Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

enhancing the local economy and diversifying it with initiatives like tourism and the port of entry project. But economic growth is not Mayor Perea’s only focus. He is equally committed to nurturing the city’s youth, recognizing them as the cornerstone of the community’s future. His administration is working towards forging stronger ties with school districts and optimizing the use of city and educational spaces. The goal is to foster an environment where young people thrive and choose to stay and contribute to their community post-education. Underpinning these endeavors is a significant improvement in Sunland Park’s financial health. The city has witnessed a remarkable transformation from a municipal budget of $5.8 million in 2012 to over $11 million in the current fiscal year. This financial upswing is enabling the city to expand its services, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. “We have brought some changes into the community,” Mayor Perea notes, attributing part of this fiscal growth to the burgeoning cannabis industry, which adds a new dimension to the city’s revenue streams. 105 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02 SUNLAND PARK, NM