The city had 30,898 residents as of 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau. Karl spent . Susan Payne Response: "This is an ordinance that has been enacted since the 90s. Local policy impact the daily lives of citizens more than anything in Santa Fe nor Washington DC. Alamogordo, NM 88310. Open Houses. [142] Susan Payne Response: "I try to stay involved in Alamogordo Main Street and actually attended a meeting last week with stateand local leadership of that organization. The role of creativity in resilience and community-building, Alamogordo Proud Downtown Nights Otero Arts Exhibition Opening, Late Shopping and More, Downtown stores open till 8 pm Friday student art exhibition and more, Alamogordo Proud It is All About the Fashion Spotlight Alamogordo Artisan Linda Swenson, Alamogordo Proud is All about the fashions of Alamogordo's Linda Swenson, AlamogordoTownNews.com Tularosa High School Students Excel in Competitions, AlamogordoTownNews.com Not Guilty! [119] There are two high schools (including the comprehensive Alamogordo High School), three middle schools, and 11 elementary schools in the Alamogordo Public School District. In sports, professional soccer player Adam Frye, jockey Donna Barton Brothers, and former professional American football cornerback Conrad Hamilton were all born in Alamogordo. Now we have the immense blessing of watching our grandkids grow up here as well. He gave 25 years of service to the City of Alamogordo as Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, and as a City Commissioner, elected in March of 1982. The Mayor is only one vote and part of the commission as a whole. Had a great experience with a City Employee? [116] The mayor is a member of the City Council. Friday 2 | 12C. Alamogordo Map. I ampassionate about economic growth and believe Alamogordo has allot of potential. Inaddition, I sit on the Otero County Economic Development Board and focus allot of time on Job andbusiness creation.". Susan Payne Response: "This question is full of presumptions. Alamogordo is the seat of Otero County, New Mexico, United States. I'm sure the NM State Police will send you a video of the notorious cowboy criminal being cuffed and perp-walked. Alexis Duprey, crowned Miss New Mexico in 2013 and again in 2015, is from Alamogordo. I havent specifically done outreach in this arena however, working in the field that I do, Ihave many occasions to work with many diverse groups of individuals. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Alamogordo, New Mexico, made a part hereof, shall hereafter be received without further proof . [39] There was a subdivision called "Little Germany" with houses that had German-style electrical outlets. The per capita income for the city was $14,662. Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States. [149] In the deal between the City of Alamogordo and Fuel Entertainment regarding the excavation, Fuel Entertainment was to be given 250 games or 10 percent of what was found. Earn 100 Microsoft Rewards points when you save home and work. This issomething I take seriously as I recognize that our citizens do not want to look at unsightly properties. We can no longer care for our family pet. (575) 437-6120 or (800) 826-0294 District 3 Alamogordo City Commissioner Susan Payne is running for Alamogordo Mayor in the 2021 Local Elections. Snow is very rare, with a mean of no more than 4.1in (0.10m) and a median very close to zero. 29. They relocated their pilot training to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. 0:06. Ive never liked the quote, well we tried that once and it didnt work,'" she said. In addition to the local school system, Alamogordo is home to the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, founded in 1903, and a branch of New Mexico State University founded in 1958. City Clerk, Rachel Hughs, posted the Public Notice today with the qualifications and schedule for the appointment. The City saw more funding for Capital Outlay than it had in many years, and our relationships with key organizations including Holloman AFB, the Alamogordo Center of Commerce, and the Alamogordo Public Schools were strengthened. I have allot ofsupport and I can only attribute that to my work so far on the commission.". Alamogordo, county seat of Otero County, New Mexico, is the metropolitan, commercial and governmental center of the Tularosa Basin. It features a rodeo, animal judging, food and game booths, and carnival rides. [35]:38, In the city the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. Payne urgedpeople to follow public health orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19,but said that she does not support an "economic shutdown," after the State of New Mexico required nonessential business close last year amid the health crisis. Water drains from the mountains carrying dissolved gypsum and collects in Lake Lucero. View floor plans, photos, prices and find the perfect rental today. They relocated from California because they wanted to raise their children in a safer environment. Her opponent in the race, Mayor Pro Tem Nadia Sikes, received 26% of the vote with 1,053 votes. I am the Executive Director of Love INC of Otero County, a human services non-profit organization, since 2009. 