Partnership honored for innovative Pre-Speculative Industrial Development Program

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance have been recognized with a statewide award for their work to attract investment and strengthen the region’s economy.

The partners received the Blueprint for Growth Award at the 2025 New Mexico Governor’s Economic Development Conference.

The award honors the City and MVEDA’s Pre-Speculative Industrial Development Program, designed to make the Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park more competitive. The initiative allows developers to move forward with engineering, architectural plans, renderings and pre-permitting without first securing a tenant or purchasing land.

By reducing risk and accelerating timelines, the “ready-to-build” model addresses barriers that have long made speculative development difficult in smaller markets like Las Cruces.

Since its launch, the program has drawn interest from three out-of-state developers considering projects in the industrial park. Officials say the award affirms southern New Mexico’s position as an emerging hub for business growth.

“We are proud to accept this award alongside MVEDA,” said Elizabeth Teeters, director of economic development for the City of Las Cruces. “This recognition reflects our commitment to innovative partnerships that create opportunities, attract investment and support long-term economic growth for our community.”