Foundation leaders say renewed partnerships, site readiness and a stronger workforce are central to attracting new investment
GRANTS, N.M. – The Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation brought local government, education, business and community leaders together Aug. 18 for an open house focused on the organization’s renewed direction and priorities for economic growth.
Board President Cooper Jones said the foundation is working to strengthen partnerships across Cibola County while positioning the area to compete for new businesses, housing development and investment. Executive Director Denise Hanson is leading much of that work.
“I want Grants to succeed. I want Cibola County to succeed because this is the place that I’m raising my kids,” Jones said.
Foundation board member Francie Lee, president of the Grants/Cibola County Schools Board of Education, said retaining young people will require more local jobs and opportunities.
“We want to make sure other kids have those opportunities,” Lee said.
Other foundation leaders participating included Heather Porter, owner and broker of RE/MAX Elegance in Grants, and NMSU Grants President Dr. Marlene Toivanen.
Toivanen said the college is working to provide training that supports local employers and future economic development, including commercial driver’s license, fiber-optic, automotive, welding and electrical programs.
Hanson said the foundation’s immediate focus includes developing a new economic development website, updating marketing materials, identifying available commercial and industrial properties and gaining a clearer understanding of infrastructure at potential development sites.
She said businesses considering Cibola County typically begin by asking what properties are available. Infrastructure and incentives quickly follow.
“You either meet the criteria or you don’t,” Hanson said.
The foundation also wants to better market existing assets including Interstate 40, BNSF Railway access, the Grants-Milan Municipal Airport and industrial properties throughout the county.
Hanson said potential industries could include manufacturing, transportation and logistics, hospitality, outdoor recreation and health care.
Housing was another major focus.
“If we don’t focus on our workforce and we don’t have housing, we will not bring investment here,” Hanson said.
She said several builders and developers have expressed interest in apartments, townhomes and other housing projects, but construction costs remain a challenge.
Hanson also pointed to housing shortages affecting Cibola General Hospital recruitment. She said some professionals working in the area have been staying in hotels because suitable housing is unavailable and estimated the community could need roughly 20 to 25 additional homes within the next year.
Cooperation between Grants, Milan, Cibola County and local institutions was repeatedly emphasized throughout the open house.
“We don’t want to compete with resources anymore,” Jones said. “We want to make the smart decisions and pool our resources rather than compete.”
Hanson said economic development will require patience as the foundation works on workforce, infrastructure, housing, incentives and marketing.
“It’s going to be a methodical process,” Hanson said. “It’s not a sprint.”
Still, she said the level of cooperation already developing gives her confidence.
“We have the right people at the table,” Hanson said. “And I really believe that.”