Gregg Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho
Gregg Hull: A Comprehensive Profile of Rio Rancho’s Longest-Serving Mayor
Background and Career
Greggory D. “Gregg” Hull has served as Mayor of Rio Rancho, New Mexico since April 2014, making him the city’s longest-serving mayor. A businessman and entrepreneur before entering politics, Hull has emphasized his dual focus on growing Rio Rancho’s economy and maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. He has been re-elected twice — in 2018 and again in 2022 — a sign of continued voter confidence in his leadership.
In addition to his mayoral duties, Hull plays a prominent role in regional and statewide governance. He serves as Chairman of the Mid-Region Council of Governments and is the President-Elect of the New Mexico Municipal League, positions that allow him to influence broader policy discussions beyond Rio Rancho.
Achievements and Leadership Record
1. Public Safety
- Police and Fire/Rescue staffing has grown by 20% since Hull took office.
- The Rio Rancho police budget has more than doubled under his administration.
- Violent crime dropped approximately 20% between 2022 and 2024, while property crime and drug offenses declined by about 11%.
2. Infrastructure and City Services
- Broadmoor Boulevard Reconstruction Project: A multi-million-dollar project rebuilding road surfaces and replacing aging water infrastructure.
- Unser Boulevard Widening: Hull’s administration is pursuing federal funding to widen a key north-south corridor to alleviate traffic congestion.
- Regular investments in water system improvements and bond-funded upgrades to fire and police facilities.
3. Economic Development
- Implemented the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) framework in Rio Rancho, offering incentives to attract new businesses.
- Employment grew by 3.2% from 2022 to 2023, with healthcare, retail trade, and professional/technical services being the strongest sectors.
- Advocated for diversifying the economy while also encouraging residential and commercial development.
4. Community Growth and Recognition
- Rio Rancho’s population grew 19% between 2010 and 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico.
- Under Hull’s leadership, Rio Rancho has received national recognition:
• Named one of “America’s 50 Best Cities to Live” (Livability, 2025).
• Ranked among the “Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest” (2024).
Challenges and Criticism
- Infrastructure Lag: Rapid population growth has outpaced road expansions and traffic management.
- Revenue Constraints: Limited tax base means reliance on bonds or outside funding.
- Police Accountability: Despite funding growth, Rio Rancho’s Police Department scores only 55% on the Police Scorecard.
- Economic Concentration: Job growth largely concentrated in healthcare/retail, fewer high-paying jobs.
- Perceptions of Priorities: Some residents feel neighborhood-level issues are overshadowed by larger projects.
Pros and Cons of Gregg Hull’s Leadership
Pros
Experience & Stability – Over a decade in office, providing consistent leadership.
Public Safety Gains – Increased police/fire staffing and lowered violent crime rates.
Infrastructure Investment – Oversaw major projects like Broadmoor and Unser Boulevard expansions.
Economic Growth – Employment up; incentives for new businesses through LEDA.
Statewide Influence – Holds leadership roles in regional/state municipal organizations.
City Recognition – Nationally ranked as one of the best U.S. cities to live.
Cons
Infrastructure Catch-Up – Growth has outpaced roads; congestion is a persistent issue.
Sustainability Questions – Long-term economic and infrastructure sustainability debated.
Conclusion
Gregg Hull’s tenure as Mayor of Rio Rancho has been defined by growth, investment in public safety, and efforts to modernize infrastructure. He has successfully positioned Rio Rancho as one of New Mexico’s most attractive and fastest-growing cities. However, his record is not without criticism: questions about long-term infrastructure sustainability, reliance on external funding, and concerns about economic diversity remain significant. Overall, Hull is seen as a pragmatic leader with a track record of delivering results, but his legacy will depend on how well Rio Rancho manages the challenges of rapid growth in the years ahead.