News and Media

New statewide fund to respond to COVID-19 launches with over $1.1 million

Thursday, March 26, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nora Meyers Sackett Press Secretary, Office of the Governor nora.sackett@state.nm.us March 26, 2020 SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced a new fund established by the New Mexico Coalition of Community Foundations to help New Mexico respond to and eventually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The All Together NM Fund will be used to address immediate needs and offer long-term support for the recovery work that lies ahead. Pledges of more than $1.1 million from Ian and Sonnet McKinnon; Intel; Pattern Energy; Blattner Energy; and Tri State Generation and Transmission Association will seed the fund, which will be administered by the Sant...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from Artesia General Hospital

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020 It is with great sorrow that we have to announce the death of an Artesia resident on Monday as a result of COVID-19. The patient was admitted to Artesia General Hospital on Sunday, March 22, presenting symptoms of the virus. He was tested and his results were expedited, which came back positive this morning from the New Mexico Department of Health. Many of us share the family’s grief; and on behalf of Artesia General Hospital, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family. We are conducting ongoing tests and awaiting results, but at this time w...

SIC approves creation of $100 million NM recovery fund

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

BY KEVIN ROBINSON-AVILA AND DAN BOYD / JOURNAL STAFF WRITERS Published: Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 at 12:06pm As much as $100 million from one of New Mexico’s permanent funds will be made available for business loans under a New Mexico Recovery Fund approved Tuesday by the State Investment Council Pictured is the Nob Hill area in Albuquerque. (Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal) SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Investment Council voted unanimously Tuesday to immediately pump up to $100 million from one of the state’s large permanent funds into a newly-formed New Mexico Recovery Fund, which will provide discounted, short-term loans to businesses struggling t...

State agencies encouraging take-out, delivery options at restaurants

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

SANTA FE - During this difficult time for New Mexico restaurants and food establishments, the New Mexico Departments of Economic Development and Environment are encouraging New Mexicans to patronize local eateriesby utilizing home and curbside delivery and take-out options as much as possible to minimize contact with others. “Communities must step up for our local New Mexico businesses,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes. “New Mexicans can both help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and support these local businesses by choosing take-out over dining in.” “The standing advice from experts is to avoid groups of people if possible,” said Environmen...

The Economic Development Administration’s Five Investment Priorities

Thursday, March 05, 2020

Knowing your revitalization partner’s priorities adds clarity and saves time. When they are a funder with a competitive grant process, there’s all the more reason to know their priorities. For local communities interested in knowing where the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is at with their current investment priorities, this month’s speech at the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delivered by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord pointed the way. Read full article.

What Are The Biggest Industries In New Mexico?

Thursday, March 05, 2020

New Mexico is historically a mining and ranching state, but natural resources still contribute significantly to the GDP. Energy, aerospace and defense, logistics and transportation, tourism, food, etc., are some of the state's biggest industries. A Breif Overview Of The Economy Of New Mexico Although the mining sector has scaled down on employees, the gas and oil industry of New Mexico contribute over $2 billion in revenues and taxes annually. New Mexico produces the most potash in the United States and holds significant deposits of uranium. The state is on a path to recovery since the economic recession of 2007. In the decad...

JTIP Funds support 107 new jobs in New Mexico

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department has awarded Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) grants to eight companies for the training of 107 new employees, Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said today. More than $889,000 in job training funds were awarded to businesses in Rio Rancho, Church Rock, Loving, Albuquerque, Roswell, and Los Alamos. The average wage of the trainees is $17.21 per hour and three of the businesses are first-time JTIP recipients -- Supply One, Theta Plate, and USA Beef. February’s JTIP applicants are a great example of New Mexico’s diverse economy. Trainees will join the workforce in numerous industries...

5 key takeaways from Carlsbad business leaders' annual trip to Santa Fe

Friday, February 07, 2020

Business leaders from across Eddy County traveled to Santa Fe the week of February 7th for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s annual lobbying trip to meet with state policy makers and express the unique needs and impact of southeast New Mexico. Known as the Bat Brigade, the group talked with New Mexico cabinet secretaries about the regulation of oil and gas – the region’s main economic driver – along with public education, roads and the environment. Read full article.

