ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PLANNING

The Economic Development Administration (EDA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, became our region's partner in economic development over forty years ago. Virtually every community has grown through an EDA grant for some vital piece of infrastructure.

As noted on their website (http://www.eda.gov/) "The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121), as amended, to generate new jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically-distressed areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to rural and urban areas of the Nation experiencing high unemployment, low income, or sudden and severe economic distress."

EDA projects in our region have served as catalysts in regional growth. EDA funding helped to begin the Northern New Mexico Community College campus in Española. EDA has built courthouses, hospitals, water and sewer systems, and industrial parks. Countless EDA projects since 1965 have played a part in regional growth and development.

NCNMEDD works directly with the Austin Regional Office of EDA. NCNMEDD staff will be happy to answer questions about EDA guidelines and to assist in the preparation of proposals. For more information, please contact Tim Armer at 505-827-7313

North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD) is an association of local units of government and other organizations created to encourage and allow regional cooperation on a multitude of issues.Formation of the District came about as a result of passage of the Public Works and Economic Development Act (Public Law 89-136) by the U. S. Congress in 1965. This legislation permitted designated counties to form non-profit entities for the purpose of promoting the socioeconomic environment of its members. It also created the Economic Development Administration under the U. S. Department of Commerce. The purpose of EDA is to provide a vehicle for the delivery of financial and technical assistance to economically depressed areas throughout the nation. NCNMEDD is the region’s Council of Governments formed in 1967 under the authority of the Joint Powers Agreement Act, Section 4-22-1 to 4-22-7, New Mexico State Statues Annotated, 1953 Compilation. NCNMEDD was created originally to serve the eight counties of Colfax, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos. Sandoval County remains a member, but is now attached for planning purposes to the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments.