Santa Fe, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s vision for a stronger and more diversified New Mexico economy is featured in the March issue of Site Selection magazine.

The magazine’s Savannah King interviewed Lujan Grisham about her recent initiatives in sustainable energy, education, outdoor recreation, and film and media.

“After only two months in office, New Mexico’s governor is shaking things up and making history in the process,” writes King.

Lujan Grisham said there is an urgency in moving to increase investments in infrastructure and education, but that businesses should not overlook the advantages that New Mexico offers. “One of those is the affordability for new ventures,” she said. “Land for both businesses and employees is priced relatively low compared to other states.”

“We have a terrific workforce of talented young adults who want to stay here but need additional opportunity – it’s one reason I am committed to investing in small business in my administration, in training and workforce development programs.”

The New Mexico Legislature just passed changes to its film-incentive program that were backed by Lujan Grisham. The measure doubles the amount of money available for film rebates and partners with studios and production companies that want to locate in the state for a decade or more.

The changes mean “New Mexico will no longer get in its own way,” and as media companies grow, “we will reach out and proactively partner with them.”

Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes of the New Mexico Economic Development Department hopes the exposure and the new legislation will prompt businesses to take a look at the state. The administration has targeted film and media as well as sustainable energy and outdoor recreation as sectors that will receive additional state investment along with intelligent manufacturing, cybersecurity, aerospace, value-added agriculture, biosciences and global trade.

Additional funding from the Legislature for economic development assistance means the state has more grant money to partner with businesses that want to expand, relocate or train its workforce.

“We see great opportunities coming for collaboration and partnerships,” said Keyes, a former film executive who worked to help bring the new Netflix studio to Albuquerque. “We have more ways to get to “yes” and more resources than ever to help close deals.”