New Mexico

Rural New Mexico encompasses unique places with rich cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, forward-thinking leaders and residents, and abundant opportunity for innovation.

Most counties included in our RPN Community Networks have lost population in recent years, putting additional cost burden on residents to maintain public services. Despite outmigration, we have seen rural job gains in construction, accommodation and food services, information, and agriculture.

Our Rural Partners Network team and Rural Desk Officers from the 20 federal departments and commissions are collaborating with New Mexico’s rural leaders to address local priorities, such as developing and recruiting a skilled workforce, building up our infrastructure, capitalizing on the outdoor recreation economy, and recovering from and building resilience to natural disasters including the recent devastating wildfires causing heavy flooding and debris flow.