Post on 14-Jan-2022
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Appendix A
Master Distribution List for SET Meetings – All Invitees
Catron County Name Organization/Position e-mail address
Fletcher, Kate Catron County Manager kate.fletcher@catroncountynm.gov
Green, Bill Superintendent, Catron schools billgreen@reserveschools.com
Hand, Anita Catron County Commissioner anita.hand@catroncountynm.gov
James, Melyssa Rancher melyssadaun@yahoo.com
Knapp, Kathy Pietown Restaurant piepeople@gilanet.com
Sierra County Name Org/Position e-mail address
Anderson, Christine Spaceport America christine.anderson@spaceportamerica.com
Bartoo, Jared Bartoo Sand and Gravel Manager jrbartoo@gmail.com
Bleth, Mark FTS Tours (Spaceport) mbleth@ftstours.com
Boyd, Joshua NMSU Extension Agent jboyd75@nmsu.edu
Boyle, Gabriel Elephant Butte Land Use landuse@cityofelephantbutte.com
Bufkin, David Walmart Manager dabufki.s04341.us@wal-mart.com
Campbell, Gretchen Desert Lakes Realty gretchen@desertlakesrealty.com
Carlstedt, Suzanne Chamber Volunteer tmya@yahoo.com
Cosper, Larry US Forest Service District Ranger lcosper@fs.fed.us
Cummins, C Tor C Consolidated Schools ccummins@torcschools.net
Dahlrymple, Terry Manager, Lago Rico (Marinas at E.B) terry@lagorico.com
Davis, Colleen T or C Farmers' Market colleencrochet.davis@gmail.com
Deason, Donna Interim Director, Veterans Home donna.deason@state.nm.us
DeMarino, Linda Main Street Director ldemarino@hotmail.com
Diamond, Jack Beaverhead Outfitters Jack@BeaverheadOutfitters.com
Dobrott, Steve NM Ranch Properties - Sierra Co. steve.dobrott@retranches.com
Dow, Rebecca Appletree Education rebecca.dow@appletreeeducation.org
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Sierra County Name
Organization/Position
e-mail address
Edmund, Don Chloride Ghost Town, Pioneer Store dedmund@windstream.net
El-Emawy, Omar Themac Resources oelemawy@themacresourcesgroup.com
Finzen, Andrew City Manager, Elephant Butte citymanager@cityofelephantbutte.com
Fletcher, Sherry Sierra County Commissioner sfletcher@sierraco.org
Foerstner, Jake Owner, Riverbend Foerstner@gmail.com
Fuentes, Juan T or C City Manager jafuentes@torcnm.org
Gallagher, Dan Adventure Partners - Turner EcoTours dan@adventurepartners.com
Gallagher, Jares Adventure Partners - Turner EcoTours jares@adventurepartners.com
Garcia, Jason Bank of the Southwest jgarcia@bankofsw.com
Gillis family Gillis Farms gillis_farms@hotmail.com
Golubski, Ron Owner, Davis Fleck Drugs rgolucky31@gmail.com
Grantham, Alma Bank of the Southwest agrantham@bankofsw.com
Green, Steve City Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem steve.green@torcnm.org
Greer, C. Earl President, Board of Realtors - Sierra ceg@plazarealtynm.com
Hill, Forest Manager, Bullocks Grocery jforesthill63@gmail.com
Kertesz, Mike President, TorC Chamber of Commerce medconnex2@yahoo.com
Kight, Leah Sierra Health Care lkight@sierrahealthcare.com
LaFont, Nathan Owner, Elephant Butte Inn & RV Resort nathanlafont@gmail.com
Leffingwell, Jim Friends of the Box jacon2@valornet.com
Lipps, Anna Manager, Holiday Inn Express frontdesk.almmn_hie@yahoo.com
Lopez, Chris Spaceport America chris.lopez@spaceportamerica.com
Luna, Francis County Commsioner & Media Owner fluna@sierraco.org
Lyon, Ken Sierra County Commissioner torcklyon@gmail.com
McNamara, Myra Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa myra.mcnamara@sierragrandelodge.com
Pope, Marilyn Geronimo Springs Museum info@geronimospringsmuseum.com
Robinson, Bill Sierra County Chair /Arrey area Activist werusmcr@gmail.com
Root, Dan Rio Grande Motel owners penn999@live.com
Root, Wanpen (Penn) Village of Williamsburg trustee proot@villageofwilliamsburg.com
Skinner, Kim Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce Kimskinner01@windstream.net
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Sierra County Name Org/Position e-mail address
Slettom, Bill Asst City Manager - City of T or C
Stubblefield, Deb Mayor, Village of Williamsburg mayor@villageofwilliamsburg.com
Sullivan, Juliet Sierra Health Care jsullivan@sierrahealthcare.com
Swingle, Bruce Sierra County Manager bswingle@sierraco.org
Townsend, Hans Sierra Co. Chamber of Commerce members@torcchamber.org
Trager, Edna Zia Kayak Outfitters ednatrager@gmail.com
Turner, Linda Monte Cristo Gallery montecristogallery@windstream.net
Waddell, Tom Turner Ranches tom.waddell@retranches.com
Wanek, Catherine Black Range B&B cat@blackrangelodge.com
Wells, Teina Massage Specialist teinamarie@gmail.com
Williams, Mike GM, Turtleback Mountain Resort gm@turtlebackmountain.com
Zimmerman, Michael Sierra Vista Hospital- T or C michael.zimmerman@svhnm.org
Socorro County Name Organization/Position e-mail address
Aguilar-Garcia, Valentina Retired Army, Women's Vets, etc. mjvaag62@yahoo.com
Anselmo, Peter IP lead, New Mexico Tech (NMT) anselmo@nmt.edu
Armijo, Jerry NMT regent jerry@armijolaw.net
Armijo, Lillian NMT Continuing Education Director larmijo@admin.nmt.edu
Armijo, William County Sheriff warmijo@co.socorro.nm.us
Bailey-Bowman, Karen Retired writer kbaileybowman@gmail.com
Begay, Melissa NMT- Director, Phys Ed & Student Act. mbegay@admin.nmt.edu
Bhasker, Ravi Mayor, City of Socorro rbhasker@socorronm.gov
Black, Tony Black's Smuggler Winery wineguy26@hotmail.com
Boyd, Don Consultant/ Facilitator dwodonb@aol.com
Boykin, Doug Save our Bosque Task Force Doug.Boykin@state.nm.us
Brown, Linda Fite Ranch B&B - San Antonio fiteranch2002@gmail.com
Buckley, Pat Self employed PAT@pmc-inc.com
Bursum, Cuatro First State Bank cbursum@socorrobanking.com
Caldwell, Deb Executive Director, Friends of the Bosque deb4health@msn.com
Cervantes, Richard NMT, VP Administration and Finance rcervantes@admin.nmt.edu
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Socorro County Name
Chavez-Lopez, MaryAnn City Councilor, Housing Authority maryann@socorrohousing.org
Cobble, Kevin Refuge Mgr, Bosque del Apache NWR kevin_cobble@fws.gov
Coontz, Carlos R BLM Rep-Planning and Env Specialist ccoontz@blm.gov
Cutchall, Lester Lee Jr. Mitigation Consultant/Project Mgr cutchalllesterleejr@gmail.com
Dean, Deborah Business owner - Bodega deborah@bodegaburgerco.com
DelloRusso, Gina SOBTF/ Ecology gdellorusso@wildblue.net
DeMaria, Catherine Magdalena Chamber; Artist cdemariawh110@gmail.com
Dikunova, Emilia Solaro Energy emilia@solaroenergy.com
Duggins, Glen Middle Rio Grande Conservancy glenduggins@gmail.com
Edmondson, Steve Owner, MineCountry 102.1 Radio steve@minecountry1021.com
Ferranti, Bill Alamo Navajo Reservation Schools bferranti@ansbi.org
Gallegos, Amelia Socorro Electric amelia@socorroelectric.com
Granillo, Kathy Mgr, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge kathy_granillo@fws.gov
Grey, Prescott Vertu Fine Arts, Chamber Board pgrey@vertuarts.com
Grubb, Dennis Solaro Energy dennis@solaroenergy.com
Guengerich, Colleen New Mexico Tech (NMT) cguengerich@admin.nmt.edu
Gutierrez, Juan Socorro County Commissioner
Hamilton, Tracey Socorro County grant writer thamilton@co.socorro.nm.us
Hanauer, Michael Friends of the Bosque NWR michael.hanauer@gmail.com
Hayes, Rocky VP Number Nine Media rhayes@numberninemediainc.com
Hefner, Chris State Mining Inspector chefner@admin.nmt.edu
Hensley, Michael NMT mhensley@admin.nmt.edu
Hanauer, Michael Friends of the Bosque NWR michael.hanauer@gmail.com
Hicks, Dan White Sands Missile Range daniel.c.hicks.civ@mail.mil
Houston, Betty Realtor bhouston@socorronmproperty.com
Jaramillo, Pauline Socorro County Commission Chair pjaramillo@co.socorro.nm.us
Jimenez, Richard EMRTC richard.jimenez@emrtc.nmt.edu
Kalish, Ronna NMT Director – Performing Arts Series rkalish@admin.nmt.edu
Kappel, Theresa NMT Director - Events tkappel@admin.nmt.edu
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Socorro County Name
Kerns, Josh City of Socorro - Recreation & Tourism
Knight, Brian RPA-Fort Bliss Env Div. Chief Brian.d.knight.civ@mail.mil
Kohlbenschlag, Will Soil and Water Conservancy will@qwestoffice.net
Landers, Jess Car and Property Rentals jess@socorrotaxi.com
Larson, John El Defensor Chieftain, writer jlarson@dchieftain.com
Leavitt, Vern Lions Club - Socorro & State Level lionvern@yahoo.com
Lommen, Penny President of Rotary, Volunteer plommen@att.net
Lopez, Chris and Monette Farmers
MacDonald, Kat Director, Socorro Co C of C director@socorrochamber.org
Madrid, Marilyn Socorro Electric mmadrid@socorroelectric.com
Martinez, Antonio Retired NMDOT, County Comm antoniomartinez101951@gmail.com
Matturro, Neata J Manager, Wells Fargo Bank Neata.J.Matturro@wellsfargo.com
McCabe, Nina Magdalena Chamber; Artist sigridninamccabe@gmail.com
McNeil, James Barber Shop Barbershopmcneil@gmail.com
Mikkelson, Susann Socorro Chamber smikkelson@dchieftain.com
Moeller, Rebecca Hotel Mgr - Best Western, Holiday Inn socorrohotels@gmail.com
Monette, Donald City Council, NMT Regent, City Mgr dmonette@socorronm.gov
Monte, Rita Alamo Navajo School rita@ansbi.org
Montoya, Diego Mayor, Village of Magdalena vommayor@gmail.com
Morrison, Jon Retired, Socorro Co. Kitchen jonmorr@sdc.org
Olguin, Bobby & Debby Owners, Buckhorn Tavern, San Antonio debby@buckhornburgers.com
Olguin, Michael Jr. City Councilor, Insurance olguin.michael.jr@gmail.com
Olguin, Michael Sr. Insurance Agency owner olguin1@qwestoffice.net
Osborn, Dale Hollman AFB JLUS/ DOD Liaison Dale.osborn@holloman.af.mil
Ostegren, Warren NMT VP of Academic Affairs drvperry@gmail.com
Perry, Vannetta Magdalena Schools Superintendent phillips@nmt.edu
Phillips, Fred NMT professor phillips@nmt.edu
Pound, Veronica Socorro General Hosp, Head Admin. vpound@phs.org
Rayl, Rachel NMT rrayl316@gmail.com
Richardson, Kathy Water & Ice Store, Alpacas del Sol kathyrichardson07@msn.com
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Socorro County Name
Roibal, Joaquin NMT grad student, Chamber board jroibal@nmt.edu
Romero, Barb Rep for US Representative Steve Pearce barbara.romero@mail.house.gov
Rosales, Linda Chile Farmer rosalesL5@aol.com
