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OPINION: A stronger community through shared purpose: Kirtland AFB’s FY24 economic impact
Members of the 58th Special Operations Wing perform part of their mission capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base in 2019.
It is my privilege as the Kirtland Air Force Base installation commander to present our Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Impact Statement — a reflection of the powerful bond between this installation and the city and state we proudly serve.
In fiscal year 2024, Kirtland Air Force Base contributed more than $7.5 billion to the local economy, accounting for approximately 12% of the Albuquerque metro area’s total economic activity. This number includes payroll, construction, service contracts and the thousands of indirect jobs generated by our presence. This impact underscores the essential role Kirtland plays in fueling growth, opportunity and innovation throughout New Mexico.
Kirtland is home to more than 70,000 employees, family members, veterans and retirees, all of whom contribute to the social and economic fabric of our community. With more than 22,000 military and civilian personnel working on base, Kirtland alone employs 5% of the greater Albuquerque area workforce, making us one of the state’s largest and most diverse employers.
Beyond those employed directly, Kirtland’s household and operational spending supported an additional 34,205 local jobs and injected $2.1 billion into job creation across the state. These roles span industries ranging from education and health care to construction and retail, demonstrating how our mission reaches far beyond the base gates.
In the 2024 fiscal year, we proudly awarded more than $1 billion in contracts to small businesses. These partnerships not only strengthen our mission readiness but also uplift local entrepreneurs and help build a more resilient economy.
With more than 108 mission partners, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Rapid Capabilities Office and Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland is a critical hub for national defense, space exploration, scientific innovation and advanced training. Together, we drive cutting-edge work in deterrence, directed energy and space technologies.
But our impact goes beyond the numbers. Every service member and civilian at Kirtland is also a neighbor, a volunteer and a member of this community. From coaching youth sports and serving in local nonprofits to partnering with schools and supporting science, technology, engineering and math programs, our commitment to service extends far beyond the fence line.
