The New Mexico Senate has passed Senate Bill 48, known as the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), aimed at investing in local projects and fostering resilient communities. The bill, sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart from Albuquerque, was approved with a 23-15 vote and will now advance to the House for further consideration.

Senator Stewart stated, "The Community Benefit Fund is about putting decisions and resources into the hands of local communities." She emphasized that there are $1.4 billion in unawarded projects poised to enhance community resilience, safety, and economic opportunities across New Mexico. The fund focuses on infrastructure upgrades and energy security investments within the state.

During the debate on the Senate floor, Senator Carrie Hamblin from Las Cruces highlighted the direct benefits for her district. "The Community Benefit Fund directly helps my district by funding projects like the La Cueva Trail which provides access to every New Mexican to our beautiful outdoor spaces," she said. Hamblin noted that these funds would assist local governments, tribes, and organizations in undertaking projects that improve health and wellbeing statewide.

Eligible projects under the CBF are expected to have immediate impacts on families and the economy of New Mexico. Notable initiatives include:

- Mora County Complex Community Center: A hub for disaster response and community services in a region affected by recent wildfires.

- Kit Carson Electric Microgrid Development: A project aimed at ensuring energy reliability for rural communities reliant on medical equipment.

- City of Jal Affordable Housing Initiative: An effort to construct energy-efficient housing in southeastern New Mexico designed to reduce emissions and utility costs.

Senator Cindy Nava from Bernalillo stressed the significance of using CBF funds for sustainable housing solutions. "As someone who worked in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, I saw firsthand the benefits of sustainable housing systems on community resilience, and housing affordability," she remarked. Nava expressed that this vote represents an essential step towards investing in New Mexican communities.

Further information regarding the Community Benefit Fund can be accessed at www.clearhorizonsnm.org.