The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced the distribution of $258,500 in grants to support 12 projects across 11 counties. These funds aim to stimulate job creation, bolster local enterprises, and promote economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Administered through the LEADS (Local Economic Assistance & Development Support) program, the grants are awarded annually to initiatives that contribute to employment, enhance tax revenues, and encourage business development. The funding will support 11 initiatives spread across nine rural and frontier communities and three urban centers.
EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black emphasized that LEADS initiatives are designed to align with local needs and deliver immediate economic benefits. He highlighted the collaboration between public and private sectors in driving sustainable and regionally appropriate development.
Mike Espiritu, president and CEO of the Roswell Chaves County Economic Development Corporation, noted that a previous LEADS grant enabled the preparation of land for development, ultimately facilitating the arrival of Amazon, Inc., a major milestone for the region’s economic outlook. With the new funding, the area plans to undertake further site development to attract additional investments.
Chad Matheson, senior vice president of AREA (Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance), stated that the grant will expedite efforts to implement a collaborative, data-driven strategy aimed at addressing one of the region’s most pressing economic challenges: talent retention and attraction. He described the funding as instrumental in transforming strategic visions into actionable outcomes, strengthening the workforce for the future of Albuquerque.
Max Khudiakov, director of economic development and tourism for the Town of Red River, shared that the LEADS grant has had a transformative impact on the community. He explained that the funds will be used to launch a targeted business resilience and retention program, helping local entrepreneurs not only survive but also expand, create jobs, and strengthen the tax base in a town where nearly all businesses are family-owned.
Grant amounts range from $19,000 to $25,000, an increase from the previous year’s range of $5,000 to $25,000. The focus areas include workforce development, business retention, and infrastructure enhancement.
Among the recipients are:
– AREA received $25,000 for its Talent Insights Advisory Council, which will collaborate with students from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to assess community perceptions and set growth goals.
– Clovis Economic Development was awarded $25,000 to conduct a workforce readiness and entrepreneurship survey to identify labor needs and skill gaps.
– Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation received $25,000 to continue strengthening relationships with e-base employers through its BRE Outreach Program.
– Grow Raton secured $25,000 to complete the design and renovation of its commercial kitchen, pilot culinary training modules, and launch outreach campaigns.
– The City of Lovington received $20,000 to establish a modern community space for events in collaboration with high-profile partners.
– MRGEDA (Middle Rio Grande Valley) was awarded $19,500 to develop a small business support initiative and an Economic Development Plan for Socorro.
– MVEDA (Mesilla Valley) received $25,000 to expand its “AutomateUp” initiative, broadening skill development and industry certification opportunities.
– The Town of Red River was granted $25,000 to develop a Resilient Business Toolkit, conduct continuity workshops, and implement a campaign to ensure business preparedness.
– Roswell/Chaves County EDC received $25,000 to develop an additional shovel-ready site to attract industrial and commercial activity.
– Sandoval Economic Alliance was awarded $25,000 for its “Grow Your Own” initiative, supporting business retention, micro-economic gardening, and local manufacturing connections.
– Taos County received $19,000 to develop a BRE Program Framework, pilot a creative industries program, and create disaster planning tools.
Further details about the LEADS program can be found at edd.newmexico.gov/community-development/leads/.