The Acting Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), Mark Roper, announced today that the New Mexico Borderplex organization, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), has been awarded grants from the LEADS program. These grants aim to enhance economic capacity and create jobs across the state.
The Local Economic Assistance and Development Support (LEADS) initiative is designed to support local governments and qualified economic development organizations. It provides state assistance to projects that promise sustainable outcomes. Each project can receive between $5,000 and $25,000 annually, funded through a cost-reimbursement contract. EDD reimburses the applicant for work performed or costs incurred, up to the specified grant amount, upon project completion and submission of a project report.
“This year’s projects demonstrate EDD’s ongoing commitment to our economic development partners throughout the state,” Secretary Roper stated. “The funds will back new initiatives, such as a commercial kitchen and creative industries, and support essential site-readiness efforts and capacity building, helping local communities develop more robust and sustainable economies.”
For fiscal year 2025, EDD has awarded LEADS grants to the following project:
Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) – $25,000
MVEDA will use the grant to expand its “AutomateUp” skillset development and industry certification initiative. This expansion aims to reach a broader audience, including existing employees in the region and students in college and high school pursuing technology-driven careers crucial to New Mexico’s economy. The program will also extend industry certification to a wider range of industries.
