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District 1
City Councilor Candidate Questionnaire
2023

District 1 Candidates:

Alma Castro - website
Kathy Rivera - website
Brian Gutierrez - website
Geno Zamora - website

Questionnaire

Question 1a. 
The City is in the process of updating its land development code, which will spur discussions about density, zoning, use restrictions, and other issues affecting Santa Fe residents. Rank the following priorities that you think will keep Santa Fe’s distinctive character while making it more livable for all.
-
High Priority
Secondary Priority
Low Priority
Increase infill development across all districts
Castro
Gutierrez
Rivera
​Zamora

-
-
Change zoning to allow for more housing supply through density
Castro
Gutierrez
​Rivera
​​Zamora

-
Ensure strong preservation standards for downtown and historic districts
​Gutierrez
​Rivera
​​Zamora

Castro
-
Strengthen design standards across town to preserve city’s unique architectural style
​Zamora
Castro
​
Gutierrez
​Rivera

-
Loosen parking requirements (fewer parking lots) and encourage walkability
Castro
Gutierrez
​Zamora
Rivera

Question 1b.
You may briefly explain any of your answers to the question above.
Zamora:
Increasing affordable middle and low income housing within the City limits of Santa Fe is my highest priority. However, this must be done in a manner that is consistent with and respectful of the style, history, and traditions of Santa Fe as well as consistent with and respectful of each neighborhood’s unique characteristics. As a community, we need to have the difficult conversations regarding density, height, and location as we balance today’s needs to address sustainability and climate change issues. Born and raised in Santa Fe (and a bit of an old soul), I want to preserve our history and architectural character, while providing opportunities for all our descendants to work and raise their families in our community. ​
Rivera:
​Reducing sprawl wherever possible should be the main objective. View corridors are important to Santa Fe’s distinctive character and their protection should also be a priority.
Gutierrez:
When city completed the last annexation mistakes were made. Properties were given a zoning of mixed use with out making sure adequate infrastructure was accessible . Mixed use zoning will use more water and more wastewater, as opposed to a different zoning category. Default zoning issued by the city has been a mistake. This mistake must not be repeated . The stricter the design standard the more money spent to achieve those standards. As Santa Fe grows services should grow equally . More expensive space makes it harder for businesses to succeed.
Castro:
Though I love our city's aesthetic, strengthening design standards across town is near impossible, since some parts of town have never fit the city's traditional architectural style.

​Question 2. 
Consider the following elements and how each contributes to the worldwide reputation of Santa Fe’s tourism economy. What do you believe are the two most important elements in drawing visitors to Santa Fe?
-
Most Important
Second Most Important
Natural landscape and climate
Castro
-
Quality of shopping and restaurants
-
-
Cultural traditions and events
-
-
Historic downtown and its environment
Rivera
​Zamora
Gutierrez
The arts, including art markets, galleries, music and theater arts
Gutierrez
Rivera
Zamora
​Castro

Question 3.
To what degree do you believe that a well-preserved historic downtown and surrounding area is important to the local Santa Fe community and economy? Briefly explain.
Gutierrez:
Very important. Google Santa Fe or Santa Fe Plaza most images default to downtown. Walk downtown during the high tourist season and what do you see? Visitors waling the plaza. A majority of those visitors also have either their phone out, or an expensive camera taking pictures. Tourist come to see, dine, shop, and enjoy the downtown area of Santa Fe. ​
Zamora:
It is essential that the historic downtown and surrounding area remain relevant to the local community–this is where continual work is needed. As recently as the late 1960’s, downtown was the commercial business center of the city serving local needs. Now, downtown is highly tourism and visitor-focused–yet remains an economic engine for our city. Imagination and creativity is needed to attract the local community to re-experience, re-engage, and emotionally reinvest in the City’s historic downtown. We rely on emotional and monetary preservation of our historic downtown not only for Santa Feans, but also for our visitors who fuel our economic engine.
Castro:
The Santa Fe plaza and its surrounding area are not only economically beneficial, but they also foster a strong sense of community. The area's historical significance as one of the oldest cities in the United States, and its historic buildings and landmarks makes it one of a kind.
In many other places, the historic downtown area has been replaced by modern development and few local residents. This can lead to a loss of identity and sense of belonging. We have been able to preserve historic downtown, and I aim to make it a place that locals and tourists can enjoy.

Rivera:
Santa Fe’s downtown area is unrivaled in the USA. It is vital to Santa Fe’s essence. In many ways it is the economic driver of the local economy, being the epicenter for major art markets and the starting point for art and history museums. Santa Fe’s historic downtown is unique in the USA and it’s authenticity IS the attraction. As the location for many holiday and cultural events, a well preserved historic downtown is important to the local community. Central areas like this that are not government centers but rather serve community and tourism would be. Valued economic drivers in any city.

