A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO | |
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Greetings,
We are officially halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session and I am thrilled to share that a top economic development area of focus based on the AREA 1.0 Strategic Plan - site readiness - has gained significant support and traction.
Earlier this week, the Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness Act, SB 169 (9-0), and the Utility Pre-Deployment Act, SB170 NMFA Definitions, Funds & Rates (7-2) both received a do pass in Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee. There were NO speakers in opposition of either bill.
On the local front, we are preparing for some tremendous programs such as our April 3 Quarterly Event with a focus on downtown business improvement district progress, and the City of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico are working in unison and alignment to create significant investment and activation in the urban core.
Business development activity and site visits to the community by prospective clients has picked up significantly after the holidays and end of year - huge thanks to so many of you that assist us every day on local responses, property data, and even adding that special touch to show visitors the true gem that is greater Albuquerque.
Onward,
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Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP | |
Big News for Albuquerque's Downtown Revitalization! | |
UNM President Garnett Stokes and City of Albuquerque's Mayor Tim Keller: MOU signing! | |
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Last week, The City of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico (UNM) have signed an MOU to explore expanding UNM’s presence downtown, aiming to revitalize the area and enhance educational opportunities. The city has offered land near 3rd St. and Marquette to support this initiative.
UNM will assess academic program needs, infrastructure, and community impact, while the city will provide technical and regulatory support. Officials cite Arizona State University's downtown Phoenix expansion as an example of successful urban university integration. The partnership seeks to boost economic development and strengthen Albuquerque’s downtown core.
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Albuquerque Business First : Best Board award | |
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Congratulations to AREA's incredible Board for receiving the Best Board Award from Albuquerque Business First as part of their "Philanthropy Summit & Awards" being held on April 10, 2025.
The event will feature an insightful panel discussion on philanthropy in New Mexico, followed by lunch and the recognition of the Garrett Thornburg Philanthropist of the Year, along with our 2025 Philanthropy honorees.
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Register Today: Quarterly Event | |
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In 2023, AREA convened a Quarterly Investors event on the top floor of 500 Marquette downtown, when it was a complete vacant shell, and invited downtown business improvement district experts from Memphis, TN and Gilbert, AZ to discuss how their urban cores impact their regions, and ways that they have accomplished great transformations.
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Event will take place in Atrium | |
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This event will be a return to that same facility but with a very different conversation and perspective: the space is now occupied and furnished by FBT Architects, and we will welcome guest speaker Brad Segal, President of Progressive Urban Management Associates which is assisting a working group of downtown property and business owners in their exploration of the creation of a downtown business improvement district – not even something that was formally under consideration in 2023. Learn more about the great progress that has occurred, and what 2025 has in store!
Opening remarks will be provided by Mayor Tim Keller.
Happy hour & light refreshments will be included in ticket price.
Event will take place in the Atrium, guests can feel free to explore top floor at conclusion of the program
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Documentary Coming Soon:
A History & Vision for Greater Albuquerque's Economy
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For those who attended our 505 Awards, you may have seen a teaser for a documentary we are working on with Comcast about the history of AREA & greater Albuquerque's economic growth. If you couldn't make the ceremony, check it out above.
Special thanks to the participants:
⭐Dale Dekker, Founding Principal of Dekker
⭐Sherman McCorkle, Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Sandia Science & Technology Park Development Corp
⭐Ron Patel, President of New Mexico United
⭐Danielle Chavez, General Manager at RevelABQ
⭐Debbie Johnson, Vice President with Albuquerque Publishing Co
⭐Kyle Biederwolf, Manager of External Affairs at Comcast
⭐Micah Gray, Advisor with NAI SunVista
⭐Sara Keller, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement at Nusenda Credit Union
⭐Waneta Tuttle, Managing Partner , Tramway Ventures
The full documentary will be coming out in Spring of 2025.
If you any interest in supporting this project, please contact our Marketing email: marketing@abq.org
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Have you checked out Live.abq.org?
Have you seen our microsite targeted for talent attraction? This site was created as one of many digital tools to:
✅Target talent considering relocation to Albuquerque
✅Offer a resource to local employers for use in recruitment of out of state talent
✅Target employers looking to move their team to greater Albuquerque
Check it Out Here
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NEW Investor Opportunity:
Share Your Services Overview
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AREA is the regional responder to 100 or more new prospective leads and projects as well as expanding local businesses every year that are poised to make significant
investments in the market.