Ryan, Eileen Magdalena Ridge Observatory eryan@admin.nmt.edu
Salas, Martha & General County Comm & State Natl Guard msalas@co.socorro.nm.us
Sichler, Paula & Chris Sichlers Snake Ranch Farm Stores paula@sichlerchile.com
Smith, Jessica Pgm Dir, NMSU extension jasmith@nmsu.edu
Spring, Kathy Aerojet kathy.spring@rocket.com
Stanley, Judy VLA jstanley@nrao.edu
Stone, Bill NMT professor wdstone@nmt.edu
Torres, David or Paul Gambles gamblestruevalue@yahoo.com
Turner, Scott El Defensor Chieftain, editor sturner@dchieftain.com
Walsh, Delilah Mgr, Socorro County dwalsh@co.socorro.nm.us
Welch, Susie NMT Mining Museum susie@nmt.edu
Wheelock, Dave NMT Dwheelock@admin.nmt.edu
Winders, Mike Chief of Police, Socorro mwinders@socorronm.gov
Woelber, Holly HAW Farms, co-owner woelbh@yahoo.com
Valencia County Name
Abraham, Wayne Small Business Development Center wayne@unm.edu
Bittner, Laura NMSU Extension Agent lbittner@nmsu.edu
Chalfant, Cort Coast Range Investments cchalfant@cr-invests.com
Chavez, Holly Resident hollychavez@hotmail.com
Combs, Russell WESST rcombs@wesst.org
Cordova, Jerah Mayor, City of Belen jerah.cordova@belen-nm.gov
Covell, Jim Economic Developer cibolaj@aol.com
Dziuk, Tina TMD Consulting, LLC tina@tmdconsultingllc.com
Espinoza, Rhona Belen Chamber rhona@belenchamber.org
Foster, Jim Coast Range Investments jfoster@cr-invests.com
Gallegos, Carl BNSF Railroad Carl.Gallegos@BNSF.com
Griego, Charles Los Lunas Mayor griegoc@loslunasnm.gov
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Valencia County Name
Gwinn, Mark Rio Communities Mayor ggwimc@aol.com
Henrie, Michelle Land/Water Attorney michelle@mhenrie.com
Hise, Jennifer CEMCO, Inc (int'l Mfg) Jhise@cemcoturbo.com
Homan, Mary NM GAS mehoman@tecoenergy.com
Hyder, David County Commissioner commissionerhyder@gmail.com
Knowlton, Bob Bosque Farms Mayor b.knowlton@bosquefarmsnm.gov
Kuan Tikkun Rio Communities EDC ktikkun@riocommunities.net
Logan, Frank Rio Communities ED flogan@riocommunities.net
Martin, Greg Los Lunas Administrator marting@loslunasnm.gov
Martinez, Jacobo VC Planner jacobo.martinez@co.valencia.nm.us
McCarty, Newt NMSU Extension Agent jnewton3@nmsu.edu
McCoy, Bill ABQ EPC mccoy1031@aol.com
Miller, Denise NM Farmers Market Association dmiller@farmersmarketsnm.org
Mims, Ralph Los Lunas Econ Developer mimsr@loslunasnm.gov
Monette, Danny County Manager danny.monette@co.valencia.nm.us
Morgan, Steve Resident stevemorgan@gmail.com
Musgrave, Cathy NM MEP cathym@newmexicomep.org
Olguin, Bryan Peralta Mayor brolguin0426@aol.com
Radosevich, Carol PNM carol.radosevich@pnmresources.com
Rau, Henry Belen Mainstreet henryrau@live.com
Ruybalid, Jay City Mgr, Belen Jay.Ruybalid@belen-nm.gov
Saiz, Gerard Los Lunas City Councilor
Sanderson, Tom Los Lunas Networks tom@loslunasnm.net
Sisneros, Joaquin Sisneros Bros (int'l Mfg) Joaquin@sisnerosbros.com
Taylor, John Resident jtlymtnest@aol.com
Tomita, Steve Belen Econ Dev steven.tomita@belen-nm.gov
Trask, Randy ABC Trade Alliance randy@abctradealliance.com
Vigil, Hank UNM - Dir Student Affairs vigilh@unm.edu
Walter, Jeff Valencia Co. News -Adv jwalter@news-bulletin.com
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US & State Agencies-Name
Alarcon, Sandra USDA Rural Development (RD) sandra.alarcon@nm.usda.gov
Armijo, Jay South Central Council of Govts (COG) jarmijo@sccog-nm.com
Brunner, Terry USDA RD State Director terry.brunner@nm.usda.gov
Connor, William Joint Land Use Study bill.connor@epelectric.com
Contreras, Carlos USDA RD carlos.contreras@nm.usda.gov
C'Debaca, Eric NM Partnership ecdebaca@nmpartnership.com
DiBartolomeo, Thelma USDA RD Thelma.DiBartolomeo@nm.usda.gov
Driggers, Elizabeth US Senator Tom Udall Field Rep Elizabeth_Driggers@tomudall.senate.gov
Fragoso, Ruben NM Transload ruben.fragoso@nmtransload.com
Garcia, Arthur USDA RD Housing Pgm arthur.garcia@nm.usda.gov
Goodman, Melanie US Senator Tom Udall's office Melanie_Goodman@tomudall.senate.gov
Goolsby, Tiffany South Central COG tigoolsby@sccog-nm.com
Hays, Jeff USDA RD Regional Director jeff.hays@az.usda.gov
Hudson, Clyde USDA RD clyde.hudson@nm.usda.gov
Ice, Carolyn Sen. Tom Udall Field Rep carolyn_ice@tomudall.senate.gov
Kostelnik, Kim NM Forestry kkostelnik01@comcast.net
Logan, Christine State Econ Dev Department christine.logan@state.nm.us
Lopez, Diane USDA RD
McDermott, Terry USDA RD terrence.mcdermott@nm.usda.gov
Maestas, Alicia USDA RD
Magallanes, Cecilia USDA - NMSU Comm Res cecilia.magallanes@nm.usda.gov
Nuno-Whelan, Mario NM Wilderness Society mario_nuno-whelan@tws.org
Ornelas, Joseph USDA RD joseph.ornelas@nm.usda.gov
Ortega, Leanne USDA RD Leanne.ortega@nm.usda.gov
Parker, Dara Office of US Senator Heinrich Dara_Parker@Heinrich.senate.gov
Patrick, Michael NMSU Comm Resource & ED jmpat@ad.nmsu.edu
Porter, Leslie NM EDD lesliea.porter@state.nm.us
Rael, Angela South Central Council of Governments arael@sccog-nm.com
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US & State Agencies- Name
Reader, Megan
USDA RD
Richardson, Katie Office of US Senator Heinrich katie_richardson@heinrich.senate.gov
Sanchez, Rachel USDA – Loan Tech rachel.sanchez@nm.usda.gov
Tripp, Don NM State Rep- Speaker of the House TrippsDon@netscape.net
Tripp, Rosie State GOP Chairperson Rosietrippusa@netscape.net
Vierck, Steve NM Partnership svierck@nmpartnership.com
Villalobos, Patricia USDA - Loan Specialist Patricia.Villalobos@nm.usda.gov
Watson, Ernie USDA RD ernie.watson@nm.usda.gov
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Appendix B
Sustainable Community Development
Sustainable “community development” is a regional economic opportunity not identified as an industry cluster in this process. However, it should
be considered of high importance throughout the region. Community economic development implies a system where communities become more
economically viable and grow from within. Community development is about building community assets, community institutions, and community
capacity. Community development aims to improve quality of life by providing; housing and transportation options, quality infrastructure and
institutions, social services, amenities, aesthetics, improved community access, economic diversity, security, and opportunity. Economic
development within a community suggests that certain institutions are in place and functional. If communities are deficient in some ways, such as
a transportation network, utility network, telecommunication network, health services, qualified labor, safe drinking water, etc. they may be
already missing tremendous economic opportunities. Correcting these community development deficiencies could facilitate economic activity
from within the regions’ communities, not currently being realized. For example providing adequate sewer systems can allow for expansion or
intensification of businesses.
Growth vs. development is often viewed as more jobs vs. quality of life. However, a better question would be: if the quality of life isn’t improved,
what is the benefit of more jobs? Balancing growth with community development is critical to sustained success in our region’s communities.
Extending infrastructure where it cannot be maintained or building infrastructure and not using it is a drain on the entire infrastructure system and
the community itself. Some communities in the region are currently losing people while they must maintain the same amount of infrastructure – a
trend that has become an ever-increasing burden during the last decade.
When we look at communities as organisms, the more resilient communities provide options, especially when it comes to businesses, housing, and
transportation. Opportunities for the elderly and children are good indicators of community development. If children and the elderly have access
to the community, desirable amenities, and are part of the social fabric, the community is likely marketable. Neither children nor many of the
elderly can drive. Communities that have walkable places are more marketable because they are attractive to more and different types of people.
Throughout the state and the world, the most valuable “place” in our communities is a well-kept pedestrian sidewalk with commercial frontage
generally considered a “place.” Improving pedestrian infrastructure and increasing available housing (the fuel) near or in pedestrian-oriented
development provides significant opportunity within the region’s communities. Good pedestrian infrastructure becomes extremely valuable with
three elements: good infrastructure (the sidewalks themselves), adjacent commercial (fronted commercial), and a substantial population within a
short distance to feed it (hence the need for housing in downtowns). Housing and lodging are opportunities in downtowns that can really improve
the local business economy.
The demographics of our nation reveal that the largest and most qualified workforce of all time is starting to retire. Attracting the “Baby Boomers”
who have recently started to retire is another opportunity that could enhance community development. Retiring doctors, engineers, attorneys, etc.
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are desirable citizens because they not only augment the communities’ intellectual and overall capacity, but because they also need services such
as health care. Finally, these retirees tend to fund and support businesses that focus on arts and culture. This, in turn, creates high paying jobs for
the region. Attracting these “boomers” is likely to become a major potential economic generator for years to come and a potential community
revenue stream. Both children and retirees desire access to the community: being able to walk or ride a bike to the school, the park, downtown,
the library, patio restaurants, river walks, and other “places.” The more access, the more inclusive the community is. Some communities have
created golf cart and ATV ordinances (Elephant Butte) as options to driving a vehicle in an effort to accommodate retirees.
