Santa Fe mayor outlines department shake-up, hires and plan for independent inspector general after 100 days

Mayor Michael Garcia on Monday marked his first 100 days in office and outlined early steps his administration has taken to reorganize city government, fill key administrative posts and create an independent inspector general's office intended to strengthen oversight.

"I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the future of our great city," Garcia said in prepared remarks, and described a transition process he said emphasized inclusive leadership. "I established a transition team composed of community, business, and labor stakeholders," he said, adding the group will help shape the administration’s priorities.

Garcia said the administration launched a comprehensive review of city departments and leadership structure "laying the groundwork for a more efficient government." He framed the changes as operational reforms meant to deliver improved services. "Reorganizing city departments into a more effective and responsive government means better services for residents," Garcia said.

He announced that his office has "successfully recruited and filled key administrative positions, including the city attorney and city clerk," and said the city is continuing a search for a permanent city manager. "We're now on the path to finding the right city manager to drive our mission forward," Garcia said.

In the address, Garcia also unveiled plans to establish an office of the independent inspector general. "This office will increase oversight and help to build public trust," he said, describing the office as a mechanism to bolster accountability in city operations.

The mayor presented these items as a set of early administrative priorities; he did not provide implementation timelines, staffing details, or an ordinance establishing the inspector general during the remarks. Garcia said the changes are aimed at improving services and oversight as the administration moves beyond its initial transition phase.

Next steps the mayor identified include continuing the city manager search and completing the departmental review; Garcia said the administration will follow up with details on implementation and staffing as they are finalized.