Economic Incentive Board Special Meeting - August 19, 2026

The Economic Incentive Board (EIB) held a special study session on August 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM at the North Annex, Clovis-Carver Library. The board received presentations from Melina Allen, CEO/President of the New Mexico Economic Partnership, and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), along with field representatives Jim Lucero and Kevin Wilson. The session focused on the state's economic development processes, incentives, and opportunities for Clovis. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Consent Calendar

• No items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• New Mexico Economic Partnership (NMEP) Presentation: Melina Allen detailed the business attraction process, emphasizing the 'unsexy' pre-announcement work. The NMEP handles lead generation and project management for the state, processing 60–70 projects annually, with 150–200+ open at any time. She highlighted the PRO (Potential Recruitment Opportunity) process, where communities respond to confidential project requests within typically two weeks. Site visits are critical; New Mexico has seen site visits increase from an average of 14–16 per year to 35 in the last year. She noted that 85% of site questions are about utilities and infrastructure, not workforce. Allen introduced a forthcoming AI tool (Site Hunt) that will pre-populate PRO responses, potentially reducing local workload by 75%. She also discussed the challenge of load study timelines from Southwest Power Pool, which can take 18 months, causing Clovis to lose opportunities.
• Economic Development Department (EDD) Presentation: Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero reviewed key state programs: LEDA (closing fund) has created 7,300+ jobs since 2020 with $17B+ economic impact; JTIP (job training) reimburses up to 90% of wages for new hires. He highlighted the Strategic Site Readiness Development Act, which has characterized 67 sites and designated 27, with $24 million allocated for pre-development work. The Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Loan Fund can finance investor-owned speculative buildings, and the Public Project Revolving Loan Fund offers another avenue for local government construction. Romero also outlined the Technology and Innovation Office (TIO) with $150 million in R&D funds, including quantum and advanced energy grants. Field representatives Jim Lucero and Kevin Wilson stressed that 85% of job growth comes from existing industry expansions and described their roles in business retention and expansion (BRE) visits.
• Leveraging Cannon Air Force Base: Board member Alan Kinland asked about attracting defense and aerospace industries to Clovis. Secretary Romero noted collaboration with the Military Base Planning Commission and state marketing funds targeting defense. Field rep Jim Lucero emphasized that site readiness at the airport industrial park is essential to attract companies like Lockheed or Raytheon. Chairman Raymond mentioned ongoing discussions with Pentagon officials, including General LaMontagne, who highlighted Cannon's importance and the Melrose Bombing Range as a 'Crown Jewel'.
• Speculative Building Funding: Board member Jason Gonzalez asked about grants to build large facilities (e.g., 100,000+ sq ft) for PRO opportunities. Secretary Romero identified the Public Project Revolving Loan Fund as a current best option, along with matching site readiness funds and DOT transportation project funds. He stated that existing programs may be sufficient without creating new ones, and the department is working to de-risk development.

Key Outcomes

• No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
• The NMEP's Site Hunt AI tool will be officially announced at the statewide conference in September 2026.
• The next EIB meeting is scheduled for 8:30 AM, Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the North Annex.
• The meeting recording will be posted on the city's website under the EIB section, and members will receive an email notification.
• Board members were encouraged to maintain confidentiality of PROs and to ensure their communities have pre-prepared site and utility data to respond quickly to opportunities.