Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signs an executive order on regulatory reform at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Courtesy / EDD

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham discusses the Strategic Economic Development Plan with ESD Secretary Alicia J. Keyes on Tuesday at the State Capitol. Courtesy / EDD

EDD News:

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Cabinet Secretary of Economic Development Alicia J. Keyes and other heads of state on Tuesday unveiled the 20-year strategic plan that will guide economic investments in New Mexico and provide a future stronger, more resilient and secure to all families.

In response to the findings of the strategic plan, Governor Lujan Grisham on Tuesday took steps to launch a state-wide effort to streamline the state’s regulatory system.

By decree, the governor will direct the Department of Regulation and Licensing, in consultation with the Department of Economic Development (EDD), to conduct a comprehensive review of state rules and regulations to identify opportunities for upgrades. update, simplifications or repeals that will streamline the regulatory system – and ultimately provide the most favorable environment for business while maintaining the protection of public health and safety.

In particular, the state will aim to remove unnecessary burdens on professional licensing, which disproportionately affect underserved communities, in order to ease the path to entrepreneurship. In addition, these departments will work with local governments to reduce the time it takes to approve building permits, a frequently reported obstacle to rapid development.

“The business community has told us loud and clear that regulatory reform must be a priority in our efforts to grow the economy and create entrepreneurs and better jobs, especially in underserved communities. Today’s decree initiates this process, ”Governor Lujan Grisham said. The executive decree is here.

“The research of the strategic plan also clearly shows that we are on the right track in focusing on target industry groups that provide economic security to families with professional and higher paying jobs. Now we must move forward together to leverage our innovative investments in early childhood education and tuition-free colleges into a stronger and safer future for everyone, ”the Governor added. Lujan Grisham.

The “Empower and Collaborate – The Way Ahead for New Mexico” strategic plan is one component of ESD’s outreach and recovery efforts through a $ 1.5 million federal grant funded by the CARES Act by the through the US Economic Development Administration. The dollars help fund economic aid and recovery assistance statewide. The strategic plan research was undertaken by SRI International, a Menlo Park, Ca. based consulting group. SRI has engaged in hundreds of interviews, analyzed financial data and information, and performed independent analyzes to derive its actions and recommendations.

The plan was unveiled by Governor Lujan Grisham and Cabinet officials at a press conference on Tuesday. Among the guests were business leaders and representatives of local governments.

“The state has never undertaken such a massive economic planning effort,” Secretary Keyes said. “Yet this is not the end product. This is a roadmap, a call to action for state government, local partners and business and education leaders to come together more collaboratively. and innovative public policies. We don’t want this plan to sit on a shelf. We are acting now. Join us, support us, and we will bring great jobs and economic success to New Mexico that it has never seen before.

“Modernizing our regulatory system will make our state even more business friendly while ensuring that we continue to protect the health and safety of all New Mexicans. Together with our colleagues in the Economic Development Department, we will eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulations and allow our professionals to obtain a license quickly and fairly, ”said Regulatory and Licensing Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo.

“We applaud the Governor’s Decree on Regulatory Reform and Reduction. The New Mexico regulatory system is the number one issue that our member companies believe needs improvement in order for them to continue to operate and grow in New Mexico, ”said Rob Black, president and chief executive officer. the leadership of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. “We believe that by reducing the regulatory burden on individuals and small businesses, we are increasing access to the economy for all New Mexicans, especially for communities that have historically been disenfranchised or excluded. We are delighted to be working with the Governor and her team on this important effort. “

“The Department of Higher Education is dedicated to enhancing economic prosperity in New Mexico and looks forward to continuing to work with Governor Lujan Grisham, the Department of Economic Development and our other cabinet agencies to increase opportunities for New Mexicans to be successful here at home. Education Secretary Stéphanie Rodriguez said. “We continue to partner with colleges, universities, faculty and industry partners to better align higher education programs with the needs of the workforce and to invest in the development of a a diverse and well-paid workforce.

“From day one, Governor Lujan Grisham has been clear on the need and value of interagency collaboration to provide New Mexico employers and workforce with the necessary support, responsiveness and resources. to meet the diverse needs of our economy, ”Department of Workforce said Acting Secretary of Solutions, Ricky Serna. “This level of collaboration will surely break the status quo in how we develop a workforce for a stronger economy. “

In a summary of its findings, SRI International writes that the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for greater economic cooperation. “As workers, consumers and businesses have been forced to adapt to the new realities of the pandemic economy, structural shortcomings in regional and national economies have become increasingly apparent. The pandemic has demonstrated how current economic practices and principles have subjected economies to unsustainable dependencies and exacerbated inequalities in communities around the world. “

The Strategic Plan documents are here.

The main findings of the survey include:

• Population growth and wage growth have not kept pace with neighboring states.
• The skill sets created by the higher education system do not match the skill sets needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
• More targeted investments in underserved communities and rural areas are needed for economic recovery to be shared by all. Physical and digital connectivity remains a challenge for many rural communities.
• The state is very entrepreneurial, but new businesses need more technical and financial investment to be able to create jobs faster and support growth. Competing states have more venture capital funds per capita than the NM
• Investments in target industries and a more skilled workforce will create a resilient and diverse economy that can provide families with higher incomes and support them during downturns.

The areas for action suggested by the plan include greater collaboration between economic development stakeholders; better alignment between higher education and industry; more involvement of disadvantaged communities; and greater economic diversity with a focus on 9 target industries.

On workforce training, the strategic plan mandates ESD and higher education to map degree programs to appropriately train students for key jobs in target industrial sectors and ” develop a plan to market these programs.

In terms of awareness, the strategic plan calls for more assistance to rural and tribal communities with the writing of grant applications and technical assistance in the field.

The strategic plan also calls for continued investments in the border area, outdoor recreation and increased support for statewide incubators and start-ups.

The strategic plan was developed in consultation with non-government stakeholders in New Mexico, such as the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Partnership, as well as government organizations, including the Seven Councils of Governments. (COG) of New Mexico, the Department of Indian Affairs (IAD), the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources (EMNRD), the Department of Higher Education (HED) and the Department of Solutions for the workforce (DWS), among others. Direct engagement with over 100 organizations provided additional information that shaped the recommendations.