5 Efforts that Make New Mexico a Better Place to Live

Randy Montoya/Sandia National Laboratories

State entities and businesses alike are driving positive change in New Mexico. From investing in the next generation of outdoor leaders to funding green initiatives, these five efforts are creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all New Mexicans. 

1. Sandia National Laboratories 

The economic impact of Albuquerque-based Sandia National Laboratories surpasses $4 billion every year, and the facility adds many jobs annually to its workforce. Sandia also makes a large impact on the small business community because small businesses make up 67% of Sandia’s total suppliers.

In 2024, Sandia is expected to pay more than $450 million in subcontract payments to New Mexico small businesses. Examples of services provided by those businesses include construction and engineering. 

2. New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund 

Since 2020, New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund has granted nearly $6 million to more than 250 organizations, for the purpose of getting the state’s younger residents outdoors. The program aims to inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders by introducing young people to the joys of nature and the importance of preserving it. To date, 72,000 young New Mexicans have benefited from these experiences. 

3. Only State With Both Education Funds 

In March 2024, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 159 that created a nearly $1 billion trust fund that will provide free college tuition for state residents well into the future. New Mexico’s free tuition program became permanent in 2022 and costs $146 million to run annually. It is paid by the state’s lottery fund. Senate Bill 159 and the $1 billion trust will help sustain the program. New Mexico residents may qualify for the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships to pursue college and career training when they are accepted into a public college.

In addition, the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund was established as part of House Bill 83 in 2020, developing a long-term investment strategy in the health, education and well-being of the state’s youth population. 

4. New Mexico Climate Investment Center 

The state has established the nonprofit New Mexico Climate Investment Center, which provides low-interest loans to projects targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The center began with $20 million to issue for projects, and it will be able to fund larger climate projects once the money grows from further state and federal support.

New Mexico officials say the center will prioritize projects that especially provide direct benefits to low-income, disadvantaged and tribal communities as well as small businesses and nonprofits. 

5. Santa Fe Brewing Co.’s 4NM Initiative 

Several private establishments in New Mexico enjoy giving back to their communities, and that includes Santa Fe Brewing Co. As the state’s first craft brewery, SFBC spearheads the 4NM Initiative that supports four causes that the company is passionate about – local community, environment and clean water, outdoor recreation, and arts and culture.