Non-Local News Releases

Economic Development Department seeks input on $40 million innovation fund

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Technology and Innovation Office is inviting stakeholders to help shape a new $40 million fund designed to support early-stage innovation and commercialization across the state.

The Research, Development and Deployment (RD&D) Fund, newly created by legislation in the 2025 state legislative session, aims at catalyzing innovation, economic growth and job creation by providing early-stage capital to emerging technologies, start-up businesses and research initiatives that align with the state's economic development plan. Specifically, the state will look to support projects in three key growth areas identified in New Mexico's recently released Science and Technology Roadmap: quantum systems and applications; advanced energy technologies; and space, aerospace and defense systems.

Santa Fe, NM — Recently, Democrat Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives and Senate have signaled their intentions to introduce –and pass– legislation that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from contracting with local governments. Specifically, this legislation would terminate contracts for ICE detention facilities operating in New Mexico. Currently, our state has three federal detention facilities that contract with ICE and employ hundreds of New Mexicans.

In anticipation of this consequential legislation, Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) has issued the following statement:

On January 12th, the Department of the Interior formally announced the launch of the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, a major federal effort intended to streamline how the Interior Department manages wildfire response and preparedness nationwide. How this will impact local wildfire funding is yet to be seen. Communities that rely on Interior agencies, particularly those near BLM lands and national parks, may face increased uncertainty during the transition period. More information can be found below. 

15 JANUARY 2026

•Hot Topics: Us Interior Formally Launches Wildland Fire Service 
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•In the Know: (Wildfire News, Events, Grant Opportunities)

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is launching a series of public forums to gather ideas for developing the state's first Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy.

The seven forums will be held at various locations across the state. Each individual forum will focus on how that specific region can contribute to, and benefit from, New Mexico's transition a clean energy economy. The first forum is scheduled for Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs.

The 2026-2027 Big Game Draw application is open!

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife strongly recommends that all draw applicants for 2026-2027 hunts verify their contact information and provide a valid e-mail address and phone number in their Online Licensing System account.

Please contact the Department at 888-248-6866 to apply or if you need assistance updating or creating your account.

(Albuquerque NM January 13, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Travis L. Day is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of New Mexico. Director Day will implement President Trump's America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America's farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.

"When America's farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump's America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again," said Secretary Rollins.

"I am honored to serve as State Director for USDA RD in New Mexico. Rural communities are vital to the state's economy and culture, and I look forward to working with local leaders, farmers, and businesses to expand opportunity, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that federal programs and resources reach the communities that need them the most."-said Director Day.

Webinars for applicants set for Jan. 27; deadline is noon March 20

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is accepting online grant applications for its Healthy Soil Program from Friday, Jan. 16, through noon Friday, March 20, Mountain Time.

NMDA will host two webinars on Jan. 27 – one for Eligible Entities and one for Individual Applicants – focused on completing the online Healthy Soil Program grant application. Registration is required. Visit the Healthy Soil Program website to register and learn the step-by-step process for your applicant type.

The Spark: Wildfire Preparedness is Year Round

When a wildfire is burning, a lot of things are out of your control. This month's edition of The Spark bulletin goes over the actions you can control: protecting your home from igniting. Read The Spark and share it around!