Santa Fe's Southside

The Santa Fe Reporter is the source for independent, award-winning alternative news and culture since 1974 in New Mexico’s capital city. Santa Fe Reporter publishes a weekly print edition that is distributed free in our community and produces three glossy magazines each year. It is the only outlet in New Mexico that regularly publishes long-form investigative reports, deep dives and impactful features. The Santa Fe Reporter strives to include as many voices as possible and cover topics with analysis, strong voice and fearless criticism. Closed Position: Santa Fe has become increasingly divided by wealth and poverty. Power is concentrated among the aging elite in the east and north sides, while young families and the middle class living on the Southside often are shorted when it comes to services. Median housing prices are at an all-time high all over the city, and while the Southside has the lowest-priced housing, it has food deserts and fewer services. Until the last two years, there were few doctor’s offices. Despite city efforts to encourage more diverse grocery store and restaurant choices, they are few and far between. Schools are crowded, and developed open spaces such as parks aren’t as prevalent. But in all these instances, there are people and organizations working toward equity and improved quality of life. Telling those stories builds momentum.This Report for America corps member is assigned to cover Santa Fe’s Southside — its immigrant and indigenous communities, service industry workers, entrepreneurs and families — through stories that impact their lives. The reporter covers the business and culture outside of the city’s contemporary downtown core, especially taking into account women, people of color, historical context, access to health care and education. The reporter joins our two full-time staff news writers to produce content for our weekly newspaper and website. They contribute a long-form cover story to the rotation every four to six weeks. The reporter is mentored by two editors with 40 years of combined experience in print, television and online media, as well as an art director who offers training and partnership on photographic and graphics to accompany the storytelling.