Site readiness program accelerates business expansion
New site readiness initiative is off to a strong start.
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 13, 2026
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
New Mexico accelerates business expansion with Site Readiness program
EDD has evaluated 47 sites, launched public map, established certification board
SANTA FE — Less than a year after the Site Readiness Act became law, the New Mexico Economic Development Department has evaluated 47 development sites statewide, launched a public site readiness map and established a new board to certify sites for business expansion.
Following the passage of SB 169 (Site Readiness) and SB 170 (Utility Pre-deployment) during the 2025 legislative session, EDD moved quickly to put the framework into action. The program focuses on preparing land for development by identifying infrastructure needs, utility access and site conditions that support timely project delivery and job creation.
Site readiness plays a central role in economic competitiveness. Companies looking to expand need locations that are prepared, permitted and predictable. By investing early in site planning and coordination, New Mexico is creating a clearer path for projects to move forward and for communities to compete for high-quality jobs.
“New Mexico is ready to compete for economic development projects that create opportunities for our families, ” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “Our site readiness program is setting the stage, so it’s easier for companies to choose New Mexico and easier for our state to win.”
EDD partnered with Global Location Strategies (GLS) to evaluate, or “characterize,” sites across the state. Working closely with local governments and tribal communities, the department assessed industrial properties and produced site-specific recommendations related to infrastructure, utilities and development readiness.
Several sites have already been identified as immediately or near-term competitive for industrial investment. In addition to the 47 sites that have been evaluated, inquiries for 12 more sites have already been submitted for the next round of evaluations.
To support transparency and business recruitment, EDD also contracted with GIS WebTech, a site selection technology company, to develop a new public site-readiness map. The map allows companies, site selectors and community partners to explore evaluated sites and better understand development opportunities across New Mexico. The map can be found on EDD’s website at EDD.NewMexico.gov/sites .
The newly created Strategic Economic Development Site Advisory Committee will oversee the grading and certification of sites as “strategic economic development sites,” making them eligible for pre-development funding and technical assistance. The committee held its first meeting earlier this month.
Committee members include:
Rob Black, Secretary, Economic Development Department
Ricky Serna, Secretary, Department of Transportation
Jim Kenney, Secretary, Environment Department
Erin Taylor, Acting Secretary, Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
Marquita Russell, CEO, New Mexico Finance Authority
Gabriella Dasheno, Deputy Utility Division Director, Public Regulation Commission
Sara Gutierrez, Deputy Division Director, Economic Development Division
Alex Nellos, Public Member, Registered Architect
Hilma Chynoweth, Public Member, Director of Strategic Development
Lucinda Vargas, Public Member, Professor of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business, New Mexico State University
Mario Juarez-Infante, Public Member, City Manager, Sunland Park
Priscilla Lucero, Public Member, Executive Director, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments
The next round of evaluations is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and submissions can be made online at edd.newmexico.gov/site-submit .
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EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by funding workforce training and infrastructure that supports business growth, helping every community create a thriving economy.
New Mexico Economic Development Department
EDD.NewMexico.gov
New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US
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