NM must invest in tourism and hospitality for economic growth, stability

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Thanks to the hard work of area businesses and a good year for oil and gas, Carlsbad is experiencing an economic boom. We have enjoyed business growth and record-breaking lodgers’ tax. While we celebrate this success, we know that for it to continue, we must be proactive. We, like so many communities across our state, know the ebb and flow of the oil and gas industry and know that we must look beyond just one industry for stability. In Carlsbad, we are taking a proactive approach to diversifying our economy through destination promotion. We applaud the growth of our existing industrie...

More Than 31 Million People in the United States (15.6% of the Adult Population Ages 18-64) Are Engaged in Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity, According to the 2018/2019 United States GEM Report Produced by Babson College

Monday, February 03, 2020

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The United States exhibits among the highest rates of early stage entrepreneurial activity in the developed world (15.6%). In addition, a great majority of entrepreneurs in the United States were motivated by opportunity in 2018. These are among the findings of the 2018/2019 U.S. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, produced by Babson College. Read full article.

U.S. economy shakes free of recession fears in striking turnaround since August

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Measured growth is expected because of lower interest rates and more certainty after resolutions to some of Trump’s trade disputes The U.S. economy is heading into 2020 at a pace of steady, sustained growth after a series of interest rate cuts and the apparent resolution of two trade-related threats mostly eliminated the risk of a recession. This marks a dramatic turnaround in momentum since August, when some forecasters predicted a 50 percent chance of a downturn starting by the end of next year. Read full article.

USDA announces $550 million to deploy high-speed broadband internet infrastructure in rural U.S.

Saturday, February 01, 2020

STANTON, Iowa (KFOR) – More than half of a billion dollars in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program funding will be available in 2020 to develop high-speed broadband internet infrastructure in rural parts of the United States. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that a second round of $550 million has been made available after being appropriated by Congress. Read full article.

Los Alamos National Laboratory spent $396 million with New Mexico business in 2019

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Economic impact data shows gains in procurement contracts to small business, job creation, and economic development projects Newswise—New numbers for fiscal year 2019 show Los Alamos National Laboratory’s big impact on New Mexico’s economy, as the Laboratory employed 12,041 people for a total of $1.16 billion in salaries and contracted with small businesses statewide for $288.6 million. “Los Alamos National Laboratory is a major economic driver in the region, and we are fully committed to strengthening local companies and growing the local workforce,” said Thom Mason, director. “I look forward to building on these efforts in the coming year.” Read full article.

Netflix spent over $150M, hired over 1,600 cast and crew in New Mexico

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Economic Department reports that since signing an agreement to open its first U.S. production hub in New Mexico, Netflix has spent over $150 million in the state. Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes also announced Netflix has hired more than 1,600 cast and crew members and have utilized over 2,000 production vendors in the state. In January 2019, the streaming giant which is based in Los Gatos, California signed an agreement that allowed Netflix to purchase Albuquerque Studios and promised $1 billion in production spending over the next 10 years. In return, the State o...

Brew anew: Carlsbad brewery gets second life in downtown revitalization

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Lucas Middleton used to brew beer just to pass the time. He started making his own craft brews in his apartment while studying geology at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. But after opening the second location for Milton’s Brewing, the brewery he founded with his friend Austin Weyant, Middleton solidified his place as a catalyst in Carlsbad’s growing dining and beer scene. Read full article.

Carlsbad commuters get $2.4M New Year's present from City

Friday, January 03, 2020

A new surface on a busy Carlsbad side street greeted commuters during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, according to the City of Carlsbad. The $2.4 million repaving of Church Street from Carlsbad High School to the Carlsbad Beach started Dec. 21, said K.C. Cass, director of projects for the City of Carlsbad. Frank Navarrette, Constructors, Inc. Church Street project manager, said work is complete from 12th Street to Pate Street and from Mesa Street to Halagueño Street. Read full article.

New Mexico's Resolution: Get More People Outside in 2020

Friday, January 03, 2020

The number of recreation access permits issued by the New Mexico State Land Office nearly tripled in 2019, and officials say the goal is to keep growing that number. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Flanked by cactus and juniper, a pristine trail snakes through the high desert just outside New Mexico's most populated area. Sandstone canyons carved into the northeastern side of the state make for a remote bouldering and rock climbing paradise. And not far from the Texas border, a collection of scraggly cottonwoods and poplar-type trees is a beacon for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare winged migrant. Read full article.

