed organized retail crime and introduced the software “Auror” to track repeat offenders. However, many small business owners feel that the City of Santa Fe is not doing enough to help them manage day-to-day issues related to their businesses. The conversation expanded to include discussions on homelessness and property damage at stores, with business owners expressing their frustration on the matter.
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber shared that efforts are being made to provide additional resources to address homelessness in the Cerillos Road Corridor. Some businesses placed blame on a homeless shelter called Pete’s Place along Cerillos Road, questioning its impact on the community. The mayor mentioned that the shelter’s lease is up in October, leaving its future uncertain.
The mayor also suggested exploring the possibility of opening a new shelter location that could offer more comprehensive resources for the homeless population. The meeting hosted by the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce ended after an hour and a half of intense discussions, but they expressed interest in hosting more forums focused on addressing crime in the future.