EDD awards economic capacity grants

The New Mexico Economic Development Department last week announced 11 organizations and local governments that received grants intended to spur economic development and job creation.

EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said the money will support a wide variety of projects aimed at making communities more economically sustainable.

The money is part of the Local Economic Assistance and Development Support funding program. The projects received between $5,000 and $25,000 per year through a cost-reimbursement contract.

Reimbursements are made upon the completion of the projects and after the recipients have submitted project reports.

“The projects this year reflect EDD’s strong and continuing partnership with our economic development partners across the state. The funds will support new initiatives, such as a commercial kitchen and creative industries, and assist with important site-readiness efforts and capacity building as local communities work toward more robust and sustainable economies,” Roper said in a statement.

The 2025 LEADS awards are going to following organizations:

•Clovis Economic Development, $25,000. CED will improve its database and hire a consultant.

•City of Farmington, $25,000. The city will create an Industrial Park Master Plan.

•Four Corners Economic Development, $25,000. The money will develop engingeering plans for a 50,000-square-foot spec building.

•Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation will receive $25,000 to meet with companies that have identified expansion plans or specific infrastructure needs to develop strategies and action plans.

•Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance will receive $25,000 to expand its "AutomateUp skills development and industry certification initiative to reach a larger audience.

•Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association will receive $14,720 for work at the Socorro Regional Commercial Kitchen.

•Questa Economic Development Fund will receive $23,000 to hire a student intern.

•Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation will receive $25,000 to develop a shovel-ready site in Chaves County at a 30-acre site own by the city of Roswell.

•Sandoval Economic Alliance will receive $25,000 for for its "Grow Your Own" initiative.

•Taos County will receive $21,800 to use a Livability, Opportunity, and Responsibility Foundation-funded intern to create a program plan and activate new tools and protocols.

•The Town of Taos will get $25,000 to develop the program for the Business Resource and Innovation Center.