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New Mexico’s Health Outcomes Worsen Workforce Shortfall, Physician Says

Victoria Padilla
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New Mexico’s Health Outcomes Worsen Workforce Shortfall, Physician Says

A retired doctor argues that New Mexico cannot solve its healthcare worker shortage solely through recruitment. He stresses that reducing chronic diseases is equally vital to ease the strain on the system. Additionally, addressing the New Mexico Healthcare Worker Shortage requires a comprehensive approach.

It is difficult because New Mexico ranks 43rd nationally for the quality of healthcare, and 68% of the population is either overweight or obese. It means that many people require medical services due to chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, which contributes to the New Mexico Healthcare Worker Shortage.

The article presents the case of Jenson Yazzie, an indigenous student at UNM, who cured himself of type 2 diabetes by losing weight through a plant-based diet. His story offers hope for those affected by the New Mexico Healthcare Worker Shortage.

Plant-based diets and healthy living practices include the following benefits: prevention of type 2 diabetes (which affects 13% of adults in NM), good heart health (as heart disease is responsible for 20% of adult fatalities), regulation of blood pressure, proper body weight, and lessening of the burden on scarce medical professionals. In fact, implementing these strategies is part of the solution to the New Mexico Healthcare Worker Shortage.

This headline implies that resolving the healthcare professional shortage problem is impossible without addressing underlying health issues. Prevention and improved lifestyle choices can help alleviate pressure off doctors.

This physician emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle, and preventive care in addition to legal measures like licensure compact agreements across states. Unless New Mexicans adopt preventive care, recruiting will not be enough.

State Initiative Targets Rural Hospitals and Clinics

Victoria Padilla
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State Initiative Targets Rural Hospitals and Clinics

The Health Care Authority of New Mexico has developed a strategy to stabilize rural healthcare by establishing the Center for Rural Health Sustainability & Innovation.

This is difficult, as rural healthcare facilities in New Mexico face challenges including financial difficulties, insufficient staffing, and increased demand. Failure to intervene will mean that these rural areas will lose access to health services.

Some of the services that the center will offer include strategic planning, revenue cycle management, workforce planning, and process improvements. The organization will partner with the Rural Health Data Hub for enhanced analytics and reporting.

Through the centralized resource, the center will be able to: boost the performance of rural facilities financially and operationally, ensure access to health care services in geographically isolated regions, develop collaborations for increased efficiency, and train health workers

In the above statement, the headline underscores the state’s efforts to improve access to health care services by establishing such a center.

The Health Care Authority will accept vendor proposals for this program until June 4, 2026, underscoring the need to establish this facility as soon as possible. With rural health care challenges rising across the country, New Mexico’s program may provide a blueprint for other states.

New Wind Farm Could Power 60,000 Homes — and Send $98.9M to Public Schools

Juan Oliveros
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New Wind Farm Could Power 60,000 Homes — and Send $98.9M to Public Schools

A new wind energy project approved on state trust land in central New Mexico is set to achieve more than electricity generation. State officials describe it as a long-term financial engine for public education and, at the same time, reinforcing the state’s increasing role in America’s transition to renewable energy.

Stephanie Garcia Richard and AFE Cedarville Wind, LLC signed an agreement this week to build a 10,160‑acre wind farm in Torrance County. The wind farm will produce about 212 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 60,000 homes.

The renewable energy company has secured lease rights for $340,000 at a State Land Office auction. State officials said the economic value of the project could be far greater. They said the lease will generate $98.9 million in revenue that will fund New Mexico’s public schools and institutions for decades.

“We keep powering ahead with deals that are making New Mexico a leader in renewable energy development,” Garcia Richard said in a statement. “Projects like this one are job creators in our rural communities and create long-lasting revenue streams for our public schools and other institutions.”

The project underscores a transformation in how New Mexico has utilized state lands for renewable energy development over the last several years. According to the State Land Office, state lands had only 400 megawatts of renewable energy leases when Garcia Richard took office in 2019.