The lack of qualified labor is a major issue throughout the regions’ communities. Community development and amenities that create a high
quality of life can attract labor and businesses. The region stands up nationally on certain issues, such as geography, ecology, culture, recreation,
reasonable cost of living, etc. However, our regions’ communities do not stand up nationally in community development and built environment. If
we improve our communities’ built environment and services, businesses and qualified labor (including those who left) will move back to the
region.
The most obvious community development issue across the region is antiquated development codes. These codes were instrumental in creating a
large portion of our communities. However, most development codes have been designed almost entirely around the vehicle and predominantly
single family housing. Traditional zoning was a response to the industrial revolution and its associated nuisances. Traditional zoning segregated
land uses but did not consider building a community in its inception. Because of this development pattern, communities spread out and currently
have high community infrastructure cost and low quality of infrastructure. The heavy financial burden of maintaining infrastructure impacts
development in our regions’ communities and sometimes even impacts major social economic issues. Because of the way in which our
communities have been built, transportation is often regressive. For example, poor families might not be able to afford to drive children to
schools, libraries, soccer practice, the pool, etc. Nationally, 60 percent walked or biked to school 30 years ago; currently only 13% do. This
unhealthy sedentary lifestyle has become common in America -- this is the lifestyle of more than 60% of the people in this country. Sedentary
lifestyles can have serious negative health impacts. They can lead children to obesity and to develop physical and mental health issues as well as
social and self-esteem problems. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. Rural communities tend to have
higher obesity because of lack of access to places to walk and play.
Currently many of the communities in our region have limited transportation and housing options. Many retirees and young professionals prefer
not to have a yard, but instead prefer being able to walk out the front door and be in a “place.” Many of our communities lack places other than
traditional downtowns. These traditional downtowns created a pedestrian place: buildings with sidewalks and building facades interacting with the
street. These downtowns were created years before current development codes where crafted. These are great places, but generally have limited
housing options. Without nearby housing, they depend on people using their automobiles to get to them. In general, they are small in area, which
then makes them inefficient for operating a vehicle. Housing in walkable places, such as traditional downtowns, could provide a tremendous
community economic development opportunity. Communities should capitalize on redevelopment initiatives from the state statutes. Some
communities in the region have made some progress, like Truth or Consequences Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan, but much more could be
done.
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Development (zoning subdivision, etc.) codes in most communities in the region were written more than two decades ago. They are based on
traditional zoning that separated land-uses. It has been well documented that traditional zoning (Euclidian Zoning) created a transportation cost
for individuals and very high service and infrastructure cost for communities. Those costs have secretly burdened everyone from the individual to
the community in the region. The financial proof (which is regressive) is that: currently an average of 18 percent of the individual’s income in the
U.S. goes to transportation. This high cost is second only to housing. In addition to the individual cost of transportation, the amount of land used
for parking and roads has removed large areas of our community’s most valuable real-estate and made them unproductive and unattractive
(parking lots don’t generate GRT,they are ugly, and they should be hidden behind the buildings). Finally, there is a large amount of infrastructure
(roads, bridges, pipes, etc.) and associated maintenance required because of our development patterns. As a result, our development patterns have
resulted in high cost to maintain infrastructure for all communities. Regionally we rely on grants and state and federal money to build and
maintain infrastructure and much of the existing infrastructure is in service much beyond its expected life cycle.
We can see the pattern over and over simply by looking at existing development in our communities. The pattern is predictable: commercial built
around the vehicle (unless in traditional downtowns): with parking lots in front of businesses, large signs, gas stations, fast food, few to no
sidewalks, wide high-speed roads difficult for pedestrians to cross, etc. Our development is the face of our communities!! How do we change it?
In addition to the commercial development, housing is dominated by single-family residential, high percentages of which are mobile homes
(which is basically the affordable housing for the region). Looking at the region as a whole, there are large sections that look similar or exactly
like one another, both from an urban form and function prospective. Essentially each of the regions’ communities developed in the same manner:
pre-vehicle communities were overlaid by boiler-plate, vehicle-dominant development codes. These auto-dominant development codes were
adopted throughout the region more than two decades ago and have been responsible for what we see today. The irony is that if we wanted to
build additional downtown “places,” these codes or communities would not currently allow for it in most cases.
MRGEDA has recognized the need for communities to review and improve existing development regulations as one of many community
development steps. The goal for new development should be to improve the efficiency, function, marketability, and attractiveness of our
communities in addition to creating jobs. In order to attract both businesses and people to our communities, each community will need to change
how it develops and thereby improve its appearance as well as the infrastructure and services it can provide. This, in large part, starts with the
development codes.
Another issue with many existing development codes is the predictability of the process and the time it takes to get through the process. In the
business community, time is money!! Clear process times and predictability are imperative in any development code process. Many development
regulations should be tailored to the community’s desire. How much review that is required is a balancing act and should be dynamic over time.
Plans and regulations require maintenance and review, as does infrastructure. Just like infrastructure, they can fail or become outdated. The
region’s communities need to shift community development to a more robust inclusive mechanism. Identifying current needs in housing and land-
use should be a priority. Barriers should be removed and incentives created for desired community development.
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Appendix C
SET Meeting Attendees and Dates Contact Information on Attendees Attendance SET meetings (signified by X) Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Fletcher, Kate Catron
Catron County
Manager kate.fletcher@catroncountynm.gov X
Knapp, Kathy Catron
Pie Town Rising
Stars piepeople@gilanet.com X
Bartoo, Jared Sierra
Bartoo Sand and
Gravel jrbartoo@gmail.com X
Boyd, Joshua Sierra
NMSU County
Ext Agent jboyd75@nmsu.edu X
Boyle, Gabriel Sierra
Elephant Butte
Land Use landuse@cityofelephantbutte.com X X
Carlstedt,
Suzanne Sierra
Chamber
Volunteer tmya@yahoo.com X
DeMarino,
Linda Sierra Main St Dir ldemarino@hotmail.com X
Dow, Rebecca Sierra
Appletree
Education rebecca.dow@appletreeeducation.org X X X
Edmund, Don Sierra
Chloride Ghost
Town, Pioneer
Store dedmund@windstream.net X X X
El-Emawy,
Omar Sierra
Themac
Resources
oelemawy@
themacresourcesgroup.com X
Finzen, Andrew Sierra
City Manager,
Elephant Butte
citymanager@
cityofelephantbutte.com X X
Fletcher, Sherry Sierra
Sierra County
Commissioner sfletcher@sierraco.org X X X X X
Fuentes, Juan Sierra
TorC City
Manager jafuentes@torcnm.org X X X X
Garcia, Jason Sierra
Bank of the
Southwest jgarcia@bankofsw.com X X
Green, Steve Sierra
Councilman,
Mayor Pro Tem steve.green@torcnm.org X X X X
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Greer, C. Earl Sierra
Pres, Board of
Realtors - Sierra ceg@plazarealtynm.com X X X X X X X X
Kertesz, Mike Sierra TorC Chamber medconnex2@yahoo.com X X
Kight, Leah Sierra
Sierra Health
Care lkight@sierrahealthcare.com X
LaFont, Nathan Sierra
Owner, Elephant
Butte Inn & RV
Park
nathanlafont@gmail.com
X
Lopez, Chris Sierra Spaceport chris.lopez@spaceportamerica.com X X
Lyon, Ken Sierra
Sierra Co.
Commission torcklyon@gmail.com X X
Pope, Marilyn Sierra
Geronimo
Springs Msm info@geronimospringsmuseum.com X
Robinson, Bill Sierra
Molly B's Dry
Dock werusmcr@gmail.com X
Root, Dan Sierra
Rio Grande
Motel owner penn999@live.com X X X X
Root, Wanpen
(Penn) Sierra
Village of
Williamsburg
trustee proot@villageofwilliamsburg.com X X X X
Skinner, Kim Sierra
City of Elephant
Butte kimskinner01@windstream.net X X X
Stubblefeld, Deb Sierra
Mayor, Village
Williamsburg mayor@villageofwilliamsburg.com X
Swingle, Bruce Sierra
Sierra County
Manager bswingle@sierraco.org X X X X X X X X X
Townsend, Hans Sierra
T or C /Sierra
Chamber members@torcchamber.org X X
Turner, Linda Sierra
Pioneer Store/
Museum montecristogallery@windstream.net X X
Trager, Edna Sierra
Zia Kayak
Outfitters ednatrager@gmail.com X X X
Wanek,
Catherine Sierra
Black Range
B&B cat@blackrangelodge.com X X
Williams, Mike Sierra
GM, Turtleback
Mountain Resort gm@turtlebackmountain.com X
Lopez, Chris Sierra Spaceport chris.lopez@spaceportamerica.com X X
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Armijo, Lillian Socorro
NMT Continuing
Educ Director larmijo@admin.nmt.edu X X X X
Bailey-Bowman,
Karen Socorro Retired Writer Kbaileybowman@gmail.com X
Boyd, Don Socorro Consultant dwodonb@aol.com X X X X
Caldwell, Deb Socorro
Exec Dir,
Friends of the
Bosque deb4health@msn.com X X X X X X X X X
Chavez-Lopez,
MaryAnn Socorro
City Councilor,
Housing Auth
maryann@socorrohousing.org
X
Cobble, Kevin Socorro
Refuge Manager,
Bosque del
Apache NWR kevin_cobble@fws.gov X
Cutchall, Lester
Lee Jr. Socorro
Mitigation
Consultant,
Project Manager cutchalllesterleejr@gmail.com X X
Dean, Deborah Socorro
Business owner -
Bodega deborah@bodegaburgerco.com X
Dellorusso, Gina Socorro
Consultant/
Facilitator gdellorusso@wildblue.net X
DeMaria,
Catherine Socorro
Magdalena
Chamber; Artist cdemariawh110@gmail.com X
Edmondson,
Steve Socorro
KRYN Socorro
Radio steve@minecountry1021.com X
Grey, Prescott Socorro
Vertu Fine Arts,
MRGEDA Board pgrey@vertuarts.com X X X X X X X X
Gutierrez, Juan Socorro
County
Commissioner X
Guengerich,
Colleen Socorro NMT cguengerich@admin.nmt.edu X
Hamilton,
Tracey Socorro
Socorro County
grant writer thamilton@co.socorro.nm.us X X X X
Hanauer,
Michael Socorro
Dev Dir, Friends
of Bosque michael.hanauer@gmail.com X
Hensley,
Michael Socorro NMT mhensley@admin.nmt.edu X
Kalish, Ronna Socorro NMT PAS Dir rkalish@admin.nmt.edu X X
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Larson, John Socorro
El Defensor
Chieftain jlarson@dchieftain.com X
Lommen, Penny Socorro
Pres Rotary,
CoC, Library
Board plommen@att.net X
Matturro, Neata Socorro
Manager, Wells
Fargo Bank Neata.J.Matturro@wellsfargo.com X
McCabe, Nina Socorro
Magdalena
Chamber; Artist sigridninamccabe@gmail.com X X
McDonald, Kat Socorro
Dir, Socorro Co.
