Silver City Forms Committees to Study Economic Development and Recycling

New advisory groups will focus on boosting the local economy and reducing waste

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Silver City Town Council has approved the creation of two new advisory committees - the Economic Development Research Committee and the Reuse and Recycle Committee. The economic development committee will analyze data on local businesses and industries to identify funding sources and economic development opportunities. The recycling committee will work to develop and implement programs to reduce waste going to the landfill. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to working with local MainStreet organizations.

Why it matters

These new committees represent an effort by Silver City to proactively address key economic and environmental challenges facing the community. By taking a data-driven approach to economic development and finding ways to boost recycling, the town aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and become more sustainable.

The details

The Economic Development Research Committee and Reuse and Recycle Committee will each have five members appointed by the mayor, with one member allowed to reside outside town limits. The initial terms will be staggered, with three members serving two-year terms and two serving one-year terms. The mayor will also appoint one non-voting council member to each committee. The economic development committee will analyze data from the state to identify funding sources and help connect businesses to resources. The recycling committee will work to develop programs to reduce waste going to the landfill, and will be able to apply for grants - something the previous community recycling group could not do.

  • The town council approved the creation of the new committees at their meeting on Tuesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The mayor plans to appoint the committee members, likely at the first meeting in March 2026.

The players

Simon Wheaton-Smith

The mayor of Silver City who proposed the creation of the new committees.

Nick Prince

A Silver City councilor who sponsored the resolution to create the economic development committee.

Stan Snider

A Silver City councilor who sponsored the resolution to create the recycling committee.

Jacqui Olea

The interim town manager of Silver City.

Julian Muñoz

A Silver City resident who encouraged the town to purchase land to create a new community park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think both of the committees we are proposing are going to set the future for the town to a very large extent.”

— Simon Wheaton-Smith, Mayor (scdailypress.com)

“We actually have breakdowns of every industry, every business code, every dollar and every cent that's moving through our town. I have never had a breakdown of all the data and spreadsheets presented in a usable way, so that we can start to initiate any type of potential funding sources, be able to help connect businesses and groups to try to get access then to some of the state funding initiatives — or really even get any presentations for economic development and projects.”

— Nick Prince, Councilor (scdailypress.com)

“I think that the advantage of having this whole formal group with the city is that the recycle group will be able to apply for grants, which was not able to happen with the informal group.”

— Stan Snider, Councilor (scdailypress.com)

What’s next

The mayor plans to appoint the members of the new committees, likely at the first meeting in March 2026.

The takeaway

Silver City is taking a proactive approach to addressing key economic and environmental challenges facing the community. By forming these new advisory committees, the town aims to boost local businesses, create jobs, and reduce waste through data-driven decision making and collaboration with community stakeholders.