01 / the Regional Direction

From Regional Evidence to Shared Action

Southeastern New Mexico has powerful assets, but growth is uneven when housing, talent, infrastructure, or project capacity cannot keep pace. The CEDS brings those connected issues into one work program.

Local governments, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, employers, education providers, and community organizations bring different priorities and responsibilities. The strategy identifies where working across boundaries can create more value: preparing shared infrastructure, connecting people to opportunity, strengthening suppliers, and making projects ready for investment.

Its purpose is practical. Each priority points to a regional goal, actions that partners can carry forward, and measures that can show whether conditions are improving.

Follow the Work01 Choose a Priority02 See How It Moves03 Track Results

02 / the Six Priorities

Six Priorities. One Connected Work Program.

These priorities reinforce one another. New business activity needs people, places, and dependable systems. Workforce pathways depend on housing and mobility. Resilience is stronger when partners already know how to work together.

01

Economic Diversification and Business Growth

Build from existing industry strengths while opening more room for local firms and suppliers.

Action FocusBusiness expansion, entrepreneurship, and supplier developmentWhat to WatchEmployer interviews and local purchasingExplore This Priority 02

Workforce Alignment and Talent Development

Connect employer demand with useful credentials, work experience, and the supports people need to participate.

Action FocusSector partnerships and earn-and-learn pathwaysWhat to WatchCompletion, employment, and earningsExplore This Priority 03

Infrastructure Modernization and Economic Capacity

Prepare roads, utilities, broadband, and sites to support growth across urban and rural communities.

Action FocusA shared project register and readiness assessmentsWhat to WatchProjects advanced and capacity improvedExplore This Priority 04

Housing, Livability, and Community Capacity

Treat housing and quality of place as essential to retaining workers, families, and investment.

Action FocusCounty housing briefs and locally sponsored pilotsWhat to WatchHousing projects prepared and barriers removedExplore This Priority 05

Regional Collaboration and Implementation Capacity

Make it easier for local sponsors to turn a sound idea into a fundable, deliverable project.

Action FocusCommon intake, partner coordination, and a project pipelineWhat to WatchReadiness steps and funding applicationsExplore This Priority 06

Economic Resilience and Long-Term Readiness

Reduce exposure to disruption and strengthen the relationships that support recovery.

Action FocusCounty exposure profiles and continuity coordinationWhat to WatchPreparedness actions and recovery capacityExplore This Priority

Each priority page explains the regional goal, opportunities, SNMEDD’s supporting role, measurable objectives, and a linked action brief. Explore the Interactive Strategic Framework

03 / How Partners Work Together

Local Partners Lead. Regional Partners Connect.

Projects remain with the organizations responsible for delivering them. Regional coordination helps those sponsors assemble partners, identify resources, and resolve barriers that cross county lines.

01

Local Leadership

Cities, counties, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, economic-development organizations, employers, and institutions identify needs, own projects, and lead implementation within their authority.

02

Regional Coordination

Partners align shared priorities and work together where scale improves workforce, infrastructure, housing, or business outcomes.

03

SNMEDD Support

SNMEDD convenes, connects, analyzes, assists with funding navigation, and helps track the regional strategy. It is a connector, not the owner of every local project.

04 / From Idea to Impact

Make the Next Step Clear.

A priority becomes useful when a project sponsor knows what has been done, what is missing, and who can help. The work program uses readiness stages so projects can advance at a pace that fits their scope and local capacity.

  1. 01Define the Need

    Describe the problem, beneficiaries, partners, and regional connection.

  2. 02Prepare the Project

    Test feasibility, cost, site control, engineering, and required approvals.

  3. 03Align Resources

    Match a credible scope with funding, local commitments, and a delivery plan.

  4. 04Deliver & Learn

    Track milestones, document outcomes, and use lessons to shape the next phase.

Explore Project Readiness Read the Regional Work Program See the Action Matrix

05 / Accountability

Measure Movement, Then Adapt.

The CEDS calls for more than a list of aspirations. Partners can review economic outcomes, the capacity that supports future growth, and the work completed against agreed milestones. Measures become meaningful when they have a baseline, a responsible reporter, and a regular review date.

01

Economic Outcomes

Employment, wages, business activity, private investment, and diversification show how the regional economy is changing.

02

Regional Capacity

Training pathways, infrastructure, broadband, housing, sites, and project readiness show whether the region is better positioned for growth.

03

Implementation

Projects advanced, funding pursued or awarded, technical assistance, and completed milestones show what partners actually moved forward.

See the Evaluation Framework