Boom creates new pressure in Permian

Thursday, December 05, 2019

CARLSBAD — As Eddy County's planner drove through oil country on a recent day, he passed a makeshift RV park and let out a groan. The small gathering of trailers he saw near the side of the road wasn't permitted by the county. In fact, it wasn't there at all several weeks earlier, the last time Steve McCroskey drove through the area. Only about one-third of the estimated 180 RV parks in the county have a permit, and new ones are popping up so fast that officials don't have time to send them all violation notices. There are only two code enforcemen...

Program can boost NM’s ‘opportunity zones’

Monday, December 02, 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A state addendum to a federal economic development program could help some of New Mexico’s poorest areas compete with big cities in New York and California. New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes recently announced a new program that offers an $1 million bonus to certain investments made in New Mexico’s 63 opportunity zones. Read full article.

Companies partner to bring remote healthcare to oil and gas workers

Sunday, December 01, 2019

A new clinic catering to the safety and health of employees of three of the largest oil and gas operators in Carlsbad opened in March. The clinic operated by XStremeMD was created via a partnership between Conoco Phillips, Marathon Oil and XTO Energy. Dr. Joseph Pearson, CEO of XStremeMD, said the company got its start in 2006 providing healthcare for employees working on off-shore rigs in Louisiana. The Lafayette, Louisiana-based company has four locations in the Permian Basin: Orla, Midland and Big Lake, Texas with Carlsbad as the newest location. Read full article.

Permian Basin Is Booming In Southeast New Mexico

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Logistics are being upgraded to support expanding oil and gas production, including a larger regional airport in Lea County now offering non-stop flights to Denver. The size of the Permian Basin in southeastern New Mexico represents one of the largest fields in the United States, and residents of the area are taking action to facilitate the growth of the oil and gas industry in the area. After a recently completed expansion of the regional airport, Lea County will be augmenting the existing non-stop United Express daily flight service to Houston with a new route to Denver, Colorado which began on Octobe...

New Albertson’s Market Opens in Carlsbad

Friday, November 01, 2019

Albertsons' new 60,000 square foot market opened to the public Wednesday. The market offers a salad bar, full-service meat and seafood counter, a large floral department, a drive-up pharmacy and a full-service Starbucks. Customers were treated to a more expansive selection of goods at the new location which also features in-door and outdoor seating for diners. "We've got a vastly expanded deli food service, it's restaurant food people. We've got a dining area for you to sit in, you can take it out," said United Family Executive Vice President Tony Crumpton. The store also features a Ready Meals Program, which Crumpton said is ...

Community Profiles of Carlsbad & Surrounding Communities

Monday, October 14, 2019

Site selectors and business owners looking for a location often like to have as much detailed information on the region they are looking at locating their business. Sometimes this information is very hard to get ahold of without paying. Here at the Carlsbad Department of Development, we strive to be as informational and transparent about this and we are proud to be a part of. This is why we freely offer an in-depth community profile for each of our communities, including detailed and up-to-date demographics on each. We offer community profiles on the following cities: Carlsbad, NM, Artesia, NM, Otis...

Business Assistance Resources Listed on the Carlsbad’s Department of Development Website

Monday, October 07, 2019

Here at Carlsbad’s Department of Development we strive to make the success of a business as easy as possible on business owners and entrepreneurs. This is why we have created a website full of free online resources for businesses. One of the sections that can be particularly useful for business owners is our featured business assistance section. Assistance can range from help applying for local licenses, strategic planning and support, and access to all local and state incentives. We also freely offer other contact information that can be useful to business owners such and contact information for the Carlsbad Chamber o...

News and Media

We are an active community with immediate access to beautiful natural resources, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and more.

Carlsbad is the best emerging economy in New Mexico thanks to our diverse group of businesses and forward-thinking residents.

Carlsbad residents enjoy a low cost of living. At only 93% of the national average, our residents have more money to spend doing things they love.

Our population is growing. Developers can benefit from an increased demand in housing, retail, and other amenities.

News and Media

Fast Facts

We are an active community with immediate access to beautiful natural resources, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and more.

Carlsbad is the best emerging economy in New Mexico thanks to our diverse group of businesses and forward-thinking residents.

Carlsbad residents enjoy a low cost of living. At only 93% of the national average, our residents have more money to spend doing things they love.

Our population is growing. Developers can benefit from an increased demand in housing, retail, and other amenities.