The following chart recently appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. The most relevant data point is the “full time equivalent” number of city workers per 10,000 residents. According to the chart, Santa Fe has nearly triple the number of city government workers as does Rio Rancho.
Local government size doesn’t always jibe with political ideology, but it is not a surprise that liberal Santa Fe has the largest bureaucracy in the State.
I’ve been there and trying to find a fee free parking space is a fantasy trip. It’s also hard to get around.
Scenic city if you can afford to live there and don’t mind the progressive culture and entertainment.