Work Session Recap: Councilors Receive Economic Development Updates

Las Cruces City Councilors received updates from the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, and the annual report from the Historic Preservation Commission, during a work session held Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.

The two economic development updates were both positive with each sharing signs of growth and challenges in a post-pandemic economy.

Davin Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, outlined growth and promise for the region that includes Las Cruces, Dona Ana County and Borderplex.

Lopez showed an average of 380 jobs created annually within Las Cruces over the last five fiscal years, but those numbers decreased in the fiscal year ending in 2024. Meanwhile, MVEDA’s annual report shows a substantial job increase outside of Las Cruces, in Dona Ana County, in FY24.

Lopez indicated a substantial number of new jobs are being created in or near the Sunland Park Industrial Park. Lopez said there are continued efforts to lure new industry to the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park on the City’s West Mesa and that 15 projects are currently considering Las Cruces.

Lopez also shared a statement from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso Branch, that indicated, “Southern New Mexico demonstrates impressive economic vitality, with the largest employment figures showing 2.8 percent growth compared to the previous year, outpacing both state and national averages. This growth underscores the region’s attractiveness for business and workforce development.”

Susan Greenwald Cabello, Executive Director of Downtown Las Cruces Partnership since March 2024, presented a mostly positive review of the organization that’s dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in downtown Las Cruces.

Cabello told Councilors that downtown is thriving, but it’s also fragile. Cabello said that downtown business activity in fiscal year 2023-2024 showed nine businesses that either relocated to the district or are new to the district. Those numbers were contrasted by nine businesses that left the district or permanently closed.

Cabello also said six businesses are in the process of opening in Downtown Las Cruces.

Cabello touted the DLCP micro loan program that can help businesses within the downtown area. She also said her organization is helping downtown businesses get on the Film Las Cruces production vendor list. Such a move is beneficial for the businesses and production companies in the film industry that are in need of services while filming locally.

The Historical Preservation Commission Annual Report was presented by Dr. Judy Berryman, Chairwoman of the commission.

The primary duties of the HPC are to protect historic preservation of districts and cultural properties. The HPC meets monthly to review and evaluate permits and applications that affect properties and buildings within the City’s historic districts.

Las Cruces is the newest member of the Certified Local Government Program which allows the City to seek grants from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Office.

Besides reviewing building applications and plans for properties in the historic districts, the HPC provides walking tours, art exhibits, historic preservation exhibits and workshops on the importance of preserving historic properties.

Las Cruces City Council work sessions and meetings can be seen on the City’s YouTube channel. Las Cruces City Council will next meet in Regular Session on Aug. 19.