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Santa Fe, NM-Since February 2023, the community of Chimayo has been without a Post Office after the previous Post Office was destroyed by fire. In response, the United States Postal Service (USPS) sought proposals for potential lease locations within a three-mile radius of the former site.  The County is holding a community meeting to gauge the community’s input on the potential lease of the former Chimayo Head Start Building located at 205 Juan Medina Rd to USPS for use as a post office.  

“Santa Fe County has actively tried to address the concerns and the need for a Post Office in the Chimayo area” said County Commissioner, Justin Greene. “We recognize other community needs extend beyond a Post Office, and as a result, are hosting this meeting to discuss all your ideas and concerns by listening to the community first. I look forward to meeting with everybody that can attend.”

The community meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the former Chimayo Head Start, located at 205 Juan Medina Rd. Chimayo, NM 87522. The building has largely been vacant and unused since 2013. This is an opportunity for residents to explore the building, learn about its history, and discuss its potential future use in an area with few public facilities. The County aims to work collaboratively with the community to identify the best solution for postal services. 

Following the meeting, community recommendations will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. The Board will then decide whether to authorize the County Manager to begin negotiations with the USPS.  

Previously, the County explored the possibility of leasing the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center to USPS for a Post Office. That is no longer being considered, due to overwhelming public opposition.  More specifically, seniors and the rest of the community highlighted the importance of that senior space for their community, cultural, and social well-being. The County honors this feedback, has taken the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center out of consideration for a potential post office, and is actively working to improve the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center to preserve and augment its enduring service legacy as a senior center. 

For more information regarding the community meeting, contact Ambra Baca, Constituent Services Liaison for District 1 at aabaca@santafecountynm.gov or 505-986-6377. 

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