Chamber director@socorrochamber.org X
Martinez,
Antonio Socorro
County
Commissioner antoniomartinez101951@gmail.com X
Mikkelson,
Susann Socorro
El Defensor
Chieftain Mktg. smikkelson@dchieftain.com X X X X
Monette, Donald Socorro
NMT Regent,
City Mgr dmonette@socorronm.gov X
Morrison, Jon Socorro
Retired, Socorro
Co. Kitchen jonmorr@sdc.org X X X
Olguin, Michael
Jr. Socorro
City Councilor,
Insurance olguin.michael.jr@gmail.com X X X X X X
Olguin, Michael
Sr. Socorro
Insurance
Agency owner olguin1@qwestoffice.net X X
Morrison, Jon Socorro
Retired, Socorro
Co. Kitchen jonmorr@sdc.org X X X
Phillips, Fred Socorro NMT Prof phillips@nmt.edu X X
Richardson,
Kathy Socorro
Water & Ice
Store, Alpacas
del Sol kathyrichardson07@msn.com X X
Romero, Barb Socorro
Rep for US Rep
Steve Pearce barbara.romero@mail.house.gov X X
Smith, Jessica Socorro
Pgm Dir, NMSU
extension jasmith@nmsu.edu X X X X
Stone, Bill Socorro NMT Dean wdstone@nmt.edu X
Walsh, Delilah Socorro
Socorro County
Mgr dwalsh@co.socorro.nm.us X X X X X
Wheelock, Dave Socorro NMT Dwheelock@admin.nmt.edu X X
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Woelber, Holly Socorro HAW Farms woelbh@yahoo.com X X X X X X X X
Abraham,
Wayne Valencia
Small Business
Dev Center wayne@unm.edu X X X X X X X X
Chavez, Holly Valencia Academic Solns hollychavez@hotmail.com X
Dendinger, Julia Valencia
Valencia News
Bulletin jdendinger@news-bulletin.com X
Dziuk, Tina Valencia
TMD
Consulting, LLC tina@tmdconsultingllc.com X X X X
Garcia, Chris Valencia
SBDC, UNM
Valencia Cgarci15@unm.edu X
Griego, Kathleen Valencia
CB Legacy
Realty Kathleen.griego@cblegacy.com X
Gwinn, Mark Valencia
Rio
Communities
Mayor ggwimc@aol.com X X X X
Homan, Mary Valencia NM GAS mehoman@tecoenergy.com X X X X
Hyder, David Valencia
County
Commissioner commissionerhyder@gmail.com X
Logan, Frank Valencia
Rio
Communities ED flogan@riocommunities.net X X X X X X X X X
Martin, Greg Valencia
Los Lunas
Administrator marting@loslunasnm.gov X
McCarty, Newt Valencia
NMSU
Extension Agent jnewton3@nmsu.edu X X
Mims, Ralph Valencia Los Lunas ED mimsr@loslunasnm.gov X X X X
Monette, Danny Valencia County Mgr danny.monette@co.valencia.nm.us X X X
Saiz, Gerard Valencia
Los Lunas City
Councilor X X
Tikkun, Kuan Valencia
Rio
Communities
EDC ktikkun@riocommunities.net X X
Tomita, Steve Valencia Belen Eco Devo steven.tomita@belen-nm.gov X X
Vigil, Hank Valencia
UNM Dir
Student Affairs vigilh@unm.edu X
Walter, Jeff Valencia
Valencia Co.
News -Adv jwalter@news-bulletin.com X X X
Alarcon, Sandra N/A USDA RD sandra.alarcon@nm.usda.gov X
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Brunner, Terry N/A
USDA RD State
Director terry.brunner@nm.usda.gov X X
Contreras,
Carlos N/A USDA RD carlos.contreras@nm.usda.gov X
DiBartolomeo,
Thelma N/A USDA RD Thelma.DiBartolomeo@nm.usda.gov X X X
Fragoso, Ruben N/A NM Transload ruben.fragoso@nmtransload.com X X
Garcia, Arthur N/A
USDA RD
Housing Pgm arthur.garcia@nm.usda.gov X
Goodman,
Melanie N/A
US Senator
Udall Field Rep
Melanie_Goodman@tomudall.senate.
gov X
Goolsby, Tiffany N/A
South Central
COG tigoolsby@sccog-nm.com X
Hays, Jeff N/A
USDA RD Reg
CED Coord jeff.hays@az.usda.gov X
Hudson, Clyde N/A USDA RD clyde.hudson@nm.usda.gov X
Ice, Carolyn N/A
US Senator
Udall Field Rep carolyn_ice@tomudall.senate.gov X
Logan, Christine N/A
State Econ Dev
office christine.logan@state.nm.us X X X X X X
Lopez, Diane N/A USDA RD diane.lopez@nm.usda.gov X
McDermott,
Terry N/A USDA RD terrence.mcdermott@nm.usda.gov X X X X X X X
Maestas, Alicia N/A USDA RD alicia.maestas@nm.usda.gov X X
Magallanes,
Cecilia N/A
USDA - NMSU
Comm Res cecilia.magallanes@nm.usda.gov X X
Ornelas, Joseph N/A USDA RD joseph.ornelas@nm.usda.gov X
Parker, Dara N/A
Office of US
Senator Heinrich Dara_Parker@Heinrich.senate.gov X
Patrick, Michael N/A
NMSU Comm
Resource & ED jmpat@ad.nmsu.edu X X X X X X X X
Porter, Leslie N/A NMEDD lesliea.porter@state.nm.us X
Reader, Megan N/A USDA RD megan.reader@nm.usda.gov X
Sanchez, Rachel N/A USDA-loan tech rachel.sanchez@nm.usda.gov X
Tripp, Don N/A
NM State Rep –
Speaker of
House TrippsDon@netscape.net X
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Name County Title email 10/29
2015
12/2
1/6
2016
2/3 3/2 4/6 5/11 6/1 8/3
Vierck, Steve N/A NM Partnership svierck@nmpartnership.com X
Villalobos,
Patricia N/A
USDA - Loan
Specialist Patricia.Villalobos@nm.usda.gov X
Watson, Ernie N/A USDA RD ernie.watson@nm.usda.gov X
Plenary Sessions Held during the SET process from October 2015 – August 2016
1. Civic Forum – October 29, 2015 : Bodega Burger Co. and Lounge, City of Socorro
2. SET V-MRGEDA Session 1 - December 2, 2015: Civic Center, City of Truth or Consequences
3. SET V-MRGEDA Session January 6, 2016: Transportation Center, Village of Los Lunas
4. SET V-MRGEDA Session February 3, 2016: Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Socorro County
5. SET V-MRGEDA Session March 2, 2016 : Albert Lyons Event Center, Truth or Consequences
6. SET V-MRGEDA Session April 6, 2016 :UNM – Valencia Campus, Tome
7. SET V-MRGEDA Session May 11, 2016: Bosque del Apache (BdA) National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Socorro County
8. SET V-MRGEDA Session June 1, 2016: Albert Lyons Convention Center, Truth or Consequences
9. SET V-MRGEDA Session August 3, 2016: UNM-Valencia Campus, Tome
Strategic Plan Writing Sessions Held during the SET process from October 2015 – August 2016
1. Writing Session June 17, 2016: New Mexico Tech Campus, Socorro
2. Writing Session July 13, 2016: New Mexico Tech Campus, Socorro
3. Writing Session August 31, 2016: Boyd-Caldwell Home, Socorro
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Invitees & Attendees for Strategic Planning/ Writing Meetings Name County Title email 6/17/2016 7/13/2016 8/31/2016
Boyd, Don Socorro Consultant dwodonb@aol.com X X X
Boyle, Gabriel Sierra
Land Use Mgr –
Elephant Butte landuse@cityofelephantbutte.com X X
Caldwell, Deb Socorro
Exec Director, Friends of
Bosque del Apache deb4health@msn.com X X X
Fletcher, Kate Catron County Manager kate.fletcher@catroncountynm.gov
Fletcher, Sherry Sierra County Commissioner sfletcher@sierraco.org X X
Franklin, Joe Socorro NMT IT manager joe.franklin@nmt.edu X X
Greer, Earl Sierra
President, Sierra Co.
Board of Realtors ceg@plazarealtynm.com X
Grey, Prescott Socorro
Vertu Fine Art Gallery –
owner pgrey@vertuarts.com X X
Logan, Christine State agency NM Econ Dev Dept christine.logan@state.nm.us X X X
McDermott, Terrence US agency USDA RD Director terrence.mcdermott@nm.usda.gov X X
Monette, Danny Valencia County Manager danny.monette@co.valencia.nm.us
Patrick, Michael
State
University
NMSU Cooperative
Extension Service jmpat@nmsu.edu X X
Stone, Bill Socorro
New Mexico Tech –
Dean of Arts & Sciences wdstone@nmt.edu X X
Swingle, Bruce Sierra County Manager bswingle@sierraco.org X X
Woelber, Holly Socorro HAW Farms owner woelbh@yahoo.com X X X
Total Attendees 12 11 6
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Appendix D
Solicitation of Comments and Persons Providing Comments to the Plan
Comments and/or edits were received from the following people during the Review Period.
Note that all individuals and agencies who submitted Letters of Support had no further comments to add to the plan.
The following submitted comments August-September, 2016.
Lillian Armijo, MA (Socorro County- NMT Director, Community Education and Outreach)
Don Boyd (Socorro County - Independent consultant)
Deb Caldwell, MA (Socorro County - Executive Director of Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR)
Catherine de Maria (Socorro County - Artist and Gallery Owner in Magdalena)
Joe Franklin (Socorro County- Director of NMT IT Department)
Prescott Grey (Socorro County - Vertu Fine Art Gallery Owner)
Georgette Grey (Socorro County - Vertu Fine Art Gallery & working artist)
Ronna Kalish (Socorro County - NMT Performing Arts Series manager & musician)
Christine Logan (New Mexico Economic Development Department)
Priscilla Lucero (Southwest NM Council of Governments, Exec Director)
Nina McCabe (Socorro County - Artist, Enchanted Skies Star Party in Magdalena)
JoyAnn and Leon Miler (Socorro County - Alamo Gallery managers, Artist)
Dr. David Pitcher (Bernalillo County-UNM Director of Telemedicine; Executive Physician- UNM Health Systems)
Kim Skinner (Sierra County - Elephant Butte Mayor Pro Tem; Southwest Tourism Council member)
Edna Trager (Sierra County - Zia Kayaks Owner; Southwest Tourism Council member)
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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The following article was published by Number Nine Media: El Defensor Chieftain and the Valencia News Bulletin.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Appendix E
Letters of Support
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Don Boyd
and Associates . . . bringing light to communication & conflict
September 1, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
Don Boyd and Associates, a communication, conflict and leadership consulting and
training firm, has reviewed the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande
Economic Development Association (MRGEDA). I believe that this plan will
greatly strengthen the economic opportunities available in our four county region. As
a participant in the plan development, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to
be introduced to the New Mexico State USDA RD leadership and for their support in
development of the plan. Also, I believe the opportunities to meet and work with
other people committed to the economic health of the area will pay strong dividends
going forward.
I think the plans inclusiveness and the actions taken to reach out to area businesses,
non-profits and government entities has resulted in a plan balanced for the needs of
our region and one that will be a valuable tool that can be accessed by many people
who want to contribute to economic vitality in their communities.
