Jessica Geary of Alaska and Megan Bolin of Utah step into their respective roles as chair and vice chair of the CSG West Legislative Service Agency & Research Directors (LSA/RD) committee. The committee offers a vital forum for nonpartisan legislative directors by fostering professional development, training, and collaborative learning.

Geary, appointed as the Alaska Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency (LAA) in 2018, and Bolin, currently the Deputy Director for the Utah Legislature’s Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC), bring their expertise and insights to lead the LSA/RD committee. The committee's annual training seminar, scheduled for October 7-9 in Park City, Utah, will focus on enhancing management skills and sharing innovative practices from nonpartisan offices across Western states.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) is poised to assist Turnkey Ventures Inc., an Austin-based company, in establishing a modular home manufacturing center in Roswell. With plans to invest $11.8 million and hire 330 workers, the initiative aims to revitalize a long-closed building at the Roswell Air Center and position the city as a manufacturing hub for modular home products.

Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings, a former state senator of 34 years and longtime member of the CSG West Executive Committee – who previously served as New Mexico’s Senate President Pro Tem – emphasized the city’s readiness to welcome the project. Jennings highlighted its potential to leverage existing resources for workforce development and support housing initiatives within the community.

The proposed site for the manufacturing center, involving the potential sale of city-owned property, marks a strategic partnership between Turnkey Ventures, local government, and economic development organizations. Pending formal application and financial review, the State's commitment from the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job-creation fund will provide up to $400,000 in assistance to facilitate the establishment of the manufacturing facility. With a focus on meeting hiring and economic development milestones, the incremental support signifies a strategic approach to fostering economic revitalization and job creation initiatives in Roswell.

Click HERE to view the full press release from the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

CSG West staff visited Alaska’s state capitol, Juneau, January 29 – February 1. CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz and Policy Analyst Jackie Tinetti connected with leadership and members during their three-day visit, including House Speaker Cathy Tilton, House Minority Leader Calvin Schrage, House Rules Chair Representative Craig Johnson, Senate President Gary Stevens, Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, and Rules Chair Senator Bill Wielechowski.

The Alaska Legislature is tackling education funding, pension reform (SB 88) and artificial intelligence use (HB 177), among other issues.  Governor Dunleavy addressed a joint session of the legislature to give his vision for Alaska with the theme of “North to the Future,” which emphasized the importance of opportunity and growth to attract and keep people in the state. 

A highlight of the visit was a dinner at Roma Bistro on the Wharf with alumni of the Western Legislative Academy (WLA), including last year’s graduates - Senator Jesse Bjorkman and Representatives Andrew Gray, Rebecca Himschoot, and C.J. McCormick. Twenty-six sitting legislators from the Alaska Legislature are graduates of this leadership program which is designed for newer policymakers.

During the visit, training needs were identified and opportunities through CSG West’s Westrain resources to meet those needs were discussed with legislative leaders.

Edgar and Jackie are grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality, and the enthusiastic engagement of Alaska legislators who offered their insights, guidance, and suggestions for CSG West programs and leading-edge policy continues to thrive in CSG West.