With the latest agreement, that number has increased to approximately 3,271 megawatts of wind and solar energy on state lands. Also, there are now 56 renewable energy leases at the State Land Office, from 12 when Garcia Richard took office in 2019, the agency said.

The expansion mirrors a push by Western states to capitalize on rising demand for clean energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, other states, such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah, are capitalizing on renewable projects to supply electricity for data centers, AI infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging networks.

Increasingly, the public views renewable energy leases not only as climate policy. But it is also a financial strategy for future generations, particularly in a state where persistent gaps in educational resources and performance remain deeply rooted.

The wind farm could also bring construction jobs, long-term maintenance positions, and new economic activity to rural counties like Torrance. Garcia Richard stressed that a combination of clean energy production and public school funding is the reason why the agreement carries more weight beyond its turbines.

Audit Reveals Former Taos School Official Allegedly Funneled $250K in School Contracts to a Company He Owned

Juan Oliveros
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Audit Reveals Former Taos School Official Allegedly Funneled $250K in School Contracts to a Company He Owned

A forensic audit has accused a former school official of a northern New Mexico school district of funneling nearly $250,000 in school contracts to a fencing company he owned. The audit has triggered a broad ethics filing and fresh scrutiny over public procurement procedures.

At the center of the allegations is Robert Valencia, the former facilities director for Taos Municipal Schools. Investigators say he used his position for five years to direct district work to his company, All Around Fencing LLC, through what auditors called a procurement fraud scheme.

The forensic audit found that Valencia allegedly awarded fence installation, maintenance, and campus improvement projects to his fencing company, and subcontractors did much of the work. Auditors cited several projects, such as the construction of a back gate at Taos Middle School, landscaping fencing at Arroyos del Norte Elementary, and the repair of a portable building at Taos High School.

District officials said the findings exposed major gaps in oversight. “Anytime a district goes through a forensic audit, and you see the results from that of this magnitude, it will always be shocking,” Antonio Layton, superintendent of Taos Municipal Schools, said in an interview.

The audit also found that Valencia’s wife — who at the time served as the district’s assistant finance director — falsified tax documents to hide her husband’s involvement. District officials placed the couple on leave in 2022 after concerns emerged about financial irregularities.

Layton said district officials had referred the matter to authorities. The audit report highlighted irregularities, he said. “And once they brought that to the, I want to say the powers that be, but brought to the authorities.”

The New Mexico State Ethics Commission filed a 100-page complaint based on the audit findings. The filing comprises an enforcement action under New Mexico’s conduct and procurement laws. It declined, however, to comment publicly because the case remains pending.

Valencia also declined to comment on the accusations. His attorney advised him not to speak, he said. Court records in the case currently yield no legal representative for either Valencia or All Around Fencing LLC.

The case has heightened concerns over accountability in public school contracting, especially in smaller districts where employees may exercise significant authority over purchasing and vendor selection. Layton said the district has since modified the process, enhanced oversight, and adopted transparency measures to prevent similar abuses.

No criminal charges have been announced so far. But the ethics complaint may result in substantial civil penalties if the allegations are sustained.

APS 2027 Fiscal Year Budget Heads to PED for Final Approval

Gregg Morgan
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APS 2027 Fiscal Year Budget Heads to PED for Final Approval

Albuquerque Public Schools’ (APS) proposed 2027 fiscal year budget is moving to the next stage of the approval process. It may pave the way for employee salary increases next school year.

The Board of Education voted 4-2 on Wednesday to pass the 2027 fiscal year budget. The board will forward the document to the state Public Education Department for final approval. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.

For the upcoming school fiscal year, the district’s total budget amounts to nearly $2.35 billion. This includes operational spending, building projects, student transportation services, and the provision of free meals. The figure represents a 4% increase over the 2026 fiscal year budget.

APS’ $1.15 billion operational budget invests in initiatives and practices aimed at improving student outcomes, aligned with the board’s goals. They include teaching and learning coaches, community schools impact coordinators, and resource teachers focused on student success. The district also supports deeper learning through programs such as Genius Hour and high-quality professional development. Operational funds also pay for school safety initiatives, including the APS Police Department.