I strongly support this plan for our region. Please feel free to contact me should you
have any questions.
Yours truly,
Don Boyd
Don Boyd and Associates
www.danceswithopportunity.com 575-202-5971 dwodonb@aol.com
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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HAW Farms
PO Box 909
Belen, NM 87002
September 1, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
I am in receipt of the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic
Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality. HAW
Farms is a family owned dairy and forage agricultural business located in Socorro County.
It is only in coming together to work on issues affecting our communities will we be able
to solve these issues and move forward.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET)
program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives
from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times
and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the
strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural Development on October 1, 2016 for
approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the region to apply for grants and
other funding streams where regional collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives
from local government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private
businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout
these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths and challenges, received regional
economic data, and then decided which industry clusters were best to focus on. Further,
after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group
meetings over the course of three months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key
industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and
agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any
questions, we may be contacted via email at woelbh@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
John Woelber
Partner HAW Farms
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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September 8, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Cooperative Extension Services Sierra County is in receipt of the strategic plan
developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to
strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET)
program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives
from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times
and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the
strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural Development on October 1, 2016 for
approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the region to apply for grants and
other funding streams where regional collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives from
local government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private
businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout
these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths and challenges, received regional
economic data, and then decided which industry clusters were best to focus on. Further,
after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group
meetings over the course of three months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key
industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and
agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any
questions, we may be contacted at Cooperative Extension Service:
Sierra County Extension Office
2101 S. Broadway Truth or Consequences, NM. 87901
(575)894-2375 ext. 6 sierra@nmsu.edu
Sincerely,
Joshua Boyd,
Agricultural Agent/County Director
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 280
San Antonio, NM 87832
(575) 835-1828
September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has a copy of the strategic plan developed by the
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s
economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET) program and
New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives from the four county
region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times and developed action plans for
five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural De
velopment on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the
region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional collaborations are given
preference.
MRGEDA’s year- long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives from local
government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private businesses, and
community organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees
discussed regional strengths and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which in
dustry clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA
held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three months. MRGEDA’s strategic
plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have been set,
reviewed, and agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any questions,
we may be contacted at 575-835-1828.
Sincerely,
Kevin Cobble
Refuge Manager, Bosque del Apache NWR
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce is in receipt of the
strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association
(MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET)
program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives
from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times
and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the
strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural Development on October 1, 2016 for
approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the region to apply for grants and
other funding streams where regional collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives
from local government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private
businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout
these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths and challenges, received regional
economic data, and then decided which industry clusters were best to focus on. Further,
after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group
meetings over the course of three months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key
industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and
agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any
questions, we may be contacted at 575-744-4708.
Sincerely,
Jerry Foster
President
Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway and Visitors Center is in receipt of the
strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development
Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together
(SET) program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA
representatives from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron)
have met eleven times and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is
our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional
collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities,
school districts, private businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET
program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths
and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which industry
clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created,
MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three
months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where
goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The
following industry clusters are being addressed: Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have
any questions, we may be contacted at 575-894-1968.
Sincerely,
LaRena Miller
LaRena Miller, Executive Director
Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway Inc.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Socorro General Hospital 1202 Highway 60 West P.O. Box 1009 Socorro, NM 87801 Phone (505) 835-1140 www.phs.org
September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
Socorro General Hospital is in receipt of the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande
Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET) program and
New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives from the four county
region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times and developed action plans for
five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the
region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional collaborations are given
preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives from local
government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private businesses, and
community organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees
discussed regional strengths and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which
industry clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA
held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three months. MRGEDA’s strategic
plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have been set,
reviewed, and agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any questions, we
may be contacted at 575-835-8700.
Sincerely,
Veronica Pound, RN, MBA
SGH Hospital Administrator
(575) 835-8700
vpound@phs.org
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Sierra County Recreation & Tourism Advisory Board is in receipt of the
strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development
Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together
(SET) program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA
representatives from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron)
have met eleven times and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is
our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional
collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities,
school districts, private businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET
program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths
and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which industry
clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created,
MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three
months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where
goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The
following industry clusters are being addressed: Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have
any questions, we may be contacted at 575-740-1777.
Sincerely,
Kim Skinner Chairman
Sierra County Recreation & Tourism Advisory Board
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
66
September 6, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Southwest Region Board of the New Mexico Tourism Department is in receipt
of the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development
Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together
(SET) program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA
representatives from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron)
have met eleven times and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is
our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional
collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities,
school districts, private businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET
program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths
and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which industry
clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created,
MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three
months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where
goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The
following industry clusters are being addressed: Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have
any questions, we may be contacted at 575-740-1777.
Sincerely,
Kim Skinner Chairman Southwest Region Board NMTD
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
67
21 September 2016
Dear USDA Representative,
The Sierra County Board of REALTORS is in receipt of the strategic plan developed by the
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region's
economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development's Stronger Economies Together (SET) program
and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives from the four
county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia and Catron) have met eleven times and developed action
plans for five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to
USDA Rural Development on November 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional
collaborations are given preference.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts,
private businesses, and community organizations have attended the SET program sessions.
Throughout the sessions, attendees have discussed regional strengths and challenges and
received the regional economic data to decide which industry clusters were best to focus on. The
strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have
been set. The following areaga are being addressed:
• Agriculture
• Arts, Recreation, Entertainment and Visitor Industries
• Health Care and Social Assistance Services
• Renewable Energy and Forest Products
• Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any questions
we may be contacted at 575.744.5140, or ceg@plazarealtynm.com.
Regards,
C. Earl Greer
SIERRA COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS
P.O.BOX 1082
ELEPHANT BUTTE NM 87935
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
68
President
September 8, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
Sierra Vista Hospital is in receipt of the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio
Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s
economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together
(SET) program and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA
representatives from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron)
have met eleven times and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is
our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional
collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities,
school districts, private businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET
program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths
and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which industry
clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created,
MRGEDA held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three
months. MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where
goals, strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The
following industry clusters are being addressed: Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services
Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have
any questions, we may be contacted at (575) 894-2111.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer
Sierra Vista Hospital
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
69
2 September 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
Vertu Arts LLC, dba Vertu Fine Art Gallery, Socorro, NM is in receipt of the
strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development
Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region's economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development's Stronger Economies Together
(SET) program and New Mexico State University 'since October 2015, MRGEDA
representatives from the four county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron)
have met eleven times and developed action plans for five economic clusters. It is
our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan
will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where
regional collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA's year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities,
school districts, private businesses, and community organizations attended 11 SET
program sessions.
Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed regional strengths and challenges,
received regional economic data, and then decided which industry clusters were
best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA
held a series of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three months.
MRGEDA's strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals,
strategies and action plans have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The
following industry clusters are being addressed:
• Agriculture
• Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries ·
• Health Care and Social Assistance Services
• Renewable Energy and Forest Products
• Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any
questions, we may be contacted as below.
Sincerely,
Prescott C. Grey, General
Manager Vertu Fine Art Gallery
pgrey@vertuarts.com
cell 505-264-0045
http://www.vertuarts.com/
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
71
September 7, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
Dairy Farmers of America is in receipt of the strategic plan developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic
Development Association (MRGEDA) to strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET) program and New
Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives from the four county region
(Sierra, Socorro, Valencia, and Catron) have met eleven times and developed action plans for five
economic clusters. It is our understanding that the strategic plan will go forward to USDA Rural
Development on October 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the strategic plan will prepare the region
to apply for grants and other funding streams where regional collaborations are given preference.
MRGEDA’s year-long process was highly collaborative and inclusive. Representatives from local
government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts, private businesses, and community
organizations attended 11 SET program sessions. Throughout these sessions, attendees discussed
regional strengths and challenges, received regional economic data, and then decided which industry
clusters were best to focus on. Further, after the strategic plan draft was created, MRGEDA held a series
of stakeholder group meetings over the course of three months.
MRGEDA’s strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans
have been set, reviewed, and agreed upon. The following industry clusters are being addressed:
• Agriculture
• Arts, Recreation, Entertainment, and Visitor Industries
• Health Care and Social Assistance Services
• Renewable Energy and Forest Products
• Technology
We have reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any questions, we may
be contacted at 817-410-4524.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gleinser
Communications Manager Southwest Area
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
80
Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® 1635 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 September 21, 2016
Dear USDA Representative:
The Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®, Inc. is in receipt of the strategic plan
developed by the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (MRGEDA) to
strengthen our region’s economic vitality.
Collaborating with USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET) program
and New Mexico State University since October 2015, MRGEDA representatives from the four
county region (Sierra, Socorro, Valencia and Catron) have met eleven times and developed
action plans for five economic clusters. It is our understanding that the strategic plan will go
forward to USDA Rural Development on November 1, 2016 for approval. Once approved, the
strategic plan will prepare the region to apply for grants and other funding streams where
regional collaborations are given preference.
Representatives from local government, state and federal agencies, universities, school districts,
private businesses and community organizations have attended the 11 SET program sessions.
Throughout the sessions, attendees have discussed regional strengths and challenges and
received regional economic data to decide which industry clusters were best to focus on. The
strategic plan focuses on five key industry clusters where goals, strategies and action plans have
been set. The following areas are being addressed:
Agriculture
Arts, Recreation, Entertainment and Visitor Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance Services *Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Technology
In as much as our REALTOR® members have a significant presence in these counties, we have
reviewed and are in support of this plan for our region. Should you have any questions, we may
be contacted at 505.842.1433.
Kind Regards,
Kent Cravens, Executive Vice President
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
89
Appendix F
Additional Smart Goals and Evaluation Plans
Group 1 (G1): Agribusiness, Food Processing, and Technology:
Goal 1B: To address the workforce needs of the agriculture industry.
Strategy 1B: To identify and create industry required training in ag or ag-related
businesses. Objective 1B: Create three skill/technical programs in Middle Rio Grande region
that support agricultural business by December 2018.
Regional Economic Benefit By training residents with the skill set identified by agriculture employers, economic development growth
will occur in the region due to expansion of agriculture-related businesses, the opening of new
agricultural businesses, offer job opportunities to youth and adult residents, provide residents with
transferable skills, and provide residents with employment at above living wage rates.
Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 1B.1. Identify employers’
requirements and
needs
Ag chair, Holly
Woelber
Industry
associations, tax
rolls to identify
businesses
June 2017- Aug
2017
1B.2 Identify existing
programs
MRGEDA
committee chair,
Holly Woelber
High school and
public/private
college program
lists
June 2017- Aug
2017
1B.3 Create/modify
programs from these
gaps
MRGEDA
committee chair,
Holly Woelber
Curriculum
developer in public
or private sector
Dec 2017
1B.4 Identify skilled/
technical instructors
MRGEDA
committee chair,
Holly Woelber,
schools
Schools, employers Dec 2017
1B.5 Offer summer
training to HS
students in the region
MRGEDA
committee chair,
Holly Woelber,
high school
counselors,
principals
Schools June 2018
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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1B.6 Offer training to adult
population
MRGEDA
committee chair,
Holly Woelber
County programs Jan 2018
Target Outcomes:
Short term (Year 1)
Identify required skills needed by agriculture employers
Identify existing training programs that provide these skill sets
Create new training programs where gaps exist
Recruit qualified instructors and applicants
Secure training facility and funding
Intermediate (Year 2-3)
Offer programs
Monitor students' progress/graduation rates
Monitor employment and job retention
Continue recruitment
Continue monitoring programs for relevancy
Monitor employer satisfaction
Determine if new programs are needed
Maintain funding and integrate into existing public education programs
Less than 50% open job positions
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
Programs are integrated into public education systems
Graduates are finding employment
Less than 10% open job positions
GOAL 1C: Increase sales and market share of regionally produced and
manufactured ag products.
STRATEGY 1C: Create brand recognition for regional ag products.
Objective 1C. Develop and promote brand for regionally-grown and manufactured
food (value added) products by December 2021
Regional Economic Benefit:
Branding regionally produced/manufactured food can create a niche, and perhaps, an upscale
market for these products garnering additional revenue for the producer/manufacturer.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 1C.1 Convene affected
parties to discuss
regional brand
concept
Ag chair, Holly
Woelber
Industry association
groups (dairy, grains,
beef, hay, truck crops),
farmer's markets
Current-
June 2017
1C. 2 Develop brand
with input
Ag chair, Holly
Woelber
State Econ Dev Dept,
USDA, SBDC
Current-
Aug 2017
1C. 3 Market brand to
producers
Ag chair, Holly
Woelber
NMDA, NM True
models, NMEDD
Current-Dec
2017
1C. 4 Market brand to
commodity
buyers, consumers
Ag chair, Holly
Woelber
NMEDD, NMDA Current-Dec
2017
Target Outcomes: Short term (Year 1)
Development of brand
10% producers/manufacturers using brand
10% buyers/consumers recognize brand
Intermediate (Year 2-3)
40% producers/manufacturers using brand
40% buyers/consumers recognize brand
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
75% producers/manufacturers using brand
75% buyers/consumers recognize brand
Group 2 (G2): Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, and Visitor
Industries "From the Cowboy Way to the Milky Way"
Goal 2B: Improve economy and quality of life of the MRGEDA region via Arts,
Entertainment, Recreation, and Visitor industries.
Strategy 2B: Increase knowledge of regional visitor industry assets and customer
service skills.
Objective 2B: Train (5% per year for next 5 years) workforce to gain knowledge of
regional assets and the ability to properly serve the public.
Regional Economic Benefit:
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
92
Increased knowledge and training on regional assets and customer service by regional workforce
will enhance the visitor experience such that people want to stay and enjoy all we have to offer
and perhaps come back to our region to spend time and money again in the future.
Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 2B.1 Gather materials
created in actions
listed under Goal
2A.
Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
NM True, VLA,
Spaceport, NM
Game and Fish,
National Wildlife
Refuges, BLM,
Catron County
Health Council,
Forest Service, El
Camino Real,
MRGEDA, Save
Our Bosque Task
Force, NMT
Performing Arts
Series
YE 2018
2B.2 Collaborate across
regional tourism
departments and
Chambers of
Commerce to
create training.
Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Same as above
(2B.1)
June 2019
2B.3 Create rollout plan
and calendar
Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Chambers of
Commerce,
Tourism councils,
MRGEDA
October 2019
2B.4 Identify Trainers Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Chambers of
Commerce,
Tourism
Councils,
MRGEDA
YE 2019
2B.5 Train the Trainers Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Chambers of
Commerce,
Tourism
Councils,
MRGEDA
1Q/ 2020
2B.6 Begin rolling out
the trainings to
workforce around
the region.
Arts, Rec Industry
chairs, Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Chambers of
Commerce,
Tourism
Councils,
MRGEDA
2Q/2020
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Target Outcomes: Short term (Year 1)
Database with all existing materials collected by YE2017.
Include Google Mapmaker education to keep our local maps up to date to help tourists
find our attractions.
Local efforts to create training sessions in communities.
Intermediate (Year 2-3)
Local community efforts integrated to create regional training.
Training is being rolled out – holding 4 bookings per year in each MRG county.
200 tourist industry workers are trained across MRG region.
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
400 tourist industry workers are trained across MRG region
Goal 2C: Improve economy and quality of life of the MRGEDA region via Arts,
Entertainment, Recreation, and Visitor industries.
Strategy 2C: Improve the visibility and marketing of MRG artists and art venues.
Objective 2C: Market our vibrant art communities to increase sales and
sponsorships by 20% by 2022.
Regional Economic Benefit
Increased arts of all genres – fine arts, performing arts, fiber arts - will enhance the visitor
experience such that people want to stay and enjoy all we have to offer and perhaps come back to
our region to spend time and money again in the future or relocate. With more support from
tourism and local monies, artists will benefit financially.
Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 2C.1 Poll artists around
the MRG region to
create a listing of
what’s available.
Prescott Grey
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Art galleries,
Performing Arts
Series, restaurants
and bars that host
music, Tourism
Councils,
Chambers
March 2017
2C.2 Create a
comprehensive
database with
contact
Prescott Grey
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Catherine de
Maria
June 2017
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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information on all
artists (all
disciplines –
visual, performing,
etc.) in our area
2C.3 Create a Facebook
page to highlight
MRG artists of all
kinds
Prescott Grey
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Prescott Grey YE 2017
2C.3a Collect and
document baseline
data from
participating
artists
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Prescott Grey YE 2017
2C.4 Investigate grants
for helping artists
rework their
websites and
marketing
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Nina McCabe
Ronna Kalish
YE 2017
2C.5 Tie art events to
the yearly calendar
of events and
venues discussed
in 2A.2
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Ronna Kalish
SW Regional
Tourism Board
YE 2017 (for
use starting in
2018)
2C.6 Create a website
(clearinghouse to
tie to others’
websites) for
artists of all kinds
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Nina McCabe
YE 2018
2C.7 Encourage
communities to
install temporary
and permanent
public art
installations.
Include the
installations on a
map of the area.
MRGEDA Exec
Committee
Catherine
Demaria
(Nina McCabe
has already
initiated a group
doing this in
Magdalena.)
YE 2018
2C.8 Pursue the
expansion of the
developing film
industry in the
MRGEDA region
Arts, Rec Industry
chairs; Deb Caldwell
and Earl Greer
Counties,
MRGEDA, AW
Regional Tourism
Board
June 2018
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Target Outcomes:
Short term (Year 1)
Database and Facebook page operational by July 2017.
Artists report increased contacts as a result of database and Facebook page.
Intermediate (Year 2-3)
Art sales and performing art bookings of MRG talent increased by 10% by 2020.
One public art installation completed in one location in our region.
Information and a list of contacts for the film industry available now to pursue
opportunities.
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
New Mexico True segment created on the MRG art & performing art scene by 2021.
One public art installation completed in at a minimum three of four counties.
Secure one film contract for the region by 2021.
Group 3 (G3): Health Care And Social Assistance Services No additional Objectives
Group 4 (G4): Renewable Energy and Forest Products
Goal 4B. Improve coordination between public and private entities regarding
potential renewable energy opportunities and forest products.
Strategy 4B: Identify the private and public participants and the process to engage
in meaningful participation in federal land planning process.
Objective 4B.1: Compile and distribute comprehensive data for renewable energy
development and deployment within the next 2 years.
Objective 4B.2: Become the repository and source for Obj. 4B.1.
Regional Economic Benefit:
Communities and businesses have a voice in the federal land planning process and should have
an understanding of the regulatory, planning issues, and potential economic opportunities for
renewable energy and forest products.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Action Responsible Resources Timeline
4B.1.1 Review existing
federal land plans
Christine Logan
and MRGEDA
committee
Counties
Oct 2017
4B.1. 2 Participate in
community updates to
existing federal land
plans.
Christine Logan
and MRGEDA
committee
Counties
On-going
4B 1.3 Identify private
businesses to include
in the federal land
planning process.
Christine Logan
and MRGEDA
committee
Cities and
Counties
Oct 2017
4B.1.4 Encourage private
businesses to
participate in the
federal land planning
process.
Christine Logan
and MRGEDA
committee
Cities and
Counties
On-going
4B 2.1 Notify all relevant
parties of MRGEDA’s
data and willingness
to become repository
of comprehensive data
Christine Logan
and MRGEDA
committee
Cities and
Counties, private
businesses,
relevant state and
federal agencies
Feb 2018
Target Outcomes:
Short term (Year 1) Review pertinent plans for federal land agencies for each county and identify
potential issues
Intermediate (Year 2-3) Compile data on renewable energy potential in the region including
associated businesses.
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond) Participate (public and private) in all federal land planning
processes and encourage updated plans to allow for the use of forest products and renewable
energy sites.
Group 5 (G5): Technology
Information Technology, Telecommunications, Workforce, Defense and
Security
Goal 5B: Grow information technology and workforce industries in the region.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
97
Strategy 5B: Develop a program for creating and maintaining a technology-trained
workforce by August 2019
Objective 5B: In collaboration with local high schools, regional colleges, and other
stakeholders, develop a workforce training program by August 2019 that provides
employers with a technology-skilled workforce. The training will include an
introduction to workplace interpersonal relationships, accounting, basic
management tools, ethics, social media and computer literacy (to include Microsoft
Office, at least one programming language, and introductory web site maintenance
and design), and small business law.
Regional Economic Benefit
A technically skilled, work-ready workforce will attract technology businesses considering the
area for relocation or who need these skills for their start-up enterprises in the region. Existing
businesses, technology-focused or not, will benefit by hiring employees who can develop and
maintain a social media presence for them and introduce their employers to the value of up-to-
date technology due to: increased efficiency, new clients, reduced costs due to vendor
competition, customer satisfaction surveys, etc. Establishing a “workforce ready” reputation for
the region will serve as a model for follow-on programs in the region such as vocational
technology training, and will demonstrate the practical, fiscal benefits of strong relationships
between institutions of higher learning, businesses, governments, and local communities. Non
college-bound high school students will see an employment path that can result in their entering
the workforce at an earlier age. The local tax base will increase as a result of businesses
employing program graduates.
Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 5B.1 Clarify viability and extent of
NMT participation
Tech cluster co-
chairs
NMT -Bill Stone
&
Lillian Armijo
March
2017
5B.2 Develop a stakeholder group Tech cluster co-
chairs
MRGEDA Tech
Group,
NMT,
Region H.S.,
West. NMU,
Workforce
Solutions,
SDBC
July 2017
5B.3 Stakeholder group to develop
curriculum
Tech cluster co-
chairs
Region HS,
WNMU, NMT,
Workforce
Solutions
August
2018
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
98
5B.4 Identify and acquire funding for
program, including a paid
administrator position.
(Administrator to manage 5C
program as well.)
Tech cluster co-
chairs, MRGEDA
NMEDD, USDA
RD, foundations
January
2019
5B.5 Program begins. Prgm Admin.,
MRGEDA
MRGEDA
funding parties,
region H.S.
