Bond would help CNM improve college’s buildings and technology

For nearly six decades, Central New Mexico Community College has provided our community with outstanding and affordable higher education and workforce training programs, resulting in countless thousands of our graduates securing life-changing careers that power our state’s workforce and fuel economic growth.

At CNM, we must continue providing our students and our businesses with modern education and training that supports prosperous outcomes for them and our community.

As our community’s college, we know this is a team effort. We can’t do it alone, and we never have. CNM has been grateful throughout its history to receive strong support from our community, our state, and our voters who believe in our purpose. And we plan to continue earning your trust and support in the years ahead.

In the upcoming Local Election, voters are being asked to approve $80 million in bonds for CNM that would be used to improve the college’s buildings and technology. There would be no tax rate increase if the bond passes. These bond projects would upgrade or replace aging facilities and technology. These improvements are necessary for CNM to provide modernized learning environments that prepare our students for success in classrooms and the workplace, while also addressing major workforce needs in our region.

As you likely know, our state and country face concerning shortages of skilled trades workers. They form the backbone of our workforce and they’re critical for improving our state’s infrastructure and supporting economic development in every sector.

Part of the funding would be used to complete a new, state-of-the-art Skilled Trades Facility on CNM’s main campus, replacing the existing facility from the 1970s. The new facility will house our carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and industrial automation technology programs. Designed with a fast-changing future in mind, the facility will provide much more flexibility in adapting spaces as technology and industries evolve.

The funding would also support skilled trades in Rio Rancho through a groundbreaking partnership between CNM and Rio Rancho Public Schools. CNM and RRPS are teaming to build a joint-use Career Technical Education complex in Rio Rancho. CNM faculty will teach dual-credit trades courses that will be embedded in the high school experience, allowing students to graduate from high school with CNM degrees, certificates or credentials that will provide immediate access to good-paying trades careers. In addition to construction trades at the complex, CNM will build a new facility where students will be trained in automotive technology, electric vehicle technology and diesel technology.

CNM would also use bond funding to establish a permanent location for FUSE Makerspace, a unique community asset where entrepreneurs and community members have access to high-tech equipment, tools and technology. Entrepreneurs use the space to create prototypes and micro-manufacture products while also receiving robust supports to grow their businesses. Faculty members also use FUSE equipment to enhance their students’ learning experience.

Another major bond project stems from a partnership with the city of Albuquerque and the New Mexico Economic Development Department to create a world-class Film Production and Digital Media Training Center at the historic Rail Yards site. CNM will locate our film production and digital media programs at the site, alongside the state’s New Mexico Media Academy. This new facility will allow us to expand our capacity to connect more students to these high-demand careers while providing the skilled workforce that film companies need to continue growing. Another goal of this project is to help revitalize the Downtown Albuquerque community.

You can learn more about all of the CNM local bond projects at cnm.edu/bond.

On behalf of CNM, we look forward to continuing to earn the support of our community by delivering high-quality, modern education and training that leads to greater prosperity for our students, community and economy.

We hope you vote on the CNM local bond when you cast your ballot in the Local Election.