Mayor Eric Enriquez, City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Las Cruces City Councilors received updates from the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, along with the annual report from the Historic Preservation Commission, during a work session held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.
The economic development updates presented signs of growth and challenges in a post-pandemic economy.
Davin Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), outlined growth prospects for the region including Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, and Borderplex. Lopez reported an average of 380 jobs created annually within Las Cruces over the last five fiscal years, although numbers decreased in the fiscal year ending in 2024. Conversely, MVEDA’s annual report shows a substantial job increase outside of Las Cruces in Dona Ana County for FY24.
Lopez highlighted significant job creation near Sunland Park Industrial Park and ongoing efforts to attract new industries to the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park on the City’s West Mesa. He mentioned that 15 projects are currently considering Las Cruces as a location. Lopez also cited a statement from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso Branch: “Southern New Mexico demonstrates impressive economic vitality, with the largest employment figures showing 2.8 percent growth compared to the previous year, outpacing both state and national averages. This growth underscores the region’s attractiveness for business and workforce development.”
Susan Greenwald Cabello, Executive Director of Downtown Las Cruces Partnership since March 2024, presented an optimistic review of her organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing quality of life downtown. Cabello reported that downtown business activity in fiscal year 2023-2024 saw nine businesses either relocating or newly established in the district; however, this was balanced by nine businesses leaving or closing permanently. She also noted that six businesses are currently in the process of opening downtown.
Cabello promoted DLCP's microloan program designed to assist downtown businesses and mentioned efforts to include these businesses on Film Las Cruces’ production vendor list—a move beneficial for local businesses and film production companies requiring services while filming locally.
Dr. Judy Berryman, Chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), presented their annual report focusing on protecting historic districts and cultural properties. The HPC meets monthly to review permits affecting properties within historic districts. As a member of the Certified Local Government Program, Las Cruces can now seek grants from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Office.
Besides reviewing building applications for historic properties, HPC provides walking tours, art exhibits, historic preservation exhibits, and workshops emphasizing preserving historic sites.
Las Cruces City Council work sessions and meetings are available on the City’s YouTube channel. The next Regular Session is scheduled for Aug. 19.
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