Alamogordo Faces Limits on Cold Weather Response Amid Winter Storm; City Relies on Community Partners for Shelter Support

Alamogordo, NM – January 26, 2026 – As a severe winter storm continues to bring frigid temperatures and hazardous conditions to southern New Mexico, the City of Alamogordo has clarified its statutory and operational limitations in responding to extreme cold events, including the inability to independently declare a “Code Blue” emergency shelter protocol.

Multiple residents and community members have contacted city officials requesting activation of a Code Blue—a formal designation often used by municipalities to open warming shelters during life-threatening cold snaps. However, Acting City Manager Dr. Hernandez emphasized in a detailed response that the city lacks the current authority or infrastructure to declare or operate such a program on its own.

“The City of Alamogordo does not currently have the authority or structure in place to independently declare or operate a formal ‘Code Blue’ response,” Dr. Hernandez stated. She explained that the City Commission must act as a body: the Mayor alone cannot declare a Code Blue without majority Commission approval, nor can any individual commissioner obligate city resources unilaterally. Any formal action would require placement on a Commission agenda for discussion and a vote.

Mayor McDonald and Commissioner Warren Robinson both stated a concern for those in at risk populations but conceded the limits to their authority in an ability to respond. Each placed praise on Mountain View Church and those seeking solutions. Each expressed appreciation to citizens who reached to them with concerns and empathy. 

In cases of urgent need, the Mayor or any two commissioners could call a properly noticed emergency meeting to consider the issue, though state statute generally requires at least 24 hours’ notice—even for health and safety matters. Beyond declaration, operational hurdles remain significant: a suitable facility must be identified, confirmed available (free of prior bookings), and properly staffed, with liability and safety considerations addressed in advance.

Dr. Hernandez also noted jurisdictional boundaries. Only the Governor can direct state facilities to open, and the City has no control over state-owned buildings. In contrast, Otero County holds authority over county facilities and can coordinate broader health and human services responses. Otero County manages its own health department, complete with social workers and nursing staff, positioning it better to step up if desired—something the city, which does not operate a health department, cannot replicate.

County Supervisor Amy Barela posted a message expressing support for those recovering from electrical issues (amid widespread power outages in the region) and offering prayers for safety, highlighting the county’s community-focused role during the storm.

Despite these constraints, city leadership has demonstrated flexibility within its existing authority. When Mountain View Church—a key local provider of temporary cold-night shelter at its location on 1300 Cuba Ave.—reached out to Mayor Sharon McDonald for assistance, the Mayor promptly contacted the acting city manager. Although city facilities were closed, Dr. Hernandez approved staff support to open the Recreation Center, allowing individuals to access showers. This rapid, operational-level response occurred within the city manager’s discretion and without requiring Commission action.

City administrative staff have proactively asked the Mayor, Commissioner Warren Robinson, and other political leaders whether they wish to pursue longer-term solutions. Options under discussion include researching alternative cold-weather responses, such as issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) or establishing small service agreements with churches and non-profits willing to open during extreme cold. These could involve modest financial stipends per event or in-kind support like access to showers and facilities—provided they prove feasible and gain buy-in from at least four commissioners.

“Going forward, discussions regarding longer-term Code Blue authority, intergovernmental coordination, and formalized shelter plans are policy matters that must be addressed by the full Commission,” Dr. Hernandez said. “Those conversations are important, and they deserve to happen in the appropriate forum.”

Community partners like Mountain View Church and hopefully others in the faith community continue to play a vital role in filling gaps during the storm and winter weather, which has brought heavy snow and ice to the Sacramento Mountains, power outages affecting thousands (primarily in higher elevations), and dangerously low temperatures across the region. In the Tularosa Basin, including Alamogordo, conditions remain cold but less severe, with overnight lows in the 20s and daytime highs expected in the 50s under clearing skies.

The city reiterated its commitment to resident safety and willingness to support partners where legally possible, while urging compassion and recognition of the essential work done by faith-based and nonprofit organizations.

For the latest on local conditions, shelter availability, or power restoration, residents are encouraged to contact Mountain View Church directly, monitor Otero County Electric Cooperative updates, or reach out to city and county offices. This remains a developing situation as the community navigates the aftermath of the winter storm.

The complete response by Dr Hernandez to citizens questions is found below…

“Thank you for reaching out and for your concern during this extreme cold. The safety and well-being of all residents is something we care deeply about. Still, I want to be compassionate and transparent about what the City can and cannot do under current law and policy.

The City of Alamogordo does not currently have the authority or structure in place to independently declare or operate a formal “Code Blue” response. The City Commission governs and acts as one body, and the Mayor alone does not have the authority to declare a Code Blue unless that authority is expressly granted by a majority vote of the Commission. Likewise, no individual commissioner, including the Mayor, may obligate City resources without approval from a majority of the Commission. Any such action would need to be placed on a Commission agenda as a resolution for discussion and vote.

Alternatively, the Mayor or any two commissioners may call a properly noticed emergency meeting to consider Code Blue status when weather conditions meet defined thresholds. State statute requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for an emergency meeting; however, such a meeting may be justified if it concerns the health and safety of residents.

In addition, a Code Blue declaration requires more than the declaration itself. A designated and available facility must be identified, verified as unencumbered by existing rentals, and staffed appropriately. These operational and liability considerations are not insignificant and must be addressed in advance to ensure safety for all involved.

With respect to state-level Code Blue declarations, only the Governor has the authority to direct state facilities to open, and the City does not have authority over state-owned buildings. Similarly, the County has the authority to open county facilities and coordinate county-wide responses related to health and human services.

That said, while the City cannot formally declare a Code Blue at this time, we are able and willing to support community partners when possible through operational decisions within the city manager’s authority. I want to acknowledge Mountain View Church for the important work they continue to do. Today, they reached out to Mayor McDonald for assistance, and the Mayor, in turn, contacted me. Although City facilities were closed, I approved staff support to open the Recreation Center so individuals could access showers. This was done quickly in response to Mountain View’s request and within the City’s operational authority.

Going forward, discussions regarding longer-term Code Blue authority, intergovernmental coordination, and formalized shelter plans are policy matters that must be addressed by the full commission to draft formal policy. Those conversations are important, and they deserve to happen in the appropriate forum with public input..

Thank you again for your compassion and your willingness to help. Community partners play an essential role, and the City will support where it is able, while remaining clear about its legal responsibilities and limitations.” - Dr Stephanie Hernandez 

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