The Artesia Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City Council in September 2024, is the City’s overarching policy document that guides the physical growth and development of Artesia over the next 20 years. The Comprehensive Plan seeks to preserve and enhance those qualities that make Artesia a special place and identify changes that are consistent with the community’s aspirations for the future. This is accomplished through a comprehensive set of planning policies and implementation strategies that are intended to guide decision-making regarding growth and development, public investment in infrastructure and facilities, continued cooperation with local and regional partners and organizations, and serve as the basis for changes to the land development regulations. The Comprehensive Plan was coordinated and updated simultaneously with updates to the City’s infrastructure and transportation master plans to ensure consistency between policies and physical planning and investments. The public engagement process included public meetings, an online survey in English and Spanish, and stakeholder interviews.

Key planning themes that run throughout the Comprehensive Plan include:

• Promote Artesia as a destination in Southeast New Mexico.
• Strive to diversify and grow the local economy.
• Diversify Artesia’s housing stock.
• Continue to invest in indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Support quality public education.
• Invest in increasing mobility options.