Farmington gains new hospital, plans citywide 125th celebration

Farmington is entering a year of growth that promises faster local healthcare and a yearlong community celebration while leaders prepare for an administrative transition. City officials announced plans on January 9 that Exceptional Community Hospital, located on Pinyon Frontage Road, will open early this year to bring faster care closer to home and expand access to critical services.

For San Juan County residents, the new facility means reduced travel for urgent care and some inpatient needs, easing pressure on regional hospitals and lowering barriers for people with limited transportation. The hospital's organizers say the facility aims to broaden local options for diagnosis and treatment; the announcement directs residents to EHC two four.com/farmington for more information about services and the grand opening.

Beyond health infrastructure, Farmington is laying groundwork for a major civic moment: a yearlong Farmington 125 celebration marking 125 years since incorporation in 1901. City organizers told Local News Network they plan to spread activities across the calendar rather than concentrate them in a single event. "2026 is a huge milestone year for our community. Farmington is celebrating it's 125 years since we first incorporated in 1901. So we're just really excited to make the entire year a celebration of that milestone rather than focus on a single event. So we're, we have a lot of fun things planned and, and we have a lot of ways that we'd like to involve the community and other community events as part of this 125 celebration," said Gina in Topa.

City staff have produced a community calendar preloaded with expected events. Copies are available while supplies last at city hall, the library, the rec center and the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center. Organizers noted January is light but that Civic Center programming will pick up, including a kids show in February and Sycamore Park’s longtime daddy daughter ball, which will carry Farmington 125 branding at the Civic Center.

Officials are actively inviting businesses and community organizations to participate and co-brand longstanding events. "We really want the community to own this 125 brand and own this 125 celebration as well. And so we have a form on our page where if you have a longstanding community event and you want to incorporate the branding, whether it be just by adding that logo to your event or we have some fun swag and signage and things like that, that we can make available for community events," Gina said. Interested groups can sign up at farmingtonnm.gov/125.

The year also brings a planned leadership change at City Hall. City Manager Rob Mays will retire June 30, 2026, and Deputy City Manager Shaña Reeves is expected to be appointed as his successor at the January 20 City Council meeting pending ratification. That transition could shape how Farmington manages growth tied to the new hospital and the 125th events, from permitting to public outreach.

The takeaway? New local care and a citywide birthday mean more services and more chances to connect, but they also require community input and planning. If you rely on nearby clinics, work in healthcare, run a small business or volunteer with senior or youth programs, now’s a good time to check the hospital details, pick up a Farmington 125 calendar and talk to your neighbors about how these changes can best serve everyone in San Juan County.