Victoria Padilla

Victoria Padilla is a proud New Mexican and first-generation college graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from The University of New Mexico in 2014. Her career began in Albuquerque’s nonprofit sector, focusing on food justice and community advocacy. This passion for equity led her to work with youth at NM Tech’s Upward Bound program before transitioning to financial aid at UNM. In this field, she discovered her true calling—helping students access financial resources to pursue higher education. Now serving as an Outreach Executive for the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF), Victoria is dedicated to expanding financial aid awareness and accessibility for students and families across New Mexico.

Clear Horizons Act: How New Mexico’s net-zero bill might affect you and your household budget

New Mexico lawmakers are set to introduce the Clear Horizons Act, a net-zero framework that would formalize statewide emissions targets and expand planning and reporting requirements. The central consumer question is cost: how compliance, grid investment, and fuel-market exposure could translate into utility bills and price volatility. What happens next in committee—and later in rulemaking—will determine whether “affordable energy” claims show up in measurable household outcomes.

CreativeCon Series Launches to Boost New Mexico’s Creative Economy

New Mexico is launching a statewide CreativeCon series in spring 2026 to support artists, entrepreneurs and creative business owners through education, networking and business development resources. The event series aims to strengthen the state’s creative economy, connect regional talent with state and local partners, and help creative professionals turn ideas into sustainable income streams.

Las Cruces Ends Movie Studio Partnership, Seeks $1.3M Refund

Las Cruces has ended its partnership with film studio 828 Productions after the company failed to fulfill its investment and job creation promises, and the city is seeking to claw back about $1.3 million in public funds. The move highlights challenges and accountability questions in economic incentive deals for local development.

Quantum Investment in Downtown Albuquerque Could Strengthen New Mexico’s Tech Economy

New state investment and private partnerships are positioning downtown Albuquerque as a potential hub for quantum innovation, with QuEra computing serving as the anchor tenant for a new public-supported quantum laboratory. The initiative aims to turn cutting-edge research into commercial companies and high-skill jobs in New Mexico’s growing technology sector.

New Mexico Legislature Tackles Budget, Health, Education and Public Policy Early in 2026 Session

The 2026 regular session of the New Mexico Legislature opened in Santa Fe with lawmakers confronting budget priorities, health care access, and infrastructure spending amid economic headwinds. With Democrats controlling both chambers and a packed policy agenda, early action reflects efforts to balance fiscal discipline with long-term investment.

Former Albuquerque Church Treasurer Indicted in $2M Fraud and Tax Case

A former treasurer of a New Mexico abbey has been indicted on federal charges alleging he stole more than $2 million from church funds and filed a false tax return, authorities say. The case, brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, highlights the severe legal consequences of alleged financial misconduct within nonprofit religious organizations.
spot_imgspot_img

Santa Fe Meeting Set on New Short-Term Rental Tax Software as Compliance Shifts

City of Santa Fe, N.M., is hosting a Jan. 28 public meeting to explain new software for managing short-term rental lodging tax collection and compliance, as updated permit renewal and tax reporting processes take effect; hosts should prepare for changes to filing, record-keeping and enforcement.

New Mexico Lawmakers Say Health Care Access Can Improve Over Time Amid Ongoing Challenges

New Mexico legislators say improving health care access will take time and sustained policy action as lawmakers weigh proposals on Medicaid support, insurance affordability and provider shortages. The comments reflect ongoing efforts in Santa Fe to address cost, coverage and availability gaps that affect medical access across the state.

Federal Food Aid Cuts Hit New Mexico Refugees Hard, Straining Household Budgets

Cuts to federal food assistance are intensifying food insecurity for refugee families in New Mexico, where many residents rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. With federal eligibility narrowing and local food banks preparing for higher demand, the loss of aid is reshaping household budgets and community support structures.

New Mexico Expands ACA Premium Assistance for 2026 After Federal Subsidies Lapse

New Mexico is stepping in to protect residents from steep health insurance premium increases in 2026 after enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expired at the end of 2025. State lawmakers and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham approved funding from the Health Care Affordability Fund to continue subsidies through mid-year and potentially beyond, ensuring continued affordable coverage for thousands of BeWell marketplace enrollees.

New Mexico Educators Begin Tax Filing Season as ERB 1099-R Forms Arrive

Retired educators participating in the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (ERB) pension system began receiving their 2025 tax documents on January 27, 2026, marking an early start to the state’s tax filing season. The board’s latest newsletter also highlights ERB’s financial position, new facilities, enhanced security measures, and educational webinars — information retirees and active members will find useful as they plan their finances for the year.

New Mexico Tax Bill Could Accelerate Affordable Housing Development — Here’s Why It Matters

A proposed New Mexico tax bill that would exempt affordable housing developments from gross receipts taxes could unlock millions in savings for builders and expand the supply of lower-cost rentals in high-cost markets such as Santa Fe. The measure, introduced ahead of the 2026 legislative session, highlights how state tax policy can influence construction costs, housing supply, and monthly rent burdens for low- and moderate-income households.