Devin Depasco outlines Santa Fe EDC's growth strategy and community engagement plans

The Santa Fe City Council meeting on April 11, 2025, spotlighted the introduction of Devin Depasco as the new Executive Director of the Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Hired just two weeks prior, Depasco is already making waves by actively seeking opportunities to enhance the city’s economic landscape.

Depasco emphasized his proactive approach to growth, stating, “You can either be reactive to the growth that's coming or you can be proactive.” He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with local stakeholders, including the school district and the chamber of commerce, to shape Santa Fe’s future over the next 5 to 15 years. His vision is to transform Santa Fe into a community that others admire.

In his initial days, Depasco outlined his top priorities, which include raising the EDC's profile, establishing an incentive policy, and improving the organization’s online presence. He reported that the newly launched Santa Fe EDC Facebook page has already attracted around 80 followers, indicating a strong community interest.

Depasco also addressed inquiries about current business interests in Santa Fe, directing potential investors to the EDC website for contact information. He is working to enhance the EDC's LinkedIn presence to attract external developers and site selection consultants.

Additionally, he shared his positive views on the BEAR program, advocating for its focus on community reinvestment through tangible improvements rather than simple financial incentives. “There’s a big difference between giving X amount of dollars to just kind of come into town versus investing in hard assets,” he noted, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth.

As Depasco settles into his role, the community looks forward to his leadership in driving economic development and fostering a vibrant future for Santa Fe.