1376 E Ninth Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Tourism became an important economic factor with the creation of White Sands National Monument in 1933, which is still one of the biggest attractions of the city today. Alamogordo is expected to get some economic benefit due to its proximity to these three bases. . Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Alamogordo, NM grew from 31,384 to 31,635, a 0.8% increase and its median household income grew from $42,204 to $45,786, a 8.49% increase. By Tony Keith. [126]ADN also publishes Hollogram, a free weekly newspaper distributed at the nearby Holloman Air Force Base and covering happenings on base. Tularosa Basin has been inhabited for at least 11,000 years. The Alamogordo Improvement Company owned all the land, platted the streets, built the first houses and commercial buildings, donated land for a college, and placed a restrictive covenant on each deed prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of intoxicating liquor. [78], Until the German Air Force left in 2019, Oktoberfest was celebrated annually in late September, hosted by the German Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base. The Otero County Sheriff's Office is also responsible for the public safety of the Alamogordo, New Mexico: Address : 3208 North White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 88310. If you are a resident of District 3 and interested in serving your community, please refer to the notice posted on the City of Alamogordos Facebook page and website, for details. It collects and displays all kinds of military memorabilia from all wars and military engagements. 13. Highways 54, 70, and 82, all of which are four-lane roads. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and New Years Day, 2021 Copyright Alamogordo Center of Commerce | Webmaster. Listen 7:12. Alamogordo Restaurants. Alamogordo Homes for Sale $187,582; Ruidoso Homes for Sale $272,952; Holloman AFB Homes for Sale-Tularosa Homes for Sale $151,734; Mescalero Homes for Sale-Ruidoso Downs Homes for Sale $179,978; 19. My high schoolgrandchild is actually a baker and bakes beautiful cakes. Please call ahead to find out what changes might currently be in place. [39], The German military withdrew from the base in 2019. Dr. Thomas Hall, 75, passed away on February 8, 2023 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The role of creativity in resilience and community-building, Alamogordo Proud Downtown Nights Otero Arts Exhibition Opening, Late Shopping and More, Downtown stores open till 8 pm Friday student art exhibition and more, Alamogordo Proud It is All About the Fashion Spotlight Alamogordo Artisan Linda Swenson, Alamogordo Proud is All about the fashions of Alamogordo's Linda Swenson, AlamogordoTownNews.com Tularosa High School Students Excel in Competitions, AlamogordoTownNews.com Not Guilty! City Manager Brian Cesar continued, Mayor-Elect Payne has been with Mayor Boss on the commission during his entire term, and has been a strong voice for many years, helping to lead the Citys growth right alongside Mayor Boss. Susan Payne Response: "By participating Im going to guess you mean attended? We hope this race, and whoever the winner of the race is, stays committed to the principles of non-partisan behaviors, shows compassion and empathy, is timely and accepts the role as their primary focus to truly represent the broad diversity of Alamogordo with tact and diplomacy and always puts their constituents above their personal interest or agenda. Pull him out of his pick-up, take him to the ground, and charge him with resisting arrest! Click here to review the Subdivision Ordinance Update! As of 2018, Richard Boss holds the position of mayor.