Additionally, the operational budget includes a 1% salary increase for employees and covers 80% of the cost of employee health insurance. State lawmakers approved both measures this year, and the governor signed them into law. The 1% pay raise for the district’s more than 11,000 employees is estimated to cost about $6.2 million. APS will also spend an additional $35 million to increase its share of employee health insurance costs.

Enrollment Decline Impacts APS Budget

APS finance staff project a $16.1 million budget deficit, which the district will cover using reserves. The district’s reserves are expected to decrease from $73.9 million to $57.8 million. However, APS will still meet the requirement to maintain at least 5% of its operational budget in reserve.

APS lost 2,560 students from the 2024-2025 school year to 2025-2026. This resulted in a decrease of about $40 million in SEG operational funding from the state. Capital project spending has increased, along with higher costs for salary raises and health insurance. This increased spending offsets the funding loss.

APS has faced enrollment declines and the associated funding loss for years. The loss in per-student funding has coincided with significant pay raises for teachers, educational assistants, and other educators, as well as skyrocketing construction costs. These factors have driven continued increases in the district’s overall budget. 

The budget for the upcoming fiscal year anticipates 290 fewer full-time equivalent employees than the current fiscal year. The district will handle the reductions largely through attrition. 

Budget Breakdown

The board began the budget process early in the school year and held community listening sessions to gather public input.

The finance team worked throughout the year to refine allocations based on feedback. They also worked to align the budget with APS goals and guardrails.

In addition to the $1.15 billion operational fund, the total budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes: 

  • Nearly $729 million in capital funds for things like school construction and air conditioning projects
  • Nearly $208 million for debt service
  • Nearly $76 million in federal grants
  • $77.6 million for Food and Nutrition Services
  • Nearly $23 million in state and local grants
  • Nearly $24 million for student transportation
  • Nearly $19.6 million in school activity funds
  • $15.4 million in funding for the universal free lunch program
  • Nearly $9.6 million in enterprise funds, which includes KANW
  • $11.2 million in forest reserve/ad valorem revenue
  • $1.4 million in Athletics revenue
  • And nearly 984,000 in impact aid.

Unemployment Rate Inches Up. What Does the Climb Signal for the Economy?

Juan Oliveros
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Unemployment Rate Inches Up. What Does the Climb Signal for the Economy?

New Mexico’s labor market has shown telltale stress signs in March, as the unemployment rate ticked upward and employers shed a modest number of jobs, according to the latest monthly employment release.

The unemployment rate climbed to 4.8 percent, or 1 in 21 workers unemployed, which is a slight increase from February. At the same time, payrolls declined by nearly 1,000 jobs, signaling a small but notable reversal after months of uneven growth.

The changes are not substantial. But they are enough to raise a question among policymakers and workers alike: What does this slight climb mean?

A Labor Market Losing Some Steam

The recent spike continues a gradual steady climb that began at the start of the year. In January, unemployment stood at 4.5 percent, before climbing higher in February and again in March.

Economists often view incremental upticks like this as early signs of a labor market that is losing momentum. That means hiring may have slowed, businesses are exercising caution, and job seekers may be finding fewer job opportunities than in previous months.

Still, the numbers remain far from dangerous territory. This is not a collapse, analysts often note in such scenarios. It’s only a softening.

Why Jobs May Be Slipping

New Mexico’s economy has traditionally been a mix of government employment, energy production, and a relatively small private sector. These factors can cause month-to-month volatility.

Several forces may be behind the March dip, including public-sector fluctuations, energy-market uncertainty, and cautious private hiring as businesses respond to national economic signals. Because of this, even small job losses can reflect broader hesitation in the statewide economy.

The state’s unemployment rate, however, sits above the national average, which hovers at 4.3 percent. This gap is not new. But it reinforces a persistent challenge: New Mexico’s labor market often rebounds more slowly and is more susceptible to shifts in public spending and commodity prices.

