December 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO

Greetings, AREA Contributors,


As we close out the year, I want to thank you for the energy, leadership, and partnership you continue to bring to AREA and to greater Albuquerque. From the momentum we celebrated together at this year’s 505 Awards & Annual Dinner to the progress happening across our region, 2025 has been a year defined by connection and impact.


Throughout the year, our region celebrated multiple inward investment announcements and expansions across advanced industries. These wins reflect the strength of our regional ecosystem and the growing alignment across state, local, and regional partners. They also underscore how your investment in AREA’s mission helps drive outcomes at scale and reinforces greater Albuquerque’s position as a competitive location for innovation-led growth.


As you reflect on the year, I encourage you to explore AREA’s Q3 Organizational Report, linked below. This report offers deeper insight into our pipeline activity, strategic initiatives, and the collective momentum shaping our economy. From advancing site readiness and accelerating investment attraction efforts to strengthening talent alignment and competitiveness initiatives, your support remains central to our progress.


As we head into the final weeks of the year, this is a moment to both celebrate our success and look ahead with confidence. The foundation we’ve built positions us well as we prepare for 2026, a year that promises continued opportunity, growth, and meaningful wins for our region.


Thank you for your continued belief in this work and in Greater Albuquerque. Together, we are building a stronger and more competitive regional economy that will create jobs, attract investment, and shape the future for generations to come.


Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to finishing the year strong with you by our side.


With gratitude,

Chad Matheson, CEcD

The team at AREA wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season! Looking for some new recipes for those big gatherings? Check our Staff Cookbook!

 

BIG NEWS FOR AEROSPACE IN ALBUQUERQUE!

Mantis Space, a startup building the first power grid in space, selected Albuquerque for its headquarters and R&D manufacturing hub. The project is expected to create over 200 high-wage jobs and generate more than $480 million in economic impact over the next decade.


The company chose Albuquerque after a competitive national search due to its talent pool, quality of life, proximity to customers, and strong state and local incentives.

 


Q3 Interactive Report out now!

Q3 was a busy one for the AREA Team. Check our our latest interactive quarterly report filled with updated stats, photos, awards, videos and more!


Click here for our interactive report

 

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Nestled at the base of the Sandia Peak Tramway, The Homestead Café has quickly become a cornerstone of the Sandia Heights and Sandia Peak Tram area. Opened earlier this year, the café offers locals and visitors a welcoming space to enjoy handcrafted coffee, fresh food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and sweeping views of Albuquerque. The full bar is coming soon. Its location—one of the most visited gateways to the Sandia Mountains—makes it a unique contributor to regional tourism and a valuable amenity for residents and tram guests alike.


Beyond serving exceptional food and drink, The Homestead Café represents a growing investment in local economic development. The business employs area residents, sources ingredients from New Mexico producers whenever possible, and supports community events and partnerships with nearby organizations. Seasonal celebrations, local art displays, and themed weekends have drawn repeat customers and boosted foot traffic to the surrounding area, contributing to a more vibrant local economy.



The café’s success demonstrates how small, locally owned businesses can play a vital role in both economic growth and community building. By combining scenic appeal, quality offerings, and a commitment to local engagement, The Homestead Café has created not only a destination for visitors—but a gathering place that reflects the spirit and entrepreneurial energy of Albuquerque’s east side.


NEW INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY

 

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!

 

SUPPORTOR SPOTLIGHT

Thank you to our generous contributors

 

Intel

GOLD Investor

Since 1994

Blue Cross Blue Shield NM

GOLD Investor

Since 1993


Huning llc

GOLD Investor

Since 1998

Special Thanks to Continuing Supporters for Their Recent Contributions:


Acme Iron and Metal Inc.

Amazon

Duke City Commercial LLC

Eye Associates of New Mexico

JB Henderson Construction

KPMG LLC

Maestas Development Group

Manpower of New Mexico

The Homestead Cafe

US Eagle Federal Credit Union


 

AREA's Annual Premier Supporters

 

Diamond

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)

Platinum

University of New Mexico

Gold

Albuquerque Journal • Bank of Albuquerque

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM • Bradbury Stamm Construction • Comcast

FRENCH Funerals & Cremations • Gridworks • Heritage Real Estate Company • Huning, LLC • Intel • Jaynes Corporation • NAI Sun Vista • New Mexico Gas Company • Nusenda Credit Union

Presbyterian Health Services • Summit Electric Supply Co. • U.S. Bank

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

 
 

CALLING ALL AREA AMBASSADORS:

Apply Today

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!

Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance

201 Third Street NW #1900, Albuquerque, NM 87102

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