Rio Rancho Mayor Wymer Outlines Safety and Road Priorities

Rio Rancho Mayor Paul Wymer identified roads and public safety as the top operational challenges for the city as he delivered his first State of the City address to the Governing Body on Oct. 22.

Wymer, who took office in April, framed the presentation as a review of accomplishments and a look ahead to the new year. He told councilors that the city is experiencing growth in housing and has received positive feedback from residents who are satisfied with the local quality of life. Despite these gains, he stated that the administration must continue to meet demand to maintain the standards expected by the population.

The mayor listed four specific areas of focus: public safety, roads and infrastructure, community projects, and future planning. He described road maintenance as the most pressing issue, citing recent rainfall that left some streets impassable and caused culverts to collapse. Wymer pointed to active reconstruction work on Barbara Loop, Springer Drive, and Western Hills Drive. He also noted that the city is improving the parking lot at the Esther Bone Library and upgrading the infrastructure surrounding surface streets, not just the pavement itself.

In the public safety sector, Wymer highlighted the construction of Fire Station 8 at the intersection of Cabezon Boulevard and Veranda Road. The project has a cost of $14.4 million. He also detailed financial commitments from the current budget, which includes compensation investments for the fire and police departments. Additionally, the city allocated an extra $1.4 million specifically for police personnel, a figure Wymer described as part of a larger public safety budget for fiscal year 2027.

Community development remains a central part of the administration’s agenda. Wymer cited several projects currently under construction or in the planning phase, including the Esther Bone Library renovation, an expansion of the Broadmoor Senior Center, and increased kennel capacity at the Animal Resource Center. A proposed Multi-Generational Center is also moving forward, with a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Loma Colorado Main Library.

Wymer emphasized the need for continued communication between the city and its residents. He outlined a strategy that includes in-person events, newsletters, social media updates, and online videos. "Part of this is to get a positive message out into the community," Wymer said. "It’s been really successful."