Unifying Nonprofits in Their Efforts (UNITE!) Meeting
SPECial Edition UNITE Meeting:
ESPAÑOLA MUNICIPAL CANDIDATE FORUM
United Way Northern New Mexico Collective Impact and the Rio Arriba County Health Council are pleased to invite you to our upcoming UNITE! Meeting and Municipal Candidate Forum on:
Monday, February 23, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
McCurdy Ministries – Cole Building
The 2026 Española Municipal Elections will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with voters selecting a Mayor and one City Council member from each of the four districts. As with all elections, this moment is critical to the future of the City of Española and deeply impacts our nonprofit partners, youth, families, and local residents.
This forum will be youth-led by United Way Northern New Mexico Collective Impact’s Future Leaders Council, highlighting the voices of young leaders in our community. Our youth will help guide the conversation and pose questions directly to candidates, ensuring that the next generation has a seat at the table in shaping the future of Española.
Our city continues to face significant challenges. Española remains among the highest in the state for opioid addiction rates and related crime, while also experiencing a growing unhoused population. At the same time, we are seeing increasing concerns around youth neglect, school disengagement, and limited access to positive opportunities for young people.
Through Collective Impact, United Way Northern New Mexico brings together nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to support individuals and families affected by addiction and other systemic challenges. The Rio Arriba County Health Council unites local leaders to address community priorities and the social determinants of health. Additionally, our Collective Impact initiatives support youth through the Future Leaders Council, Casita programming, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
The primary goal of this Candidate Forum is to engage directly with those seeking to lead our City and to foster meaningful dialogue centered on building community together. While we face difficult issues, we believe that collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility can help change the narrative and strengthen services for our residents.
Forum questions will focus on two key priorities:
Addressing the opioid crisis in our community
Strengthening support systems and access to services for local youth
We encourage nonprofit partners, youth leaders, families, and community members to attend and participate in this important civic conversation.
Together, we can shape a stronger future for Española.
In partnership with McCurdy Community Center, thanks to support from TRIAD.
Call 505.216.6838 if looking for more info.