Santa Fe officials hear update on teen center capacity, programming and plans to expand access

The City of Santa Fe’s Quality of Life Subcommittee received a detailed update on the city’s Teen Center, its services and expansion plans during a presentation by interim manager Sandy Emery and supervisor Serena Munoz.

"We are a welcoming space located on the South Side of Santa Fe," Munoz said, describing programs for youth ages 12 to 18 and listing amenities that include a gym, commercial kitchen, media studio, computer lab and quiet room. Emery said the center provides free on‑site meals and transport pickups from 10 partner schools.

Staff reported recent usage figures: 119 unique youth in December with 733 visits and 122 unique youth in January who logged 1,417 hours on site, and roughly 1,300 unique teens engaged since opening. Emery said the center’s programming is youth‑driven and runs tutoring three times a week, STEM and 3‑D printing, meditation workshops and a stipend gardening program.

Emery told the committee that capital outlay funds previously on hold are being reactivated to complete the facility master plan; planned work would expand the commercial kitchen and add a dance studio. She also proposed pursuing a memorandum of understanding with Santa Fe Public Schools to streamline referrals and explore designating a school bus stop to improve access.

Councilors questioned staff about geographic reach, home transportation and operating costs. Staff said most current participants come from the South Side but that students come citywide via partner organizations; the center does not provide rides home. Staff described the teen center as fully city‑funded for core operations, with some programs supported by Department of Health funds and purchase‑order contractors used for specialized services such as tutoring and therapy office hours.

Council members raised the need for an external evaluation to measure long‑term outcomes such as academic achievement and reductions in youth violence. Emery said the city has solid attendance and input/output metrics but that outcomes would require an evaluator and potentially an RFP.

Committee members and staff highlighted upcoming events, including a March Madness basketball tournament in partnership with the JB White Foundation intended to engage youth and raise attention to violence‑prevention work. Emery asked the committee and the public to stay engaged with recruitment, volunteer opportunities and the youth advisory process as the center grows.

The committee did not take formal votes related to teen center operations during this presentation; staff requested ongoing collaboration and signaled they will return with further budget and evaluation details.