Lawrence Rael
When it comes to growing the economy and creating jobs, experience matters. I have been involved in successful economic development efforts for over 20 years, first with the City of Albuquerque and later with the Mid Region Council of Governments – a leader in economic planning for Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia counties.
It is clear to me, based on that experience, that regional economic development is key to the health and prosperity of New Mexico’s counties and cities, and for the state as a whole.
When Albuquerque or Las Cruces or Farmington works to attract new industry, they are not competing with each other so much as competing with the greater Phoenix region, the greater Salt Lake City region, and the greater Denver-to-Colorado Springs region. Companies have a wide variety of options when deciding where to place a new facility, and we are in a much stronger competitive position when our strategy takes advantage of resources from an entire region and state.
Elements of a regional plan
A regional economic development plan for New Mexico would include the following elements:
• Incentives for New Mexico communities to come together as economic regions, with clear, comprehensive plans for economic development.
• A recognition of the unique strengths of particular regions and the organization of state resources behind their successful advancement. Southwestern New Mexico is one of the best places in the country for solar power generation. Eastern New Mexico is emerging as a center for wind power. Southern New Mexico can take advantage of its proximity to Mexico to become a leader in bi-national ventures.
The state’s job is to help each region develop its greatest potential through coordinated planning and the development of necessary infrastructure.
• A focus on recruiting and retaining manufacturing jobs, which are key drivers of economic growth. Generating green energy in New Mexico is not enough. We need to use the state’s natural solar and wind generation capability to develop the green energy manufacturing base that will provide good jobs for years to come.
• An understanding that companies are more likely to invest in communities that invest in themselves through a good educational system and necessary infrastructure.
• A recommitment to the strengths and potential of the people who already live here and to the traditional strengths of New Mexico’s work force. Growing our local economies through support of existing, locally owned business is as important as the effort to attract out-of-state investment.
• Understanding the wide variety of industries that contribute to economic development. Cultural resources have been extremely important to the economies of Northern New Mexico. Amenity-based communities attract retirees from throughout the country and world. Regional foodshed movements have provided new economic opportunities for rural areas and local restaurants alike.
Experience matters
When we attracted companies like Intel and General Mills to New Mexico’s mid-region we were thinking regionally. Rio Rancho’s gain was Albuquerque’s gain, and we worked together to make sure these new industries could succeed. Our revitalization of Albuquerque’s city core benefited businesses throughout the area. Projects like the Rail Runner have united communities and provided identity for the region.
This kind of investment makes a difference. According to a study by the Brookings Mountain West initiative, Albuquerque has been, during the current economic downturn, the best-performing metropolitan area in the Intermountain West, and one of the best economic performers in the entire nation.
With strong leadership, this kind of regional planning and investment can be successful throughout the state. This is what I know how to do, and this ability will be a key strength of a Denish-Rael ticket in 2010.
Economic development is too important to be left to those without experience or practical understanding of what needs to be done.
Rael is a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.