[117]. [88], American Armed Forces Museum is a museum on U.S. Route 82 near Florida Avenue that opened in 2011. Early morning listening to the Tiger band practice. Welcome to Alamogordo Funeral Home. All rights reserved. [13]:4,67 Eddy influenced the design of the community, which included large wide thoroughfares and tree-lined irrigation canals. [112] The Sidney Paul Gordon Shooting Range, located about 3 miles (4.8km) north of town at 19 Rock Cliff Road in La Luz, is a supervised range with rifle, pistol, and archery ranges. Allison Kuhn won outstanding team leader, Otero Electric Co-op Making Progress Restoring Power in Cloudcroft, Mescalero and Mountain Villages, KALH Radio Alamogordo Town News Exclusive PreTrial Interview with Attorney Johnathon C Miller, Ole Time Revival Feel Welcome to Counselor Johnathon C Miller Sets stage for Couy Griffin Trial, 2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.com Event Calendar. 1376 E 9th Street I have been recognizedwith several awards including the Community Hero Award given by the NM Coalition to End DomesticViolence, The Pursuing Excellence award given by Love INC National and the Community ServiceAward given by ITA International. Like many rural communities we need to grow our workforce so that our small businesses can continue to provide quality services. Shows how clueless you really are. Alamogordo is the county seat of Otero County and a city in south-central New Mexico, United States. Susan Payne Response:"Six years as a city commissioner, 2 years on the community development advisory board. 7. [47], Alamogordo was founded as a company town to support the building of the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad,[13]:2 a portion of the transcontinental railway that was being constructed in the late 19th century. Mayor's Top Teens. [13]:1,9,13,44, Tourism became an important part of the local economy from the creation of White Sands National Monument in 1934. [42], Alamogordo is the economic center of Otero County,[44] with nearly half the Otero County population living within the city limits. A branch office of PreCheck Inc., a company performing background checks of health-care workers, opened in 2006. Alamogordo city hall's address. Current New Mexico State Senator, and former City of Alamogordo Mayor & Commissioner, Ron Griggs was the catalyst for the recognition of Mayor Carroll. They also feature a working VP8 Image Analyzer, the only one in the world where one can walk in and interact with this old analog computer. AlamogordoTownNews.com thanks candidate and sitting CommissionerSusan Payne for taking the time to process the questions, with well thought out and honest answers. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Cowboys for Trump cofounder Couy Griffin was found not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee at a trial in southern New Mexico. The present settlement, established in 1898to support the construction of the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad, is an early example of a planned community. My husband and I are looking at what wecan do to assist her with a facility that perhaps she can rent space in when she is baking as she getsnumerous requests for her cakes. Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter. Term: December 2023. [18][19], In 1983, Atari, Inc. buried over 700 thousand Atari 2600 video game cartridges, most notably E.T. Jessica Onsurez, News Director for the Alamogordo Daily News and now The Las Cruces Sun News, covers top stories from Alamogordo and Otero County. AlamogordoTownNews.com -What outreach have you done to build bridges of understanding and collaboration betweenpeople of color, the LBGTQ community and local government and the business community? 3. (iced) $4.25. Alamogordo, county seat of Otero County, New Mexico, is the metropolitan, commercial and governmental center of the Tularosa Basin. [141] The Historical Society also publishes its own series of monographs on local history, Pioneer. Alamogordo, NM 88310 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. Congratulations to our new Mayor and Commissioners. Current and former commissioners, mayors, staff, and family were in attendance. Climate Normals Quick Access Station: Alamogordo, NM", "Profiles of General Demographic Characteristics, 2000 Census of Population and Housing, New Mexico", "Fact sheet, DP-3 Profile of Economic Characteristics 2000, Alamogordo city, New Mexico", "Table 4: Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in New Mexico, Listed Alphabetically: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 (SUB-EST2008-04-35)", "A NATION AT WAR: A MILITARY TOWN; War Strains Germans at American Base", "Alamogordo looks to diversity for economic success", "New Mexico Per Capita Personal Income by County", "German Air Force changes command at Holloman", "Call for artists (The Diary of Anne Frank)", "Flickinger reaches half of fund-raising goal; first-year drive raises $125,000", "Tularosa Basin Historical Society Our 47 Star Flag", "Shroud of Turin Exhibit Opens in Alamogordo's White Sands Mall", "Otero PATH Preventive Action Towards