| April, 2017 | 2017 NMEDD Legislative Wrap | HB 2 includes $7M for LEDA and $10M for JTIP. Funding for programs in our budget (subject to change): - $1M for New Mexico Partnership
- $806,400 for MainStreet
- $175,000 for LEADS
- $92,500 for Certified Business Incubators
HB 147 JTIP Residency Requirements Fiscal years 2018-2022. Reduces the residency requirement to one day if certain salary thresholds are met: $60,000 for a job performed in, based in or within ten miles of the external boundaries of a municipality with a population (according to the most recent decennial census) of 60,000 or more; or if the job is based in a H class county (Los Alamos), or $40,000 for a job performed in or based in a municipality with a population of less than 60,000 or for a job performed in or based in the unincorporated areas, not within ten miles of the external boundaries of a municipality with a population of 60,000 or less; or a county other than an H class county HB 113 Statewide Broadband Network Requires that the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) establish and maintain a statewide broadband network primarily for public and higher education departments, political subdivisions, state universities and other educational institutions. Indian Nations, Tribes and Pueblos may connect to the statewide broadband network in exchange for a right-of-way agreement with the CIO. SB 478 Bioscience Development Act Creates the New Mexico Bioscience Authority, a public-private partnership representing a collaborative among state government, research institutions, national labs and private industry. Administratively attached to UNM Health Sciences Center. Establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Authority. Establishes the Bioscience Development Fund (no appropriation made). ITEMS THAT DID NOT PASS - Enhanced Enterprise Zones
- HB 91 Extended Hours at Santa Teresa POE
- IRB revisions - Governor Martinez struck new restrictions
- MRA bill to add counties did not get out of committee
- High Wage Jobs Tax Credit fix never got out of committee
| SPECIAL SESSION OR EXTRAORDINARY SESSION What are the differences? The Governor may call the legislature into a special session by proclamation. The only matters that may be considered in the special session are those contained in the Governor's proclamation. The legislature may call itself into an extraordinary session if it deems the need great enough. An extraordinary session requires approval by two-thirds of both houses. It allows the legislature to address any matters it sees fit rather than allowing the Governor to limit topics of discussion in the proclamation. The New Mexico legislature called an extraordinary session in May 2002, the first time this power has been used in the history of New Mexico. | JTIP CONTINUES TO ASSIST RURAL COMPANIES ONLY At the April 14th JTIP board meeting seven applications were approved: - Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery, Silver City
- Medicus Billing & Consulting, Las Vegas
- New Mexico Milling, Navajo Nation
- Silver Leaf Farms, Corrales
- Paradise Power Company, Taos
- St. Claire's Organics, Santa Clara
- Energy Concepts, Sapello
JTIP will continue to only consider applications from rural companies until additional funding is made available. | NEW MEXICO NAMED A TOP LOCATION FOR FILMING IN THE US AND CANADA The magic of this state is not lost on Hollywood.  The Hollywood Reporter has named New Mexico as one of the "8 Hotspots" for shooting in the U.S. or Canada. The industry magazine cites factors such as tax incentives, infrastructure, longevity, $397 million of direct spend in FY16, as well as critical acclaim for productions including Hell or High Water, Longmire and Better Call Saul.
"This is more evidence that our industry here is vibrant, productive and notable among industry insiders. New Mexico continues to rank high among the choices that film productions consider when looking for the best destinations to bring their business," said NMFO Director Nick Maniatis. The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) attended the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Locations, Global Production and Finance Conference in Burbank, CA from April 6-8. | MEET THE COMMUNITY, BUSINESS & RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM (CBRDT) The CBRDT or regional representatives is a program created in statute in 2000. Team members live and work in their respective regions, providing both business and community development services. NMEDD received no additional resources when the program was created, just a mandate. Cell phones and laptops were donated to the group by Plateau Telecommunications for travel throughout the state.