Question 4. 
How effective do you believe that the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Districts Review Board have been in protecting the fabric of historic districts in Santa Fe? 
Rivera: Moderately effective
Castro: Very effective
Zamora: Very effective
Gutierrez: Moderately effective

​Question 5.
Considering longtime Santa Feans, how would you begin to balance the needs of established neighborhoods with demand for more affordable housing? Select the three most important elements.
-
Most Important
Second Most Important
Third Most Important
Maintain neighborhood character and support local concerns about change
Gutierrez
Zamora
-
-
Communicate with neighborhoods in consideration of development that may be disruptive or character-altering
-
Gutierrez
​Rivera
​Castro
-
Prioritize well-designed affordable housing but not development writ large
-
Zamora
Gutierrez
​Rivera

Stimulate housing development across the city
Castro
-
Improve Early Neighborhood Notification process so neighborhoods and developers can mediate disputes in advance 
Rivera
-
Zamora
Adopt new historic districts to honor heritage communities and longstanding neighborhoods
-
-
Castro

Question 6.
How should we approach our water supply with regard to development, industrial use, commercial & residential use? What has worked for Santa Fe and what hasn't?
​

Rivera:
​
Priority of water usage should be: 1) Residential, 2) Commercial/Industrial, 3)Development. Future development should not hinder livability. We do not want to outgrow what we can sustain. I believe future development should not be approved without proof of water availability. Santa Fe has been leader in conservation. I believe we can do more. Santa Fe’s water infrastructure (i.e. the water treatment plant and its aging pipes) needs investment for upgrades/replacement. The water color and quality around town lately is cause for concern.
Castro:
While we are creating new sources to replenish our water reserves for the future, we have more work to do. I will focus on our water infrastructure to preserve access to quality water to all Santa Fe residents and those downstream. We need to invest in reclamation infrastructure around the city, to ensure that future generations of Santa Feans have access to clean, safe water. I am committed to help champion a new water treatment plant, and build a better relationship with our county commission so we can plan for the future.
Zamora:
​
Sustainability of our water supply is a priority as we build new developments and infill Santa Fe. First, we should be focused on water conservation, capture, and reuse–incorporating these concepts with both new construction and historic preservation. Interestingly, density and height require less infrastructure and have the potential for greater conservation and capture. An appropriate mix of sustainability measures must be maintained and balanced to preserve the character and history of Santa Fe. ​
Gutierrez:
​
Santa Fe was a leader in water conservation. As of late not many new policies or practices have been put into action. Wastewater is now a great commodity and must be treated as such. This means rebuilding the wastewater treatment plant. Multi family housing does not have the same building standards as single family dwellings. It would have been wonderful if all the new multi family housing would divert gray water for landscaping. Eye on water is something that has its benefits. ​

Question 7a.
Our city famously has building height restrictions (52 feet in all areas, 62 feet in the Midtown-LINC). Are they working and what about them could change?  (Candidates may choose more than one.)
-
Alma Castro
Brian Gutierrez
Kathy Rivera
Geno Zamora
Height restrictions work and should be maintained in all areas
-
Yes
Yes
-
Allow increased building height
​(see question 7b)
-
-
-
-
Improve code to vary heights at maximum to prevent uninspired (overly boxy) design
Yes
Yes
-
Yes
All buildings reaching maximum height should be subject to more stringent design restrictions
Yes
Yes
-
Yes

Question 7b. (optional)
You may explain your answers in 7a.  
If you think height restrictions should be changed, what height(s) would be acceptable (or more desirable) and why?
Castro:
In order to stop urban sprawl, which will inevitably lead to more development and use of more resources to deliver services, we should be focused on infill and building densely while maintaining our design standards to avoid losing the Santa Fe character. Improving the code to vary heights with more regulations, can help keep that character. In some areas the height restriction can preserve land values for local families and build community wealth. By preserving the beautiful views of our landscape, we can ensure ecotourism and longevity of our local economy. ​
Zamora:
Building height as applied in different areas of our City should be examined and reimagined to address both housing needs in our City and conservation–water, energy, and increased walkability. At this time, I do not have exact answers about where and to what height. However, conversations and research regarding height, location, and preservation of neighborhood character are needed to prepare for the inevitable growth of our City.​

​Question 8a.
Please rank the importance of the role which each of the following plays in attracting and keeping young families in Santa Fe.
-
Most important
Second most important
Third most important
Natural and built environments
-
-
Castro
Affordable housing
Zamora
​Castro
​Gutierrez
​Rivera