Health", "Tommy Padilla Memorial Basketball Tournament", "Alamogordo celebrates Armed Forces day with Saturday in the Park", "Dillon's Ruleand the Birth of Home Rule", "Alamogordo Mayor Boss elected to 2nd term", "German School In Alamogordo Gives Window Into Country's Approach To Vocational Learning", "Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce: Relocation", "Hollywood 'transforms' Holloman yet again", "Fourteen Days in America: Opening and Touring Schedule", "Atari's E.T. Ah cheer up, Chris - maybe the governor's State Police troopers can catch Couy doing an illegal lane change! Susan Payne Response: "I am a member of the board of Otero County Economic Development, the chamber of commerce and Iam the vice chair of Maingate United and as such I work diligently to create ways to attract newbusiness to Alamogordo.". [9] The Mescalero Apache were already living in the Tularosa Basin when the Spanish came in 1534, and Mescalero oral history says they have always lived there. and our family loves going tosupport our team. [74], Otero County Fair is held annually in early August at the County Fairgrounds at the corner of White Sands Boulevard and Fairgrounds Road in Alamogordo. "I am a huge proponent of citizen involvement and input and will always be available to listen," Payne said"Some of my greatest knowledge has come simply from taking the advice of others and paying attention to other people's experiences. Driving around and seeing our young people playing in our parks and green spaces. "It has been a great place to raise our family and now we get to watch our grandchildren thrive as well. Alamogordo briefly made international news in late 2001 when Christ Community Church held a public book burning of books in the Harry Potter series, and several other series, on December 30. [105], Alamogordo has numerous small parks scattered through the city, and a few larger ones. View 186 homes for sale in Alamogordo, NM at a median listing home price of $199,500. It is a great way to not just help our merchants but to bring ourcommunity together.". I enjoy our downtown businesses and try to shop there first as the need arises.". A city in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert, it is bordered on the east by the Sacramento Mountains and to the west by Holl. Median gross rent in 2019: $744. produces two musical productions annually at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts. 16. He was born on June 27, 1947 in Fort Worth, Texas to Jack and Virginia Gayle Hall . Walker won 83 votes while Bartram won 66 votes; a third challenger,Anthony Stogden, won 62 votes. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Alamogordo, NM grew from 66,137 to 66,804, a 1.01% increase and its median household income grew from $41,988 to $45,032, a 7.25% increase. and an annual Fall performance for general audiences. Susan Payne Response: "I support all of our businesses and would never pick just 5". Alamogordo today has very little manufacturing and has a primarily service and retail economy, driven by tourism, a large nearby military installation and a concentration of military retirees. Copyright 2023 2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.com. [13]:1 The railroad founders were also eager to found a major town that would persist after the railroad was completed; they formed the Alamogordo Improvement Company to develop the area,[13]:5 making Alamogordo an early example of a planned community. Cost of living includes but is not limited to . Does Animal Control have a volunteer program? One recurring event is Walk Out West, a 1.5-mile (2.4km) walk held each October in Alameda Park Zoo. Hours of Operation 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. City of Alamogordo Quick Links. When the company went out of business in 2007, Marietta Baking took over the cookie factory and received interest-free loans, job-training incentives, and partial forgiveness of indebtedness for job creation. [104], Alamogordo's sole professional sports team is the White Sands Pupfish, a baseball team that played at Jim Griggs Field from 2011 to 2019, in the independent Pecos League, but did not play in a 4 team, abridged 2020 season hosted in Houston due to pandemic concerns. [81][82][83], Alamogordo Museum of History (formerly Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum) collects artifacts related to the history of Alamogordo and the Tularosa Basin. The City of Alamogordo alone has about 80 job openings as of late September 2021. The estimated amount spent in the community, including payroll, construction projects, supplies, services, health care, and education, is $482 million. These include the Otero County Administration Building at 1101 New York Avenue, a Pueblo style building originally constructed as the main U.S. Post Office in 1938. Public officials owe the community transparency, financial accountability & responsability to promot This story has been updated to reflect the date of the Otero County canvass. Homes for Sale. [90][91][92], The Alameda Park Zoo, the oldest zoo in the southwestern U.S., is located in the city. Fax (505) 984-1392. Im ready to work with our new commission, hear their ideas, and implement strategies that will positively impact and improve our community for years to come, said Mayor Payne. Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter. 1376 E Ninth Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310 Phone: 575-439-4100 | Contact Us Employee Email Login; Quick Links. [13]:x1 When Alamogordo was laid out in 1898, the eastwest streets were given numerical designations, while northsouth streets were named after states. games was discovered after about three hours of digging,[148] and hundreds more were found in the mounds of trash and dirt scooped by a backhoe. Check the city website for agenda dialog and be aware of proposals before the city of Alamogordo. Otero County, NM is Strongly conservative. AlamogordoTownNews.com -What have you done to welcome new businesses into Alamogordo? [133], There are two commercial radio broadcast companies, WP Broadcasting and Burt Broadcasting; each operates several stations in several formats. One of my grandkids is actually a local entrepreneur and we are incredibly proud of howhard she has worked and how successful her business has been in such a short time. As one of the 15 divisions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the museum's mission is to educate both visitors and the local people of New . 2 . Get points plus better traffic and directions. I also think thatbecause I operate a non profit it would inappropriate to focus too much energy on raising money forother non-profits although there are a couple that my husband and I personally support.". I am personally not opposed tobringing this back before commission and actually talked about that at the Mainstreet meeting lastweek.". The Tommy Padilla Memorial Basketball Tournament[100] is an annual event held in March. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Dr. Thomas Hall. The City Commission of the City of Alamogordo meets in regular session the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. I'm sure the NM State Police will send you a video of the notorious cowboy criminal being cuffed and perp-walked. The Alamogordo mayoral race ended with Susan Payne victorious, garnering64% of the 1,860 votes cast in the election. Union Pacific provides railroad freight services. AlamogordoTownNews.com - When is the last time you attended a High School Sports program? 14. AlamogordoTownNews.com - Name the top 5 locally owned businesses that you believe best represent the image you wouldlike to see of Alamogordo going forward. [159] Natural gas is supplied within the city by New Mexico Gas Company. New Mexico State University Alamogordo is a two-year community college established in 1958. The first call to the press he made was to our reporter to the station we own. ), and the charter is included as Part I of the Code of Ordinances. A two-day trial was scheduled to start Tuesday at state District Court in Alamogordo. [160], Alamogordo has a dark sky ordinance to reduce the amount of light pollution in the night skies. 9. It is an adult tournament that raises money for scholarships for Alamogordo High School students. [97] An offshoot of this is Dance Otero, an informal approach to ballroom dancing as a form of physical exercise that meets throughout the year. AlamogordoTownNews.com -When we sit down 4 years from now what will you tell us you have accomplished while in theoffice you seek? County of Otero Additional Government Details available at the County Website I really wanted to go to the last summerseries but unfortunately due to illness I missed that one. [23] The city is located at an elevation of 4,330 feet (1,320m)[3] on the western flank of the Sacramento Mountains and on the eastern edge of the Tularosa Basin. City Clerk: Rachel Hughs 0:59. 1376 E 9th Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310 Mayor Carroll is the longest-serving mayor of the City of Alamogordo, serving 12 straight years from March 1996 to March 2008. [115]:Article II There are seven city commissioners, each elected from a district within the city, on staggered 4-year terms. AlamogordoTownNews.com -If you have held office please provide 3 pieces of legislation, ordinances, or initiatives that youpersonally sponsored that were focused on jobs or education. If so, how do I volunteer and what would my duties be? [38] Holloman was chosen due to its weather conditions. Alamogordo average rent price is below the average national apartment rent price which is $1750 per month. Payne is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Love In the . Phone number of Alamogordo city hall. Why not subscribe? My professional career includes extensive experience in accounting and non-profit management. Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport is the municipal airport located in the Alamogordo area. 1376 E 9th Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310 It is the nearest city to Holloman Air Force Base. and Communiqu, a blog with city news. the Extra-Terrestrial, in Alamogordo's landfill. Awesome staff and selection of local artists from southern New Mexico. More:City of Alamogordo in need of workers, has 80 job openings. District 3 Alamogordo City Commissioner Susan Payne is running for Alamogordo Mayor in the 2021 Local Elections. I am serving My first term as Mayor after serving as a city commissioner for District 3 for the past six years. I genuinely love our city and my goal is to make our community the one that other communities in New Mexico want to model.. Tara Melton, Alamogordo Daily News, N.M. (TNS) -- The city of Alamogordo will head back to court after failing to agree on the proposed monetary settlement over former Mayor . AlamogordoTownNews.com - Given the job is a part time job and one of public service, would you be willing to accept theposition if elected for NO pay and dedicate the public check each month to a local communityorganization rotating the donation monthly? Alamogordo Code of Ordinances. 2023 www.alamogordonews.com. OTERO COUNTY COURT HOUSE. The hotel is along the main highway and pretty close to all rests (McDonalds, Denny's Wendy's, Kentucky, and a Chinese restaurant, etc). [154] The local NPR outlet is KRWG-FM in Las Cruces, which reaches Alamogordo through a local relay transmitter.[139]. [122] Following this, the aforementioned Imago Dei Academy purchased the building. Its about the money, and this week in Otero County, New Mexico a jury will decide. The public health orders were last extended in January, as the omicron variant was driving up the case count. Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 437-6120 or (800) 826-0294 Fax: (575) 437-6334 hello@alamogordo.com. Alamogordo (/lmrdo/) is the seat of Otero County, New Mexico, United States. Initially its main industry was timbering for railroad ties. Maggie Toulouse Oliver v Couy Griffin, Near mistrial results in not guilty verdict, Alamogordo Proud Flickinger Center Hosts Local Students to LP And The Vinyl, Alamogordo Proud local students take in the arts for free at Flickinger, Minor School Accident Bus #108 Tuesday NO Injuries, Maggie Toulouse Oliver v Couy Griffin Campaign Finance Violations Trial Day One Recap. Search the most complete Alamogordo, NM real estate listings for sale. Alamogordo has a cool arid climate (Kppen BWk) with hot summers and mild winters. AlamogordoTownNews.com - What do you view as the biggest opportunity and how you can assist with that opportunity forbusiness growth in the New York Avenue business corridor? hello@alamogordo.com, Open 362 days a year, 7 days a week, from 8:30 am 4:30 pm [161] A Saudi man visits an arts exhibition by late US artist Andy Warhol at the Maraya concert hall in the ruins of AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northwestern Saudi Arabia, on February 19, 2023. [45][46] In 2006 the per capita income in Otero County was $22,377 versus per capita income in New Mexico of $29,346. During the 2000 census, there were 13,704 households, and 9,728 families residing in the city. Home Values By City. Award Winning NCAA Coach and 2 time Olympic Trials Athlete turned Author/Artist Rene Sepulveda was born in Alamogordo. Available in Caramel, Mocha, or Vanilla. Alamogordo, NM Wednesday, December 21, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Public Information Office City of Alamogordo 1376 E. 9th Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310 Office: 575-439-4264 Email: coapio@ci.alamogordo.nm.us PRESS RELEASE 1 Today the City of Alamogordo honored former Mayor Donald E. Carroll in a naming ceremony at City Hall. hello@alamogordo.com, Open 362 days a year, 7 days a week, from 8:30 am 4:30 pm We also need to tackle the issue of a lack of short-term housing. Enjoying our stories? The Otero County Film Office maintains a list[145] of films shot partly or wholly in Alamogordo and Otero County. It was my pleasure to swear in the newly elected officials as they assume the responsibility of helping lead our city..