New Mexico Sun

News from December 2023


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


City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Oct. 18

City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Wednesday, Oct. 18


City of Santa Fe Public Safety Committee met Oct. 17

City of Santa Fe Public Safety Committee met Tuesday, Oct. 17


City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Oct. 17

City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Tuesday, Oct. 17


MFA offers 50% credit for supporting affordable housing

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has unveiled the State Tax Credit Program, a new initiative designed to bolster the construction of affordable housing across the state. The program offers state tax credits equivalent to 50% of the value of donations made by individuals and businesses.


UNM cancer center expands to provide exclusive treatments in new clinic addition

UNM Health Sciences has announced that the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is set to expand its clinical space in order to provide exclusive treatments. The expansion will facilitate advanced radiation treatment machines, theranostic treatment rooms, interventional radiology procedures, and cellular therapies such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR T).


CNM and UNM receive extension for UISFL grant supporting Latin American studies

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has announced an extension for the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Languages (UISFL) grant, which is awarded in partnership with the University of New Mexico (UNM). The grant will be utilized to provide students with unique educational experiences, study abroad trips, and opportunities to explore diverse Latin American and Indigenous cultures through CNM's Latin American Studies program.


Albuquerque launches citywide composting initiative with FUSE fellowship

The city of Albuquerque has unveiled an initiative designed to decrease the city's carbon footprint, stimulate economic growth, and foster environmental justice in underprivileged areas through the FUSE Fellowship. Matthew Fien Gretton, appointed as the Executive Fellow by FUSE in association with the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion and Sustainability Office, is tasked with creating a public-private composting program.


NMSU archives acquires 'Into the Great White Sands' photographic exhibition

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced the acquisition of a photographic exhibition titled "Into the Great White Sands: Photographs by Craig Varjabedian" by its Archives and Special Collections department. The exhibition is currently on display in the Humboldt Casad and Evangeline Smith Mandell Gallery, located on the fourth floor of Branson Library.


NMSU Farmington science center enhances agricultural resilience in Four Corners region

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has unveiled the operations of the Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, which is situated on 254 acres of land leased from the Navajo Nation. The center is committed to conducting research-driven initiatives and projects that support the local community.


Triad appoints new chair of the board

Los Alamos National Laboratory has announced the appointment of Jay Sures as the new chair of the board for Triad National Security LLC, the entity responsible for managing and operating the laboratory. Sures will succeed Michael Anastasio, who previously held directorial roles at both Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.


State general fund revenue growth expected to continue in FY25

On Dec. 11, 2023, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department announced that state General Fund revenues are projected to experience growth in fiscal year 2025 at a slower pace than in recent years. The projection outlines a 2.2% growth for FY25, generating $3.48 billion.


Nichole Rogers wins District 6 runoff election

In the recent runoff election for Albuquerque City Council District 6, Nichole Rogers narrowly defeated Jeff Hoehn to secure the city council seat. The margin of victory was approximately 200 votes in a district that encompasses both the International District and Nob Hill.


City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Oct. 16

City of Santa Fe Finance Committee met Monday, Oct. 16