August
2019
Target Outcomes
Short Term (Year 1)
Identify stakeholder group, goals and resources needed
Compile an inventory of all relevant workforce training programs in the region
Convene a stakeholder group and develop a working team for program
implementation.
Interview potential employers and identify desired employee technical skills
Intermediate Term (Year 2-3)
Working team identifies needed resources and create a curriculum.
Identify and write grants for start-up and program maintenance costs.
Conduct presentations to potential students at region high schools and Workforce
Solutions-hosted sites.
Hire program administrator (Administrator also supervisees 5C program)
Workforce Training Program established and in action by August. 2019.
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
Program is self-sufficient economically sustainable.
Student employment data collection and evaluation started – by employment in
and out of region.
Goal 5C: Grow information technology and workforce industries in the region.
Strategy 5C: Develop, by Dec. 2019, a workforce training program that prepares
entry level employees for jobs in the construction, trades, and solar installation
industries.
Objective 5C: Working with vocational educators in the region, leverage
opportunities for high-school students (and beyond, as may be appropriate) to help
rehabilitate and refurbish buildings or assist with building new structures. The
object is to bring on-the-job training and experience to as many trades as possible.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Regional Economic Benefit
Having a skilled vocational technology workforce is essential for regional economic
development. Construction and renovation projects currently on the region’s ICIP lists, along
with anticipated new construction in Health Care facilities [as outlined in the Health Care
cluster] and anticipated affordable housing projects, will provide both OJT and traditional
employment opportunities in the region. Having a non-degree, vocational certificate career path
will provide students with an avenue to early employment, lifelong vocational skills, and allow
the region to meet its growing construction labor needs.
Actions Responsible Resources Timeline 5C.1 Identify all city, county,
state, federal,
commercial, and
residential construction
projects currently
scheduled or anticipated
in the region.
MRGEDA
SET, Tech and
Health Groups,
City & County
Managers,
Administrators, planning
offices,
June 2017
5C.2 Develop a stakeholder
group. Establish a
workforce training
partnership
w/Workforce Solutions;
region high schools,
colleges; Santa Fe
Community College
Solar Energy Certificate
Prgm, WNMU, and NM
Tech.
MRGED SET,
Tech co-chairs
High School Vocational
Ed Programs, Workforce
Solutions, Santa Fe
Community College,
Trade Unions, NM Tech
and other area colleges,
Employment and
Economic Information
Center of NM
January 2018
5C.3 Develop a curriculum
and recruitment program
for the training through
region high schools and
Workforce Solutions.
NM Tech and Santa Fe
CC for solar ed.
MRGED SET,
Tech co-chairs
Region HS, WNMU,
NMT, Workforce
Solutions
August 2018
5C.4 Write and have funded
at least one (1) grant for
youth and trades training
using regional
construction projects as
“learning campuses”to
include a paid
Administrator position
(Admin. also manages
5B program).
MRGEDA,
Tech co-chairs
Region County Econ.
Dev. Mgrs, County and
City and volunteer grant
writers
August 2018
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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5C.5 Program startup MRGEDA,
Administrator
High schools and
colleges.
Dec. 2019
Target Outcomes
Short Term (Year 1)
Compile master list of all planned and anticipated construction projects to
be initiated in the region by Dec. 2019.
Convene a stakeholder group and develop a working team for program
implementation.
Intermediate Term (Year 2-3)
Working team will identify needed resources and create a curriculum.
Identify and write grants for at least one (1) high priority construction project
that could utilize program students, and that will cover a paid Administrator cost.
Identify non-grant necessary construction projects appropriate for Workforce OJT
training in each city and county community in the region.
Long Term (Year 4 and beyond)
Workforce Training Program established and in action by December 2019.
Grant funded projects underway.
Student employment data collection and evaluation started – by employment in
and out of region.
Evaluation Plan
G1 Agribusiness Agribusiness, Food Processing and Technology
Number of technical programs offered that meet employers' skill needs
Number of persons participating in training programs
Number of filled/unfilled open positions in these areas
Number of producers/manufacturers who are using adopted regional brand on products
Number of buyers, consumers who recognize regional brand
G2 Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, and Visitor Industries Make presentation at 4 classes held per year at the MRG region level or each major
regional town (population centers) to teach employees about regional attractions and
customer service
200+ employees trained about regional visitor attractions and customer service
All artists who desire a website have one
Regional Facebook page which promotes all kinds of arts / number of hits to show its
popularity
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Net increase in sales/booking by art galleries, performance venues in MRG region.
Have information and a list of contacts for the film industry to pursue future opportunities
G3 Health Care
None
G4 Renewable Energy and Forest Products Improved coordination between public and private entities for public land as evidenced
by 50% or more participation in community meetings and comments
A comprehensive data base of renewable energy deployment and development
Recognition of MRGEDA as the repository for current database of renewable energy
deployment and development
G5 Technology Number of students participating in and graduating from the technology training
program.
Number of students participating in and graduating from the vocational training program.
Number of students employed within 12 months of participating in the technology
training program.
Number of students employed within 12 months of participating in the vocational training
program.
Increased competition between broadband providers.
Complete and affordable broadband service to entire region
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Appendix G
Regional Demographic Data
Age Data
Age Comparison Y2000 vs Y2014
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
below 20 20-59 yrs 60+
age
y2000 y2014
Data Sources: US Dept. of Commerce. 2014. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office,
Washington, DC.
Health Care
2010-2014 Catron Sierra Socorro Valencia
With a disability, under
65
8.5%* 8.5%* 22.6% 8.5%*
No health insurance,
under 65
12.0%* 12.0%* 23.6% 12.0%*
Number of healthcare
establishments (2014)
6 21 33 88
Number of employees
(2014)
114 698 500-999 1905
Total receipts/revenue
(2012)
$2,725,000 $40,197,000 $48,740,000 $117,544,000
Data Sources: US Census Quick Facts. 2014. Census Bureau, * This geographic level of health estimates is not comparable to other geographic levels of these
estimates.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Income and Poverty
% Households Receiving Earnings by Source-2013
66.8
37.6
21.8
7.7 4.3
18.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Labor
Earn
ings
Socia
l
Security
Retir
em
ent
Supple
menta
l
Security
Incom
e
Cash p
ublic
ass't
pro
gra
m
Food
Sta
mps/S
NA
P
Data Sources: US Dept. of Commerce. 2014. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office,
Washington, DC.
Educational Attainment
Educational
Attainment
Sierra
County
Catron
County
Socorro
County
Valencia
County
Region
No high
school degree
16.0% 11.9% 21.3% 19.3% 17.12%
High school
degree only
58.2% 63.8% 53% 57.1% 58.03%
Associates
degree
4.7% 5.8% 6.3% 7.0% 5.95%
Bachelor or
higher
21.1% 18.5 19.4% 16.6% 18.88%
Data sources: US Department of Commerce 2014, Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office,
Washington, DC
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2009-2013 Educational Attainment
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Sierra Catron Socorro Valencia Region
no HS HS degree only Associates Bachelor or higher
Data Sources: US Dept. of Commerce. 2014. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office,
Washington, DC.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Appendix H
Regional Economic Data
Employment by Industry-2013 Middle Rio Grande region
Civilian employed population>16 years
% of Total Sierra Catron Socorro Valencia Region US
Ag, forestry,
fishing, hunting,
mining
8.5% 13.8% 6.3% 2.7% 4.2% 1.9%
Construction 6.6% 12.1% 4.7% 9.9% 8.8% 6.2%
Manufacturing 2.1% 3.6% 1.3% 5.7% 4.6% 10.5%
Wholesale trade 0.8% 1.9% 0.5% 2.0% 1.6% 2.8%
Retail trade 9.7% 15.8% 10.2% 13.0% 12.4% 11.6%
Transportation,
warehousing,
utilities
3.6% 5.2% 4.9% 7.0% 6.3% 4.9%
Information 0.9% 0.3% 1.0% 1.1% 1.1% 2.2%
Finance,
insurance, real
estate
4.9% 5.1% 4.1% 4.6% 4.6% 6.7%
Prof, scientific,
mgmt, admin,
and waste mgmt
7.5% 6.5% 10.4% 8.0% 8.3% 10.8%
Education,
healthcare, and
social assistance
26.7% 15.7% 38.2% 23.0% 25.5% 23.2%
Arts,
entertainment,
recreation,
accommodation,
food
10.3% 7.4% 8.6% 8.0% 8.3% 9.3%
Other services,
except public
admin
4.5% 3.8% 3.2% 4.9% 4.5% 5.0%
Public admin 13.8% 8.7% 6.7% 10.1% 9.9% 5.0%
Total employed
Civilian
3761 1181 6224 28,774 39,940 141,864,697
Total employed
government
5005 1816 7485 24,511
Total employed 8766 2997 13709 53,285 Data Sources: US Dept. of Commerce. 2014. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office,
Washington, DC.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Leakage Analysis
Agriculture-2013
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Animal prod and Aquaculture
Animal Food mfg
Crop production
Freight, trucking
Cheese mfg
$ Millions
in region out of region
Energy-2013
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
crude petroleum
and nat gas extr
Support activites
for oil/gas
heavy equip
rental/leasing
$ Millions
in region out of region
Forest and Wood Products-2013
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4
saw mills
logging
ready mix concrete
Eng Services
$ Millions
in region out of region
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Technology -2013
0 2 4 6 8 10
w ired telecom
carriers
motion pic and
video prod
Law yers
Temp Help
Services
$ Millions
in region out of region
The charting of the Arts, Entertainment, etc. industry cluster did not provide any information.
Healthcare is depicted in the following chart.
3
Biomedical/Biotechnical (Life Science) Cluster
Top 15 Inputs by Dollars: Middle Rio Grande Region, NM
Source: EMSI Class of Worker 2015.4 (QCEW, non-QCEW, self-employed and extended proprietors).
section 03
Note: ** industry sector is not present in the region .
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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1
section 03Source: EMSI Class of Worker 2015.4 (QCEW, non-QCEW, self-employed and extended proprietors).
Biomedical/Biotechnical (Life Science) Cluster
Industries Jobs 2014
National
Trend,
2009-2014
Industry
Trend,
2009-2014
Cumulative
Expected
Growth
Actual Job
Growth,
2009-2014
Regional
Performance,
2009-2014
A B C=A+B D D-CHome Health Care Services 613 130 342 472 -1,410 -1,882
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing
Facilities)374 24 -22 2 5 3
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 292 20 -13 7 -26 -33
Research and Development in the Physical,
Engineering, and Life Sciences (except
Biotechnology)
237 23 -11 12 -126 -138
Pharmacies and Drug Stores 130 10 -12 -2 -27 -25
Other Residential Care Facilities 74 3 -6 -3 20 23
Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly 69 5 8 13 -6 -19
Outpatient Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Centers46 4 9 13 -22 -35
Medical Laboratories 45 2 4 6 13 7
Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume
Stores36 2 3 5 9 4
Residential Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Facilities26 2 3 5 -13 -18
All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health
Care Services20 1 3 4 2 -2
Ambulance Services 19 1 0 1 0 -1
Food (Health) Supplement Stores 18 1 2 3 6 3
All Other Outpatient Care Centers 16 1 3 4 6 2
Shift-Share Analysis by Top Industry Sectors: Middle Rio Grande Region, NM
Note: Upward arrow ( ) indicates regional competitiveness.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Appendix I
Broadband
How much broadband is needed?
