New Mexico voters have approved GO Bond 3, a $230 million statewide bond, which will fund over 40 projects at the state's colleges, universities, and specialty schools. The bond passed with 66% of the vote according to unofficial results from the November 5 election.
In Bernalillo County, voters also approved the continuation of a mill levy for University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH). This funding is crucial for UNMH as it covers about 10% of its revenue and supports additional costs associated with being New Mexico's largest teaching hospital and only Level-I Trauma Center and dedicated children's hospital.
Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, co-chaired the fundraising effort for the hospital mill levy alongside Del Archuleta. Cole stated, "Del Archuleta did a tremendous job and provided wonderful leadership to the effort."
Kate Becker, CEO of UNM Hospital, expressed gratitude to Bernalillo County voters: “We are so grateful to the voters in Bernalillo County who continue to put their trust and investment in UNM Hospital,” she said. “Support for our hospital is a direct investment into the health and well-being of our community.”
The passage of GO Bond 3 is expected to create over 2,300 new jobs in fields such as architecture, construction, education, and related areas. It will contribute significantly to economies across New Mexico.
At the University of New Mexico (UNM), GO Bond 3 will provide more than $94.5 million for six projects including $52 million for a new Humanities and Social Sciences building. Additional funds are allocated for renovations at various UNM branch campuses.
UNM President Garnett S. Stokes remarked on the impact: “The approval of these general obligation bonds will have a transformative effect on our institution and on our state.”
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) will receive $10 million for its Center for Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development along with $6 million for health and safety improvements across all CNM campuses.
Historically, New Mexican voters have supported similar GO improvement bonds in past election cycles dating back to 2012.