Unemployment Rate: A Warning, Not a Crisis

The data points to a yellow-light moment, at least, for now. There are no indicators of mass layoffs or sudden contraction. Analysts said the combination of rising unemployment and declining payrolls indicates that growth may be cooling after modest gains in previous months.

Overall, the state’s latest employment report does not signal a downturn. But it does hint at a shift: The economy may not have contracted, but it has not accelerated either. And in economics, even a slight change can be the story.

$10K Fence Theft Caught on Camera at a Distillery

Ruben Reyes
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$10K Fence Theft Caught on Camera at a Distillery

Theft usually happens at night, when everyone else is in their bed, sleeping peacefully. However, a distillery in Albuquerque experiences the opposite. They experience theft in broad daylight, but more of that? They actually stole about 100 yards of fencing.

Frank Holloway, owner of Hollow Spirits Distillery, was in disbelief after finding out his fences were stolen.

“They stole our fence. I didn’t realize people steal fences,” he said.

What remained of the fence surrounds the second location of Hollow Spirits Distillery before it could even open. Surveillabce video from April 30 shows two men removing a large steel fence at Eubank and Spain.

Holloway said they began by sawing at the bottom of the fence then sawing them in between each one. After that, theyr emoved about 10 sections, placed it on truck with a flatbed and drove off.

“Basically took them an hour and a half, and really 20 minutes of working time. They knew what they were doing. They were professionals,” Holloway said.

No one near the area suspected a thing about it and he understands why.

“They had hard hats on. They set up during the day, so it looked like a construction crew. Even our neighbors…they saw some people working on our fence, and didn’t realize they were stealing,” he said.

Disguising is one of the schemes of many thieves for other people not to suspect them about doing their thing. And it works every single time.

Many would think why would a thief steal a fence however law enforcement officials tells they actually use those materials for scrap, resale, or reuse.

They can sell stolen materials for up to as much as 80% of its market value, making stolen fence, profitable.

Holloway thought the property was perfect for distillery’s second location. But now, he is thinking twice.

According to him, nothing such as this happened in their first locations for several years despite the place having homeless.

Holloway says its going to cost them $10,000 to get them $100. He was disappointed with the event, telling the thieves to do better.

He is hoping insurance will cover the cost and is trying to keep his own spirits up as he moves forward with the opening.

The Albuquerque police are investigating the theft. If you have surveillance or dash cam video from April 30 from around 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. call 242-COPS.

Tierra Adentro Growth Capital Rolls Out $100M to Turn New Mexico Into a Next-Gen Tech Hub

Juan Oliveros
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Tierra Adentro Growth Capital Rolls Out $100M to Turn New Mexico Into a Next-Gen Tech Hub

New Mexico has spent years funding the development of advanced technologies. Now, it is moving to make those ideas a reality as Tierra Adentro Growth Capital, operating as TAG Capital, rolled out a $100 million infrastructure fund to back tech startups as they scale into on‑the‑ground operations.

The fund, known as the Tierra Adentro Fund, is the result of years of negotiations with the New Mexico State Investment Council (NMSIC), which manages roughly $71 billion in assets. NMSIC has directed $1.8 billion in venture firms over the last three years, investing in sectors such as advanced energy, aerospace and deep tech. But as startups expand, many hit a roadblock— how to secure capital for infrastructure.

“We are helping companies scale in a way traditional equity financing cannot and frankly should not,” said Alok Sindher, TAG Capital’s managing partner and chief investment officer. “Founders can retain more autonomy and ownership as they grow in, or expand to, New Mexico.”

The Tierra Adentro Fund plans to commit funds ranging from single‑digit millions to $40 million per project, focusing on infrastructure linked to emerging technologies. It has already made its first investment in Zanskar, described as the world’s first AI-powered geothermal energy developer.

Tierra Adentro Fund is not like traditional venture capital, which trades capital for ownership stakes. The fund’s structure complements equity financing rather than replacing it, allowing companies to access infrastructure capital without significantly diluting ownership.