-
-
Good jobs
-
Zamora
​Castro
​Gutierrez
​Rivera

-
Good public schools
-
-
Gutierrez
​Rivera
Strong cultural traditions
-
-
Zamora

Question 8b. (optional)
You may explain any of your answers to Question 8a.
Zamora:
The core of my campaign for city council is “housing and the jobs to afford it”. Young families must have an affordable place to live and raise their families and work opportunities to earn a meaningful wage to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Too many of our youth cannot afford to live and raise their families in Santa Fe–eroding our strong cultural traditions as generation after generation moves away. Strong cultural traditions remain when generations of Santa Fe families who created those cultural traditions remain.​
Gutierrez:
Young families must have housing to shelter their families. Young families may be just entering the job market, and be at the bottom income bracket for their chosen profession. Even if the young families are able to obtain affordable housing they must also have a good job to pay for the housing and still enjoy a high quality of life. Since you use the word families I envision children. Quality schools always plays a part when deciding where to plant roots if you are a parent. ​
Rivera:
The trifecta of good schools, good jobs, and affordable housing is the desired find for any young family. Anything less in any one category a becomes a trade-off decision. Other key factors for young families are 1) Amenities for youth activities and 2) Safe, well-kept parks.

Question 9a.
Affordable, workforce housing is a critical issue in our community, one requiring a multi-pronged approach to increasing the stock of affordable housing. Which of the following do you think the city council should explore further? 
(You may choose more than one. You can also add your own in response to the ideas listed here) 
-
Rivera
Gutierrez
Zamora
Castro
Enact 3% high-end excise tax on residential home sales above $1 million
-
-
Yes
Yes
Encourage and facilitate the building of more housing stock overall, in all districts
-
Yes
Yes
-
Develop a vacancy penalty for houses left empty for the majority of the year
Yes
Yes
-
-
Restrict investment-type short term rentals with a primary residence requirement
Yes
-
-
Yes
Fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with the City’s general fund
-
Yes
Yes
Yes
None of the above
-
-
-
-
Other
For additional consideration: a) Establish prioritization for ‘workforce occupation’ applicants, b) Repurpose under-utilized retail space, c) Federal & State (oil & gas) funding for the AHTF, c) Take over & re-furbish abandoned / blighted properties and convert to affordable housing, d) tax incentives to convert properties to long term rentals.
Lobby the state legislature to allow municipalities to spend some of the tax revenue generated by lodgers tax.
-
-

Question 9b. (optional)
You may briefly explain your answer to the question 9a.
Rivera:
​
The city needs to find developers who are willing to build affordable housing. Ones that are willing to deviate from traditional ‘capital stack’ financing options as well as be open to longer ROI timeframes. Due to the high cost of materials and borrowing, housing subsidies will always be needed. Is it possible to induce the private market to produce housing for the lowest income households?
Gutierrez:
The 3% tax is going to be decided by the voters of Santa Fe on the November ballot. The gates have been opened for short term rentals without the provision of a primary residence.
Zamora:
​
Affordable housing and a Santa Fe where everyone belongs is at the core of my campaign. Our workforce should have the choice to live and work in Santa Fe. Our law firm struggles to recruit attorneys who can afford to live in Santa Fe, Christus St. Vincent has trouble recruiting doctors for the same reason. If lawyers and doctors struggle to afford a home in Santa Fe, it’s approaching near-impossible for our workforce. With the affordable housing ballot measure, we have the opportunity to create a permanent, sustainable source of funding for affordable housing projects, down payment assistance, and other tools to ensure that every Santa Fean has a place to call home. At the same time, we are critically short in the number of housing units--single family homes, townhouses, apartments--that we need to have a stable housing market and a home for every Santa Fean. In-fill housing in places throughout our city can alleviate some of the market pressure that drives the dramatic rise in home prices, sending those who work in Santa Fe outside of the city. This kind of forward-thinking development will help us create a more walkable, accessible, sustainable, and affordable city.
Castro:
To create a much larger pool of funds to subsidize affordable housing, the city should fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with monies that come from the tax on short-term rentals, enact a 3% high-end excise tax on residential home sales above $1 million and facilitate the building of more housing stock by raising the fee that developers pay when opting out of affordable housing.

Question 10.
Other famous historic U.S. cities recognize their historic integrity to be of vital importance to their economic and community well-being, and some, such as Charleston, S.C., have their entire city staff trained by their historic divisions to understand the necessity of preservation for their city’s welfare. In your opinion, how effective would this comprehensive approach be in maintaining Santa Fe’s authenticity and sense of place? ​
Castro: Moderately effective for Land Use staff only
Zamora: Critically effective and necessary
Gutierrez: Moderately effective but necessary
Rivera: Critically effective and necessary

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