City Clerk Resigns

City Clerk Kristine Bustos-Mihelcic will be leaving her role at City Hall, she told officials during a governing body meeting Sept. 13.

Bustos-Mihelcic thanked her family while holding back tears before citing the primary reason for her departure as her three sons.

“They have really expressed how much they miss their mom and how much they’re ready to have me back,” she said, noting her extended family has helped with late nights and missed practices. “It really took a community for me to be in this role.”

Bustos-Mihelcic, who plans to start a new job as communications director for the state transportation department next month, has headed the city’s Constituent and Council Services since 2018, when she joined the city government after a stint as spokeswoman for Santa Fe County. She transitioned to also take over as city clerk in 2020, formally accepting the job in January 2021. She commended her team’s work over the years, including recent accomplishments such as the online candidate portal and the Teen Center planned to open Sept. 22.

“I often say our department is the best department in the city, and I know I’m biased, but I couldn’t be more proud of the work they’ve accomplished,” Bustos-Mihelcic said.

Members of the governing body lamented her resignation but wished her well in her future endeavors during the meeting. Multiple councilors called the city clerk’s exit “a huge loss.”

“[Bustos-Mihelcic] worked astoundingly hard for the city and extended genuine kindness, graciousness and fellowship to me and many, many others,” District 1 Councilor Signe Lindell said. “We’re going to miss her face around City Hall.”

The last day at work for Bustos-Mihelcic, who was paid an annual salary of $111,220, will be Sept. 29. Although the clerk sometimes acted as city spokeswoman, City Manager John Blair said Wednesday he has hired several new staff recently, including the Communicators Director Amy Akmal.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated from an earlier version to add Bustos-Mihelcic’s next job.