The initiative is supported by J2 Ventures, a Boston-based firm funded partly by the state investment council. Co-founders Alexander Harstrick and Jonathan Bronson will provide advisory support.

State officials say the initiative comes at a crucial moment. Chris Cassidy said the fund fills a “clear gap” in New Mexico’s investment ecosystem. Cassidy is NMSIC’s Director for Private Equity and Venture Capital. He is also the fund’s primary investor.

Rob Black, the state’s economic development secretary, said the combination of public incentives and strategic private funding is a game-changer. It could bolster New Mexico’s image as a destination for companies looking to build large-scale operations, he said.

The state has long struggled with how to convert robust research and skilled talent into enduring business growth. The Tierra Adentro Fund represents a deliberate attempt to change that equation. It will fund not just innovation, but the infrastructure it needs.

Investors and policymakers beyond the state are keeping a close eye on it. The New Mexico model could offer a roadmap for how regions can convert early-stage technological potential into enduring economic growth.

How APS Ensures Safety Across Campuses

Gregg Morgan
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How APS Ensures Safety Across Campuses

The safety of every student and staff remains a top priority at Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). APS officials recently gathered to outline enhanced efforts and safety measures across campuses.

The APS Board of Education held a listening session on school safety on April 27. The session featured key initiatives, including the districtwide “Culture of Care” and the Integrated Support Team for crisis response. Officials also discussed a $60 million investment in infrastructure upgrades to make schools safer.

APS designed the session around community feedback from 180 respondents. Of those, 75% were APS employees and 40% were parents or guardians. Deputy Superintendent of Operations Antonio Gonzales said the presentation was not “cookie-cutter” but directly built on public input.

The presentation addressed seven core areas. These included Culture of Care, behavior intervention, adult visibility, mental health support, bullying response systems, facilities and access control, and drug and alcohol prevention. Gonzales emphasized school safety is dynamic, ever- evolving and multi-layered, calling it the “primary enabling condition” for student success.

Board Members Janelle Astorga, Community Engagement Committee chair, and Joshua Martinez moderated the event.

Emphasis on Culture of Care and Student Support

Associate Superintendent for School Climate and Supports Kenneth Salazar detailed the district’s commitment to its Culture of Care initiative. He defined it as creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging. 

The district is rolling out the strategy through four-day training, with 57 schools projected to finish by year’s end. Salazar stressed that safety begins with strong relationships, and the initiative focuses on restoring them rather than simply using punishment. Salazar stressed that safety starts with strong relationships, and the initiative prioritizes rebuilding them over punishment alone. 

A district task force spearheads the Culture of Care initiative in partnership with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation and the University of New Mexico. Key efforts include expanding nonviolence crisis intervention training and establishing an elementary peer mediation program for rollout in August. The district is also developing secondary student success centers modeled after successful sites like Cibola High School. All elementary schools now have a behavior redirector who helps students build skills, habits, and mindsets.

Faster Crisis Response and Increased Visibility

APS Police Chief Steven Gallegos introduced the Integrated Support Team (IST) as a crucial development for immediate crisis intervention. Shantail Miller heads the team. 

The IST responds when a student is in crisis, whether on campus or off. It de-escalates situations, offers support, and connects the child and family with necessary resources. The team also manages timely threat assessments.

Regarding adult visibility, School Resource Officers serve all high schools and nearly all middle schools, supported by a 24/7 patrol division. APS improved rapid response by assigning two officers to the Albuquerque Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. The officers monitor school cameras and immediately relay incident information to responding officers and supervisors, reducing response time.

Investment in School Security Infrastructure

Gallegos reported that the district has invested over $60 million in campus hardening. The upgrade includes fencing, secure gates, vestibules, card access systems, and more than 5,000 managed cameras. 

The district replaced classroom door locks, enabling teachers to secure their rooms from inside during critical incidents. Additionally, APS provides all staff with Centegix crisis alert badges, allowing them to call for help from any campus location.