We have created a new online portal for our contributors and partners to upload Statement of Qualifications materials by category that are then shared in our unique, secure online proposal system with ALL client proposals so they can easily identify local providers, from general contractors, to accounting, to healthcare, and everything in between. Take advantage of this special feature!
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Investors: Bundle Your Event Tickets!
Tired of having to register and make payments for various events and programs throughout the year? Would you rather pay ONE invoice and be done with it? No problem! Fill out our new BUNDLE TICKETS BULK ORDER FORM and we will invoice you all at once for all events requiring paid registration (to cover AREA’s hard cost) for the full year.
https://www.abq.org/contact/bundleticketsform/
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Supporter Spotlight
Thank you to our generous contributors
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Huning LLC
GOLD INVESTOR
Since 1998
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Terracon
BRONZE Investor
Since 2024
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Hub International
BRONZE Investor
Since 1996
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Special Thanks to Continuing Supporters for Their Recent Contributions:
Albuquerque Community Foundation
Colliers International Albuquerque
Goodman Realty Group
Heritage Home Healthcare & Hospice
Jennings Haug Keleher McLeod Waterfall LLP
Kaufman Fire Protection Systems, Inc.
Kairos Power ( NEW!)
Klinger Constructors, LLC
Manpower of New Mexico
Miller Bonded, Inc.
New Mexico Transloading, LLC
Rio Grande Educational Collaborative
Segra
UNM Anderson School of Management Executive and Professional Education Center
US Eagle Federal Credit Union
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IN THE NEWS: HEADLINE HIGHLIGHTS | |
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How can utilities, state regulators spark economic development in NM?: Reliable electricity access is crucial for businesses considering New Mexico. At a Public Regulation Commission meeting, utilities PNM, EPE, and SPS discussed grid interconnection challenges and potential solutions, including streamlining approval processes and investing in infrastructure like anchor substations. Growing demand from AI, data centers, and oil and gas electrification is straining the grid, prompting discussions on regulatory support for economic development.
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance’s Chad Matheson Recognized with Economic Developer of the Year Award: Chad Matheson, Senior VP of AREA, was named Economic Developer of the Year at the NM IDEA Winter Meeting for his role in securing Ebon Solar’s $900M investment and 900 jobs in Albuquerque. He also completed OU’s Economic Development Institute training in 2024.
Second time’s the charm? Downtown property owners weigh formation of new Business Improvement District : Downtown Albuquerque property owners are exploring the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance public safety, cleanliness, and economic activity. A previous BID in the area disbanded in 2015, but renewed efforts, led by consultant Brad Segal, aim to draft a plan by April. Stakeholders are weighing priorities, while some, like Julia Youngs of Downtown ABQ MainStreet, emphasize the need for inclusivity in decision-making.
Legislative bills to watch: Site Readiness Act aims to attract investors to New Mexico: A bipartisan bill, SB 169, proposes funding and designating strategic economic development sites in New Mexico. It includes creating an advisory committee and a “site-readiness fund” with an initial $24 million appropriation. Advocates seek $100 million to stay competitive with other states. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1.
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Check out our new videos on Youtube!
Thanks to Studio 519, we have begun to generate a video series. This month we focus on Site Readiness.
Click Here
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CALLING ALL AREA AMBASSADORS:
Apply Today
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Who are AREA Ambassadors?
AREA Ambassadors are goodwill representatives of the organization, aligned with its mission. They champion AREA’s cause of growing the economy of the greater Albuquerque region. Ambassadors are educated in economic development initiatives, strategies and priorities through workshops and forums. Through these programs, Ambassadors are able to speak firsthand of the work of AREA and can promote the greater Albuquerque area through an economic lens. FIND OUT IF YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS, AND APPLY TO SERVE TODAY!
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Upcoming Partner Workshops & Programs | |
AREA's Annual Premier Supporters | |
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Diamond
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
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Platinum
University of New Mexico
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Gold
Albuquerque Journal • Bank of Albuquerque
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM • Bradbury Stamm Construction • Comcast • ExxonMobil
FRENCH Funerals & Cremations • Gridworks • Heritage Real Estate Company • Huning, LLC • Intel • Jaynes Construction • NAI Sun Vista • New Mexico Gas Company • Nusenda Credit Union
Presbyterian Health Services • Summit Electric Supply Co. • Titan Development
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Community Partners
City of Albuquerque • City of Belen • Bernalillo County • Town of Edgewood
Village of Los Lunas • City of Rio Communities • Sandoval County •Torrance County
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Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance
201 Third Street NW #1900, Albuquerque, NM 87102
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