City Holds 2024 Inauguration Ceremony

City officials and community members welcomed two new councilors and a municipal judge, said farewell to former staff

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A group of roughly 100 people gathered at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center to witness the Friday inauguration of two new councilors, a new municipal judge and two returning councilors elected on Nov. 7 as well as to bid farewell to several former city officials.

Santa Fe Community College President Becky Rowley served as master of ceremonies.

“We are so excited to bring our newly elected officials as well as those being sworn in for another term,” Rowley said in her opening statement.

Mayor Alan Webber congratulated those being sworn in and thanked the departing councilors and municipal judge before introducing departing officials on stage to speak. Former Santa Fe Fire Chief and outgoing District 3 Councilor Chris Rivera led the group, thanking his family; past and present coworkers and constituents.

“I’ve served the city so long that it’s a little weird to be leaving at this point,” Rivera said. “I’d like to thank God for giving me the opportunities to be able to serve this city as both the fire chief, paramedic, firefighter for 24 years and also 12 years as a City Council member.”

Rivera unsuccessfully ran for county commissioner in 2022, then did not seek re-election to the city job this year.

Outgoing District 1 Councilor Renee Villarreal reflected on her time and acknowledged her commitment to only serving two terms “to create space for the next leader…and ensuring diverse voices have access to positions of power.” Villarreal endorsed District 1 Councilor-elect Alma Castro in the November elections.

“Serving on the City Council and representing District 1 has been my greatest honor and privilege and I would say one of my greatest achievements,” Villarreal said. “I ran for office with the belief that I could contribute to something that was greater than myself with an open heart, with an open mind and with a willingness to learn as much as possible.”

Municipal Judge Virginia Vigil recognized incoming Municipal Judge Chad Chittum and District 3 Councilor-elect Pilar Faulkner, whom she swore in during the ceremony. Vigil is retiring from public service after she did not seek re-election to what would have been a third term in the post. She also served two terms as a county commissioner.

“I really love what I do and this is going to be hard to leave,” Vigil said. “As I leave, I hope the legacy that I’ve created is the culture that currently exists now with Santa Fe Municipal Court, and that is one that when a person enters the court…they’ve been treated with respect and we’ve allowed them to be accessible to any of our staff.”

She thanked voters for electing her and looked ahead to the future.

“This won’t be the last of me. I really do plan on being an integral part of the community and participating because I love Santa Fe,” Vigil added.

District 4 Councilor Jamie Cassutt and District 2 Councilor Michael Garcia, both elected to serve second terms, spoke about achievements during their first four years and looked ahead to upcoming work including on affordable housing, infrastructure and more.

Castro, who beat three other candidates in the ranked-choice voting contest, thanked her campaign members and supporters.

“Your unwavering commitment and your drive and force became the incredible opportunity I’ve been given to serve. As a multigenerational Santafesina and the proud daughter of a Salvadoreño, I deeply understand the intricate tapestry that is our community,” Castro said. “I am honored and excited to represent the richly diverse District 1. Together we will turn toward a future where prosperity is not just the privilege of a few, but the right of all.”

District 1 Councilor Signe Lindell attended. She tells SFR she’s “optimistic” about the new Council and adds she and Castro have already been in talks on issues like racing, housing and more.

“We have a lot of common interests and issues that we will be working on from the get-go, and I’m excited to work with her,” Lindell says.

Faulkner sent thanks to her family, friends and supporters. She then called on everyone to get involved in what’s happening in the community.

“We’re in times now in this country and in the world where leadership has lost the sacred trust of the people,” Faulkner said. “I implore the people of Santa Fe to hold us to count. If you ever had a feeling like you needed to have a voice, the time is now. Nine people should never make all the decisions for all of the people of the city…I hope I can serve you with integrity and compassion and loyalty and with respect for our cultures in Santa Fe.”

The event concluded with a reception and live music from Carlos Medina Conjunto.