SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico has announced the first five locations designated under its new Site Readiness Program, marking a major step in the state’s strategy to deliver competitive, investment-ready sites for business expansion and job creation.
The designations represent a coordinated statewide effort to identify and prepare high-quality development sites that meet the needs of modern industry. Each location underwent detailed evaluation for infrastructure capacity, utility access, workforce availability, development potential and alignment with New Mexico’s long-term economic development priorities.
First Five Designated Sites
- Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park — Las Cruces, N.M.
A 333-acre site zoned for aerospace, defense and research uses. Its proximity to White Sands Missile Range, NASA-related facilities and the Borderplex region positions the park for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and high-tech investment. - Gallup Energy Logistics Park (GELP) — McKinley County, N.M.
A 2,500-acre industrial site featuring 270 contiguous developable acres. The location is well suited for energy, transportation and manufacturing projects, offering scale and strategic connectivity. - Santa Teresa Gateway Rail Park Phase 2 — Santa Teresa, N.M.
This 177-acre rail-served site includes 145 contiguous developable acres. Located near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, the site offers strong potential as a logistics, trade and distribution hub serving domestic and international markets. - Tamaya Ventures Site 5 — Sandoval County, N.M.
A 35-acre site with 29 developable acres zoned for commercial use. Situated on Pueblo of Santa Ana land along a high-visibility corridor, the site presents unique opportunities for commercial and business expansion. - City Center — Rio Rancho, N.M.
A centrally located 43-acre property with 20 contiguous developable acres in Rio Rancho’s Central Business District. The site supports mixed-use and commercial projects aligned with the city’s long-range growth plans.
Supporting Shovel-Ready Development
With their new “strategic economic development site” designation, property owners may now pursue pre-development funding through the Site Readiness Program. Projects will undergo advisory committee review before final approval by the Economic Development Department (EDD) Cabinet Secretary.
Site selectors, investors and community partners can explore available properties through New Mexico’s public site-readiness map at the state’s economic development website.
The program is being implemented in partnership with Global Location Strategies and the New Mexico Economic Development Department as part of a broader initiative to streamline site selection and reduce risk for companies considering New Mexico locations.
EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black emphasized the importance of proactive site development.
“Site readiness is essential to winning projects in today’s competitive environment,” Black said. “If states don’t have shovel-ready sites, they miss opportunities and the jobs that follow. These first five designations send a clear signal that New Mexico is ready to compete at the speed of business.”
Rapid Statewide Progress
Since the Site Readiness Act became law, the state has evaluated 47 sites, launched a public site-readiness platform and formed a new advisory board to guide designations and funding recommendations — all within a year.
The legislation enabling the program passed during the 2025 legislative session with sponsorship from Senator Michael Padilla and Representative Meredith Dixon.
Padilla noted that standardized, reliable site data strengthens New Mexico’s competitive position.
“By delivering comprehensive site-readiness information, New Mexico is positioning itself to attract high-value projects that create quality jobs statewide,” Padilla said. “These first five sites show that New Mexico is open for business.”
Dixon added that site readiness will play a long-term role in diversifying the state’s economy.
“Preparing development-ready sites is one of the most effective tools we have to attract employers and good-paying jobs to communities across New Mexico,” Dixon said. “This is an important step toward sustained economic growth.”
Program Information
Businesses and property owners interested in Site Readiness Program eligibility and pre-development support can contact the New Mexico Economic Development Department for additional guidance.
