As the November 5 election approaches, New Mexico voters will decide on two significant measures: the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) mill levy and GO Bond 3 for Higher Education. If approved, these initiatives promise to enhance healthcare and education infrastructure across the state.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has expressed strong support for the UNMH mill levy. Del Esparza, chairman of the board, and Terri Cole, president and CEO, emphasized in a recent op-ed that a robust healthcare system is crucial for attracting quality employees and businesses. The GACC Board of Directors unanimously backed the mill levy earlier this year.
Esparza and Cole highlighted several key benefits of the funding: "New Mexico’s only Level 1 Trauma Center — a lifeline for New Mexicans and our workforce." They also noted UNM Children’s Hospital's role in treating thousands of children annually with advanced technology and specialized care. As an academic health center, UNMH provides cutting-edge medical research and specialty patient care regardless of patients' financial capabilities. Furthermore, it hosts the state's only NCI-designated cancer treatment center recognized for breakthrough research.
On another front, Olivia Padilla-Jackson from Central New Mexico Community College briefed GACC members about GO Bond 3 at a recent meeting. She explained that this bond would improve public colleges without raising taxes. GO Bond 3 proposes over $230 million in funding statewide, including $94.5 million earmarked for the University of New Mexico and its branches.
Key projects under GO Bond 3 include a new Humanities & Social Sciences Complex at UNM's main campus and renovations at the College of Pharmacy on its north campus. Each branch campus also has projects aimed at enhancing facilities.
Approval of GO Bond 3 could generate more than 2,300 jobs across various sectors while boosting economies in numerous cities across New Mexico. Central New Mexico Community College stands to receive $10 million for a new Center for Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development plus $6 million for Health and Safety Improvements across its campuses.
Padilla-Jackson outlined plans for FUSE Makerspace to secure a permanent location providing access to equipment and entrepreneurial support among other initiatives like Deep Dive Technology Bootcamps and AI programs.
Health and Safety improvements would address emergency alert systems and code compliance issues across CNM's facilities with an estimated cost of $12 million.
Historically, voters have supported similar bonds in past election cycles from 2012 through 2022.