Salazar highlighted ongoing prevention efforts at APS. He noted that an opiate settlement is funding the installation of over $500,000 in vape detectors in middle and high schools by next year. 

This funding also expanded the Crossroads program, providing master-level counseling for drug and alcohol prevention to students and their families. APS is one of the few districts in the United States offering this type of counseling program of this kind. The program has served over 1,600 high school and 830 middle school students.

What the New Rio Rancho Mayor Set Eyes On? – Here Is What You Need To Know

Ruben Reyes
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What the New Rio Rancho Mayor Set Eyes On? – Here Is What You Need To Know

After 10 years, Rio Rancho has finally have new face in the mayor office. But what does this new face offers to the residents?

Paul Wymer is the newly elected mayor, having won the runoff election against Alexandria Piland last April 2026. He was a former city councilor and took office first week of May 2026.

Here is what you need to know about Wyner’s agenda and priotities:

Infrastructure

A resident for 49 years has called Rio Rancho home and said his biggest concern is that the city is not keeping up with the infrastructure of the growth they’re working on all the new areas, but neglecting the old areas.

The resident lives in Star Heights 2 neighborhood. He said time after time, the roads are torn up from internet companies, gas line ruptures, and more. But each time, the company responsible or the city of Rio Rancho just patches things up.

The resident hopes mayor Wymer will change that. According to Wymer, the city is in the middle of setting its budget, which includes the $12 million bond voters approved in March to improve certain roads.

“One is Baltic Road, which is up at the west end of town, $8.1 million for just that road,” Wymer said.

The mayor says the city has “repaired or touched” 51% of its roads which includes the Neighborhood Street Improvement Program, which is that crack removal and replacement of the asphalt.

“To many residents, I suspect that doesn’t look like a fix. It looks like a band aid, but it is buying us more time on a road that otherwise has a lot of life left in it.” he said.

But for the resident, patchworks isn’t cutting it.

“Our residential streets are falling apart,” he said. “I feel that our neighborhood alone itself is not part of Rio Rancho. Even though we pay taxes for it, we’re being ignored. And that’s one of the things that it’s really upsetting.”

Wymer also added as they work on the other 49% of roads, they’ll have to revisit the roads the city first worked on.

Budget and Public Safety

Aside from roads and infrastructure, Wymer says his other priorities include the city’s budget, public safety, and education.

“We’re working through salaries, and that includes increases for police and fire. I’ve said from day one we need to keep both police and fire happy. They are one of the things that drives people and is attractive to people to Rio Rancho.”

Some residents are mainly concerned about crime and homeless people spilling into Rio Rancho from Albuquerque. Wymer said he’s aware of that concerns but has also heard the opposite.

“While I do agree that there are homeless that we’re seeing perhaps more than than we used to crime, perhaps we’re seeing more of that. I attribute some of that to the growth,” Wymer said.

“As we grow, we’re going to have more people here, and not all of them are good apples and so, but I would still say it’s a concern. We’ve got to be cognizant of it,” he added.

Education

Last Monday, Rio Rancho leaders broke ground on a new fire station that Wymer said was a collaboration with Rio Rancho Public Schools.

“They had a piece of property that worked very well for a fire station, the city had a piece of property that was very good for a school that they wanted to build, and we were able to work through the details and get those traded out,” he said.

Wymer mentioned he wants to maintain a strong relationsip with Rio Rancho Public Schools and he will have his meeting with new superintendent Dr. Robert Dodd.

Some residents asked Wymer if he plans on adding school to the area, but he said, residents would have to submit that as a request.

Visibility

Wymer said his door is open for residents.

“I have always been, as the District 4 councilor, very open to my constituents. I say all the time, that doesn’t mean that when the phone rings, I’m going to answer it right away. If I’m in the meeting or if I’m in conversation with someone else, I’m not going to pick up, but I will get back with whoever leaves a message,” he said.

Final Thought

Everyone hopes the new mayor brings fresh prospects and ideas to the Rio Rancho Mayoral Office. Residents hope for better public services and a transparent mayor who will lead the city.

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