Strategic Site Readiness Program

Local and regional governments, economic development organizations (EDOs), and private landowners or developers may be ready to participate in the Site Readiness program if:

• You or your agency owns a site with clear economic development potential
• The site needs due diligence or early-stage planning to attract investment
• You have local support for site development
• You’re seeking to reduce barriers to business recruitment
• You want to collaborate with EDD and partner agencies

The first step is to fill in the intake form with information about your site. Please fill out ONE intake form per site. EDD staff will be in touch with you if your site is selected for a characterization study. GLS carries out characterization studies in groups every six months. The next group of characterization studies will happen in August 2026.

Communities and site representatives interested in preparing a site for future development are also encouraged to connect early with their Regional Representative. Click here to find your EDD regional representative.

Timelines can vary depending on the number of sites under review and readiness levels. Generally, once a site is selected, characterization studies are completed within six months. After the study is finalized, sites may be considered for designation by the Advisory Committee, which meets quarterly at a minimum with supplemental meetings added as needed.  

There is no cost for publicly owned selected sites to receive a characterization study through the program. For privately owned sites, there is a flat participation cost of $1,000.

Becoming “shovel-ready” through the Site Readiness Program involves completing a series of evaluations, documentation steps, and pre‑development activities that confirm a site’s readiness for investment. The process is designed to reduce uncertainty for communities, developers, and businesses by ensuring that key due diligence items are already in place.

Competitive sites typically demonstrate strong development potential, proximity to infrastructure, supportive local zoning, and community alignment. Sites that can realistically be advanced within a reasonable timeframe and show clear potential for job creation and private investment are more likely to be recommended for designation.

Some sites that are evaluated through the characterization study need additional preparation, new zoning, utility capacity, or other pre-development hurdles that preclude them from strategic site designation for the time being. The characterization study that each community or site owner will receive has a prioritized list of recommended steps to make the site ready for development. 

If you make progress on those recommendations, you are welcome to resubmit your site for an updated characterization study and a new consideration for designation as a strategic site. Reapply through the site readiness intake form 

No. Designation as a State of New Mexico Strategic Site makes a site eligible to apply for funding, but funding is not guaranteed. Applications are evaluated based on readiness, impact, and alignment with program priorities, with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of available funds statewide.

Congratulations! EDD will reach out to you with a letter confirming the designation by EDD’s Cabinet Secretary. Additionally, EDD will send an application template and instructions to apply for funding. Site Readiness funds may be used for: (1) surveying, engineering, architectural, and planning work; (2) due diligence, including but not limited to environmental assessments and remediation; cultural assessments; and geotechnical engineering surveys (3) infrastructure improvements including roads, water, sewer, electric, gas, and broadband; (4) site preparation, grading, and drainage; (5) permitting and regulatory compliance costs. 

Please note that funds may NOT be used for: building construction, equipment purchases or ongoing operations.

Funding decisions are made jointly by the Strategic Economic Development Site Advisory Committee and the Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department. The committee reviews Global Location Strategies characterization studies, designates State of New Mexico Strategic Sites, and evaluates funding requests. Together, the Secretary and the committee award grants based on project readiness, economic impact, infrastructure viability, alignment with statewide priorities, and demonstrated need. Their shared goal is to stretch funding effectively, support all regions of the state, and maximize the impact of each investment.

Through implementation of the Strategic Site Readiness Program, EDD:

• Identifies and designates sites across New Mexico that show strong potential for economic development
• Supports early-stage work like due diligence, engineering, and utility planning
• Removes barriers that slow down business recruitment and site development
• Strengthens collaboration between communities, regions, and state partners
• Promotes transparency and responsible use of public funds

Regional Representatives and EDD’s Infrastructure Support Team assist communities by:

• Guiding applicants through the Site Readiness designation process
• Reviewing site eligibility and readiness criteria
• Coordinating with utilities and partner agencies
• Helping structure pre‑development scopes of work
• Providing examples of successful site readiness projects statewide
• Supporting communities from initial inquiry through designation and implementation

Contact your regional representative to get support.