Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories presented their annual economic impact report at the Kirtland Partnership Committee’s biannual meeting on August 13. The report detailed that in 2024, Kirtland Air Force Base contributed $7.5 billion to the local economy, accounting for 12% of the Albuquerque area’s total economic activity.
Col. Justin Secrest, who recently assumed command of the 377th Air Base Wing, spoke about his experience since arriving at Kirtland. “... It hasn’t taken long for me to feel both humbled and energized by the scale of the mission here… and the strength of this community,” Secrest said. “As I get to know the base and the mission more deeply, one thing becomes immediately clear: Kirtland is not just a base — it’s a strategic engine. And the power behind that engine is our mission and those of our incredible mission partners.”
Secrest highlighted that Kirtland employs 5% of Albuquerque’s workforce, making it one of New Mexico’s largest employers. The base reported a payroll of $2.6 billion in 2024.
A significant portion of Kirtland’s economic impact comes from Sandia National Laboratories. According to Secrest, “They continue to be a national leader in science and technology. Their advancements in nuclear security and defense innovation are not only crucial to our national defense — they’re creating jobs and driving economic impact right here in Albuquerque.” Laura McGill, Director of Sandia National Laboratories, noted that total expenditures reached $5.2 billion in 2024—a record high—representing a $424 million increase over the previous year and a 66% rise since 2017.
Construction spending at Kirtland increased by 275%, with updates to military infrastructure including a new Defense Threat Reduction Agency building and renovations at Gibson Child Development Center.
Secrest explained how these expenditures benefit Albuquerque directly: “And these numbers aren’t just abstract federal dollars being spent on the installation. They’re coming back into the community,” he said. “In fiscal year 2024, we spent $1.14 billion locally — at your grocery stores, your hardware shops, your construction sites and your tech firms. That money stays here, with the city and the state. And the ripple effect? Another $1.1 billion in indirect output — boosting local suppliers, service providers, subcontractors and more.”
The report stated that Kirtland supports over 56,000 jobs in Albuquerque through direct employment and job creation value estimated at $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2024.
Additionally, more than $1 billion was awarded in contracts to small businesses during fiscal year 2024.
Secrest addressed ongoing efforts to support personnel quality of life by focusing on education and housing needs for military families as well as addressing crime concerns through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.
“This will just continue to grow,” Secrest said. “We want to retain and attract talent. To do that, we are focused on the whole person and their quality of life — not just their role on base.
“Take education for example. There are 9,000 school-aged children in our Kirtland community, who face unique challenges in the school systems. We’re thrilled about the upcoming opening of the new building for Sandia Base Elementary School, an Albuquerque Public Schools (campus) located on our installation.
“Housing. We currently have 119 military families waiting for on-base housing. That’s why we’ve partnered with 14 local properties through the rental partnership program, which helps families find quality housing fast. But we need more.
“Crime is another challenge we’re facing together. We’ve seen a spike in unauthorized access attempts — we’re the third-highest base in the Air Force for turnarounds at the gate. But the good news is we have a strong relationship with Albuquerque police and Bernalillo County sheriff’s office, and we’re tackling it as a team.”
Community members attended this meeting to hear about these developments firsthand.
