Councilors Renee Villarreal, Carmichael Dominguez and Joseph Maestas are to be applauded for putting forth a resolution to form a task force to further explore the establishment of a public bank for Santa Fe. Structural changes like this can provide the critical missing leverage that helps address far-reaching and seemingly unrelated problems that defy solution when tackled in isolation.
With our money and the bank’s profits staying safely local, we have greater independence to realize our goals and priorities, including lending for projects such as early childhood centers, affordable housing, green infrastructure, etc. Every time a dollar recirculates locally, its positive impact for the community multiplies and our common good is enhanced. I hope the City Council will unanimously support the Villarreal resolution. Public banking is a growing trend, and it’s a smart idea for Santa Fe.
Virginia Dwyer – Santa Fe