This Team rarely takes the stage at announcements, but their talents and hard work build community capacity and make those announcements possible. Christine Logan represents Region 5, comprised of seven counties in southwest New Mexico. In fact, the state has only 33 counties, totaling 121,000 square miles; New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the union. She has a big job by many definitions. Christine comes to her position well-prepared. She is a certified economic development professional (CEcD), a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and a land surveyor. She is also a candidate for her doctorate in economic development at NMSU. In her role as a regional rep she has written grant and loan applications, strategic plans, LEDA ordinances, JTIP applications, and she regularly guides businesses and communities through the LEDA funding process. A recent example of her dedication is the technical assistance she provided in the establishment and start-up of the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA). Christine guided community leaders through the process which resulted in the region realizing its goal to establish a nonprofit economic development organization. The Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) is a regional non-profit organization whose purpose is to create, attract, retain, and expand sustainable economic-based businesses, and develop infrastructure to enhance economic development within our counties and our communities. This effort began with a SWOT analysis. In November 2014 the Socorro Chamber of Commerce held a series of community meetings to identify economic development opportunities. Through the process the participants learned about the USDA Stronger Economies Together (SET) program and built a core group of leaders from Socorro, Sierra, Catron and Valencia Counties. In 2015 the MRGEDA was established as a nonprofit, a SET application was submitted and awarded.
In October 2015 business owners, community leaders and residents from Catron, Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia counties were invited to participate in a Regional Economic Development Forum and 54 attended - a great turnout! Over a series of eight public meetings, the group identified target industries, defined SMART goals to capitalize on advantages and opportunities, and found resources available to address their goals. The leadership group then developed its regional Economic Development Plan (available at MRGEDA.com) Target areas for MRGEDA: - Agribusiness, Food Processing and Related Technology
- Arts, Entertainment, Recreation and Visitor Industries
- Renewable Energy, Forest and Wood Products
- Technology (IT, Defense and Security)
- Healthcare
The association elected its first board of directors in January 2017 and hired its first executive director, Georgia Otero-Kirkham, in March. MRGEDA is working to build membership with businesses, individuals and public representation. Other first steps include developing information about the region for use in attracting businesses and investment, and inventorying existing businesses to learn how best to help them succeed and grow. Christine assisted MRGEDA by preparing the SET application and identifying resources; participating in public meetings; chairing the Renewable Energy Workgroup; was part of the work team that wrote the plan; and she brought her experience in reviewing regional economic development plans from other states. She is an ex-officio member of the board. Christine is also helping MRGEDA start a BRE program, respond to PROs from the Partnership, and connect the new group to peers throughout the state. Congratulations to MRGEDA! | NEW MEXICO MAINSTREET (NMMS) ANNOUNCES DESIGN INITIATIVE RECIPIENTS For the most recent application cycle, three communities were selected to receive NMMS technical assistance for a variety of projects to improve buildings and increase the economic vitality of the downtown districts. - Alamogordo MainStreet will make improvements to three buildings on 10th St. Improved fa+ºades on two empty buildings will make them easier to lease and increase their value. The historic family-friendly billiards hall will benefit from exterior building improvements, and those of the adjacent buildings. The three properties are located off of the corner of White Sands Blvd and 10th St., the gateway to the historic district of Alamogordo, and are steps away from the newly renovated Plaza Building (Tularosa Basin Museum of History).
- Deming MainStreet will make fa+ºade improvements to four buildings on Gold St. in the downtown district. The project hopes to leverage additional commercial renovations and set an example of how modest investments can improve the district and sales at local businesses.
- MainStreet Roswell will make fa+ºade improvements to three businesses on Main St., 207 and 209 N. Main St., and 216 N. Main St. Located in a well-visited block, the businesses are positioned to draw customers with attractive storefronts that promote their activities in the best light.
| BUSINESSES FIND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AT FUNDIT
At the February 28th meeting of FUNDIT, in Gallup, the Creative Station gave a presentation to request financial assistance to renovate and repurpose an existing vacant lumberyard and warehouse in order to provide a space where artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs can engage in training, business courses, and art classes, and create and sell their art. Located in downtown Gallup, the Creative Station is an Artist Incubator and Makerspace Park.
Despite the large percentage of Gallup's population who report art as a significant percentage of their income, there are very few studio spaces available. The location will attract visitors to the city. Additional steps in the renovation include an indigenous botanical garden (that will showcase southwestern vegetation to create a family friendly environment for the Farmer's Market), workforce housing and a Native American cultural center. The project will serve many purposes for the community of Gallup and will be a catalytic project for several other developments in the downtown and beyond. The total cost for the entire project is around $5M. The community of Abiquiu gave a presentation requesting assistance with a land use development plan. The next meeting of FUNDIT is April 25th. |
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