New Mexico Sun


Villa Agave redevelopment project complete in Albuquerque

The city of Albuquerque has officially announced the completion of the Villa Agave redevelopment project. This project is a product of a public-private partnership involving the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) and Baker Architecture + Design.


Bernalillo County secures state grant for Mesa del Sol Regional Sports Complex

Bernalillo County has received a $2 million grant from the state's 2023 Regional Recreation Centers/Quality of Life Grant. The county plans to use this funding to complete the construction of the Mesa Del Sol Sports Complex in southeast Albuquerque.


 City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Nov. 29

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Nov. 29


City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met Nov. 30

City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met Thursday, Nov. 30


Nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes $740.9 million to NM economy in 2022

The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has revealed that the state's nonprofit arts and culture industry injected $740.9 million into the economy in 2022. This data was unveiled in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, which underscored the significant economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector in New Mexico.


NMEDD's JTIP supports training for 14 companies

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced that 14 companies in the state received approval for funding from the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) in November and December of 2023. The initiative is projected to support the training of up to 395 employees, trainees, and interns at various locations throughout New Mexico.


Higher Education Department releases FY25 budget

The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) has unveiled its FY25 budget recommendation, which includes an additional $12 million allocation for initiatives aimed at benefiting students and the state's workforce. The proposed general fund budget stands at $197 million, marking a growth of $12.05 million from the previous year. This increase is intended to maintain tuition-free college and expand successful education and workforce programs.


Bernalillo County unveils $14.3M facility energy efficiency improvements post audit

Bernalillo County has disclosed that in a recent commission meeting, commissioners examined the findings of an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) conducted by YESCO on more than a dozen of the county's largest facilities. The audit identified improvements amounting to $14,295,893.


Bernalillo County unveils collaborative litter cleanup initiative

Bernalillo County has launched a cooperative initiative to tackle litter along Central Avenue, spanning from 114th Street to 131st Street. The initiative involves the county's planning and development services, land management, and the county treasurer’s office, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The planning & development services department coordinates monthly staff cleanups as part of this ongoing effort.


Two salmonella cases identified by NMDOH connected to nationwide outbreak in cantaloupes

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has announced the identification of two patients in the state who have contracted Salmonella, linked to the current nationwide outbreak associated with cantaloupes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall specifically targeting Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes marked with the sticker number 4050.


DOE EM WIPP successfully disposes of 400 transuranic waste shipments

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) recently announced that its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), under the management of EM, has successfully completed and disposed of 400 shipments of transuranic waste. This achievement underscores the concerted efforts to prevent any backlog of shipments from the cleanup operation at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) site, thereby accomplishing a key priority set for 2023.


NMSU appoints new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has named Lisa Henderson as its new general counsel and chief legal affairs officer. Prior to this appointment, Henderson served as the associate general counsel at Oklahoma City Community College.


UNM GEO welcomes the return of culture nights

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently announced the return of culture nights, an initiative by the Global Education Office (GEO). These events are large-scale, venue-based evenings featuring games, performances, and cuisine from various countries. The aim is to provide a cultural experience for participants.


CNM boosts CDL training program growth through resource centralization

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has announced that the ABQ Commercial Driver's License (CDL) workforce training program has seen significant growth over the past year. The college attributes this success to a consolidation of resources. ABQ CDL offers accelerated training programs for both CDL Class A and Class B, which include theoretical instruction and practical behind-the-wheel courses.


City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Nov. 28

City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Tuesday, Nov. 28


City of Santa Fe Public Works and Utilities Committee met Nov. 27

City of Santa Fe Public Works and Utilities Committee met Monday, Nov. 27


Department of Agriculture appoints new Director of Public Affairs

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has announced the appointment of Shelton Dodson as its new Director of Public Affairs. Dodson brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent 24 years as a broadcast journalist in New Mexico and Texas.


Sandia studies arctic seafloor permafrost using fiber optic cable

Sandia National Laboratories recently disclosed that researchers are utilizing an existing fiber optic cable off Oliktok Point on the North Slope of Alaska to study Arctic seafloor conditions up to 20 miles from shore. The goal is to understand the seismic structure of extensive areas of the Arctic seafloor.


UNM law professor honored nationally for advocating Native American rights

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently announced that Gloria Valencia-Weber, a distinguished professor at the UNM School of Law, has been honored with the prestigious Pierce Hickerson Award by the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association (NLADA). The NLADA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to ensuring legal services for those unable to afford counsel, established this accolade in 2003 and awards it biennially.


City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Oct. 23

City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Monday, Oct. 23