Note: The term “broadband” is used in this document to describe the ability to access the internet and
exchange information at a speed that is in the upper 20% of the nation. Currently, this speed is
approximately 50-100 Mbps (million bits per second). See Chart 1. This rate of speed is an ever-
increasing value as the number of internet-connected devices increases, each device’s demand increases,
and individuals’ personal demands increase. It should not be considered a static value.
The term broadband does not refer to the technology of delivery (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line [DSL],
Metropolitan Optical Ethernet [MOE], etc.) or the infrastructure of delivery (e.g., copper phone
lines, fiberoptic cables, coaxial cables, etc.). Broadband simply describes the prevailing speed of the
connection to the internet.
A few points of clarification are necessary. Broadband is also the speed the end-user actually attains,
even at times of peak usage within the community. It is not the speed that the equipment or infrastructure
is capable of attaining or the speed that the Internet provider advertises. Additionally, broadband assumes
“low latency.” Latency is the time it takes for a signal to get from its starting point to its ending
point. Wireless and satellite connections are prone to higher latency. Fiberoptic connections have the
lowest latency. This can be seen when a news anchor is talking to a correspondent on the other side of the
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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world “via satellite.” There is a noticeable lag between the time a question is asked and the time the
correspondent hears the question. That is latency. Latency causes “chatty” communications to be slow.
As stated above, targeting the upper quintile (upper 20%) of prevailing speeds nationally is
the currently desired target. This represents broadband speeds of 50-100 Mbps.
A sampling of residential Internet speeds and costs in the central NM region.
Important Note: Not all locations within a city are provided with service from any given carrier
Location Provider Speed
Mbps
Cost
Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Las Cruces,
Los Lunas, Belen
Comcast 10 29.99
Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Las Cruces,
Los Lunas, Belen
Comcast 25 39.99
Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Las Cruces,
Los Lunas, Belen
Comcast 75 49.99
Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Las Cruces,
Los Lunas, Belen
Comcast 150 59.99
Truth or Consequences Windstream 10 49.99
Truth or Consequences Windstream 6 49.99
16th St., Albuquerque CenturyLink 60 39.95
16th St., Albuquerque CenturyLink 40 29.95
16th St., Albuquerque CenturyLink 20 29.95
16th St., Albuquerque CenturyLink 12 29.95
16th St., Albuquerque CenturyLink 7 29.95
Mission Rd, Las Cruces CenturyLink 7 29.95
Crestview Dr., Los Lunas CenturyLink 1.5 29.95
Main Street, Belen CenturyLink 7 29.95
Church Socorro CenturyLink 12 29.95
Church Socorro CenturyLink 7 29.95
Mustang Dr. Socorro CenturyLink 3 29.95
Melody Ln, Socorro CenturyLink 1.5 29.95
Callede Lago, Socorro CenturyLink 5 29.95
Sean St., Socorro CenturyLink 3 29.95
Allen Court, Socorro CenturyLink 7 29.95
Where available in Catron County WNM
Communications
6 64.95
Where available in Catron County WNM
Communications
4 52.95
Where available in Catron County WNM
Communications
1.5 39.95
The problem.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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Generally, residential Internet service in Albuquerque is being delivered by two types of
infrastructure. Comcast is using coaxial cable and Century Link is leveraging their copper phone wiring.
While coaxial cable offerings are in the low 100Mbps range, the technology can currently support an
increase into the gigabit (1000+ Mbps). This has not been true with the older copper phone wiring. The
service offerings by Century Link reflect these infrastructure capabilities. Even in the Albuquerque
metropolitan area Century Link’s sampled residential maximum offering is 60Mbps as compared with a
Comcast maximum of 150Mbps and that varies with the distance from an aggregation point and the
quality of the copper wire installation. For years there have been new technologies introduced to increase
the capabilities of the copper phone wire infrastructure. To date, none have been cost effective enough
for general deployment.
The counties of Catron, Sierra, and Socorro have the lowest concentration of non-copper phone wire
infrastructure in the immediate region. This is reflected in the lack of true high-speed offerings. The
maximum offering is 12 Mbps close to the Century Link offices in Socorro.
Without a new technology that permits true high-speed over copper phone wiring, an upgrade to existing
coaxial infrastructure in Socorro and Truth or Consequences or the installation of a new infrastructure
(e.g., fiber or coaxial) the opportunity to attain the broadband service levels desired does not exist.
Not Just Our Problem
Circumstances like this exist throughout the nation, particularly in the more rural locations. Communities
need to be rewired with high-capacity infrastructure. However, the cost of rewiring a small rural town
can be several million dollars and the number of customers serviced per mile of infrastructure is
substantially lower than urban areas. This causes the break-even point to be prohibitively distant for most
telecommunications companies. An additional complication is the cost of connecting rural cities to each
other and to major aggregation points. Again, the great distances involved mean that initial investments
are great and the payback is long.
Many communities have solved or are attempting to solve this problem. Some have become their own
telecommunications companies by either stepping in where the telecommunications companies have not,
or have built the infrastructure themselves and then allowed telecommunications companies to use it for a
fee.
In “Community-Based Broadband Solutions, the benefits of competition and choice for community
development and high-speed internet access”1 President Obama addresses the problem and provides
several example cities that have undertaken solutions. The cities examined are:
1. Chattanooga, TN. In 2007, Chattanooga’s Electric Power Board (EPB), a municipally-
owned utility, announced a 10-year plan to build out a fiber network to serve all of
Chattanooga. In 2009 EPB began offering Internet, phone and cable TV. Their efforts have
encouraged other telecom firms to improve their own service. Most importantly, EPB is its most
important customer of the fiber network. It has created a smart electric grid that is able to meter
every resident over the network and respond to electrical service problems. Note that the
Socorro Electric Coop is exploring an alternate smart metering system. (El Defensor Chieftain,
June 30, 2016).
2. Wilson, NC. In November of 2006, Wilson’s City council voted unanimously to build a
fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network through the town’s electricity provider, Greenlight. The City
Council issued $28 million in debt to start construction. Greenlight began offering its 14 services
in 2008 and expanded its network to include triple-play (television, phone, and internet) services
citywide by January 2009. In 2010, the city took another $4.5 million loan from Wells Fargo to
improve its network. The subscription base grew steadily in its first few years and numbers over
7000 today –more than a third of Wilson’s 21,000 households.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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3. Lafayette, LA. The residents of Lafayette have a long history of supporting local
infrastructure initiatives. Recognizing the need to modernize its broadband infrastructure in the
early 2000’s, the community voted in 2005 to approve construction of a fiber-to-the-home
(FTTH) network. After overcoming serious opposition from local broadband service providers,
the publicly-owned Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) started connecting homes and businesses to
its LUS Fiber network in 2009. The network seeks to provide equitable access to all of
Lafayette’s citizens, and the system was rolled out across high-income and low-income
neighborhoods equally. LUS Fiber now offers 100 Mbps speed for all subscribers.
4. Scott County, MN. In the early 2000s, Scott County started exploring options for
increasing broadband services for county government buildings and schools. In 2007, the County
issued $3.5 million in bonds to install a high-speed middle-mile network. The network connects
all county-owned facilities, including schools, libraries, city halls, police and fire departments,
and public safety towers. It also connects with the state’s high- capacity backbone network and
with multiple private providers. From the beginning, the project was a joint effort between local
and state government and the private sector. While the county paid the upfront costs, the state
pays for the network’s operating costs in exchange for use of the network. The open architecture
of the system allows private companies to offer their own services; private providers, in turn,
cover the network’s maintenance costs.
5. Leverett, MA. In 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick created the Massachusetts
Broadband Initiative (MBI). MBI was charged with bringing broadband to all residents and
businesses in MA within three years. The Broadband Act provided MBI with initial $40 million
in state bond funds. Over the last six years, Massachusetts has built 1,200 miles of new fiber
optic cable that provide access to more than 120 communities in Western and North Central
Massachusetts.
6. Choctaw Nation Tribal Area, OK. In early 2009, much of the ten Southeastern
Oklahoma counties encompassed by the Choctaw Nation’s Tribal Area lacked access to reliable
broadband service. The low population density (8.3 to 19.7 people per square mile), the high
poverty rate (25 percent of the population below the poverty line), and the rugged terrain made
the economics of broadband infrastructure very challenging. Initial capital costs to deploy
broadband meant that broadband service was limited only to commercially viable areas. 17 Pine
Tele, the service provider offering voice, video, cell, long distance, and high-speed broadband in
SE OK applied for and received 4 American Recovery and Reinvestment awards in 2009 and
2010. One grant was to build out fiber to the home in the area already covered by landlines, and
the other three were for wireless – advanced 3G technology – to completely unserved areas. As
of September 2014 Pine Tele had deployed 324 miles of fiber, 5,500 fiber drops, and 54 tower
sites. New or improved broadband service had been made available to 1,757 fiber customers and
1,194 wireless customers. Today, Pine Telephone provides a variety of broadband packages over
both their fiber and wireless facilities ranging from 1.5 Mbps to 5 Mbps for download speeds and
384 Kbps to 5 Mbps for upload speeds.
Other examples of community-based solutions include:
1. UTOPIA. From “About UTOPIA”2 UTOPIA (Utah Telecommunication Open
Infrastructure Agency) is not an Internet service provider. UTOPIA operates on an open access
model, which means we own and manage the infrastructure, but lease the lines to private Internet
Service Providers, who then deliver services to subscribers. This allows you to choose the
provider that best meets your needs. UTOPIA represents the future of Internet. Information is
carried through the fiber optic lines at the speed of light. Literally. It’s transmitted to each home
or business on a dedicated line, which eliminates the slowdown caused by shared
connections. UTOPIA is a fiber optic infrastructure that utilizes light to transfer information,
making it the fastest communication technology on the planet. Most current networks operate on
copper wire infrastructure that limits the speed and amount of information that can be transferred.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association Rural Economic Development Plan
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But with UTOPIA, you can reach speeds 200 times faster than your current
connection. UTOPIA also allows you to choose your own service providers so your options are
not limited to just one provider. The connection to your home is also yours alone, meaning that
when using UTOPIA’s infrastructure, you never lose speed through a shared connection with
other homes or businesses. UTOPIA is the next step in communication technology. Not only
does UTOPIA deliver at blistering speeds, but our network is also built for extremely high
volume. UTOPIA can provide a minimum of at least 10Mbps connection to every home and up
to 10Gbps connection to businesses. These connection speeds are base speeds that can increase
according to individual needs.
2. Rural Internet Cooperatives in Minnesota.3 A new trend is emerging in rural communities
throughout the United States: Fiber-to-the-Farm. Tired of waiting for real Internet access from
big companies, farmers are building it themselves. Communities in and around Minnesota’s rural
Sibley County are going from worst to best after building a wireless and fiber-optic cooperative.
While federal programs throw billions of dollars to deliver last year’s Internet speeds, local
programs are building the network of the future.
3. NextCenturyCities.org Excellent website covering innovative communities and their
efforts to acquire broadband capabilities.