The first five strategic development sites to be designated through the state’s Site Readiness Program have been announced, marking a milestone in statewide efforts to prepare competitive, investment-ready locations for economic growth.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 16, 2026
State announces first five locations designated through New Mexico’s Site Readiness Program
SANTA FE — The first five strategic development sites to be designated through the state’s Site Readiness Program have been announced, marking a milestone in statewide efforts to prepare competitive, investment-ready locations for economic growth.
Each of these sites was assessed for infrastructure, utility access, workforce considerations, development capacity and alignment with long-term economic priorities. The first five are:
- Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park, Las Cruces, NM — 333 acres, zoned for aerospace, defense and research, positioned near White Sands Missile Range, NASA facilities and the Borderplex region. The site offers strong potential for advanced manufacturing and high-tech investment.
- Gallup Energy Logistics Park (GELP), McKinley County, NM — 2,500-acre large-scale industrial site, including 270 contiguous and developable acres. The site is strategically located for energy, transportation and manufacturing projects.
- Santa Teresa Gateway Rail Park Phase 2, Santa Teresa, NM — 177-acre rail-served industrial site, including 145 contiguous and developable acres. Proximity to the Santa Teresa Port of Entry strengthens its potential as a logistics and trade hub.
- Tamaya Ventures Site 5, Sandoval County, NM — 35-acre site with 29 contiguous, developable acres, zoned for commercial uses. The site is located on Pueblo of Santa Ana land, offering unique opportunities for business expansion in a high-visibility corridor.
- City Center, Rio Rancho, NM — Centrally located 43-acre site with 20 contiguous and developable acres situated within the Central Business District. The site supports mixed-use and commercial development aligned with Rio Rancho’s long-term growth strategy.
These sites are now officially designated as “strategic economic development sites,” with property owners eligible for pre‑development funding through the Site Readiness Program. The next steps are a funding review by the advisory committee and final approval by the EDD Cabinet Secretary.
Site selectors and community partners can explore the sites at edd.newmexico.gov/sites.
The designations reflect a rigorous evaluation process conducted in partnership with Global Location Strategies (GLS) and the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), as part of a program designed to identify and prepare sites for business development, making it easier for companies to locate in New Mexico.
“I cannot overstate how important site readiness is. If we don’t have shovel-ready locations for companies to build, we lose those opportunities and the jobs that come with them,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “These sites are the first of many, sending a clear message that New Mexico is ready to move at the speed of business.”
EDD has evaluated 47 sites statewide, launched a public site-readiness map and established a new advisory board to recommend sites for designation and pre-development funding — all in less than a year since the Site Readiness Act became law.
The legislation was sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla and Representative Meredith Dixon and passed during the 2025 legislative session.
“By providing comprehensive site-readiness data, New Mexico has put itself at the front of the line in attracting economic activity that will result in high-paying jobs across the state,” said Senator Michael Padilla, Majority Whip. “These first five sites demonstrate that New Mexico is wide open for business.”
“As we grow and diversify our economy, site readiness is a critical tool for attracting businesses and good-paying jobs to communities across New Mexico,” said Representative Meredith Dixon, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. “These first five sites are an exciting step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing the long-term economic growth and opportunity created by this program.”
Businesses and property owners can find more information about eligibility for the Site Readiness Program by contacting Jackie Thornburg, Program Support Specialist, at Jackie.Thornburg@edd.nm.gov.
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