A Message from Mayling Armijo, Economic Development Department Director
Dear Bernalillo County Residents and Visitors,
Make no mistake: Bernalillo County is open for business. Successful enterprise contributes to quality of life and it is an enhanced quality of life for all our residents that drives our efforts. The Economic Development team is committed to bringing businesses — existing and new — the most innovative, cost-effective financial tools available to do business even better here in Bernalillo County.
Our county has a special footprint − urban and rural, city to ranch and farm lands. We boast all of it in a compact 1,100 square miles. Hub to major trade, commerce and finance, higher education, an U.S. Air Force base and high-tech research entities, we also are home for small businesses, the heart and soul of local economy. Our portfolio is extensive; from food and produce to cyber security to film production, we work daily to assure taxpayers and local businesses that their monies are well spent in Bernalillo County.
In 2012, our team presented six, large-scale economic development projects to the Bernalillo Board of County Commissioners for approval. All six were approved. In total, 12 projects represent an investment of $169 million into our local economy that is expected to generate more than 1,100 new, permanent positions and almost 600 construction jobs over the next few years.
Going forward, several area businesses have asked us to work with them to investigate creative options for expanding their enterprises here in Bernalillo County, and our docket grows daily. We are in process with those projects now and will endeavor to develop innovative solutions that make sense for both the companies and the taxpayers. Our commitment is continuous — to grow business in the county so that everyone benefits with an enhanced quality of life. To better serve our community and to meet the increasing needs of Bernalillo County businesses, we have filled two open positions within our department. These individuals strengthen our team with their expertise and experience in diverse business segments. New department members are Daniel J. Beaman, Special Projects Coordinator, and Shawn Perry-Turner, Business Development Specialist.
To engage our team’s business acumen to the county’s full advantage, our attitude is expansive. Thinking outside the box also means seeking opportunity outside county lines and looking elsewhere to cultivate that opportunity. In April 2013, we will be leading an Albuquerque/Bernalillo Trade Alliance Mission to three Israeli business/research/tourism hubs. Bernalillo County holds the distinction of being the largest trade partner with that country for myriad reasons, and continuing and expanding this relationship is a cornerstone of our local economy. I look forward to sharing news of this trip with you soon.
Please contact me with any questions or to share an idea. We are here to serve you.