Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary-Designate | New Mexico Economic Development Department
Twelve projects across eleven counties in New Mexico have been awarded economic development grants totaling $258,500. The funds aim to create jobs, support local businesses, and strengthen growth, particularly in rural areas.
The grants are part of the Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) program by the New Mexico Economic Development Department. This initiative provides annual grants for projects that enhance job creation, tax base improvement, and business development incentives. The current funding will support eleven programs in nine rural and frontier communities and three urban regions.
Rob Black, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department, emphasized the tailored impact of LEADS projects on local economies: “These projects bring the public and private sectors together to make positive, long-lasting, and regionally appropriate change.”
Mike Espiritu from Roswell Chaves County Economic Development Corporation highlighted last year's grant success: “That strategic investment directly contributed to the successful recruitment of Amazon, Inc., a transformative moment for our region’s economic future.” He looks forward to further site developments with this year’s funds.
Chad Matheson of AREA discussed how the grant will help address talent retention challenges: “This investment empowers us to turn vision into action and build a stronger workforce for the future of greater Albuquerque.”
Max Khudiakov from Red River noted that their community's economy relies heavily on family-owned businesses: “We’re launching a targeted business retention and resilience program that will help local entrepreneurs survive but also equip them to grow.”
Individual grants ranged from $19,000 to $25,000. Projects focus on workforce development, business retention, and infrastructure improvements.
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