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Bernalillo County approves $250,000 pilot to train young adults for natural‑resource jobs
Summary
The county voted 5-0 to establish a one‑year, $250,000 pilot pre‑apprenticeship and internship program to connect historically underserved young adults with careers in outdoor education, urban forestry and natural‑resource management; the program will be run by Human Resources with Parks, Recreation and Open Space and technical services.
Bernalillo County on May 27 approved a one‑year, $250,000 pilot program to create workforce pre‑apprenticeship and internship pathways for young adults from historically underserved communities seeking careers in outdoor education and natural‑resource management.
Deputy County Manager Saidiya White told commissioners the initiative is aimed at “providing access and career readiness to sustain sustainable careers in outdoor education and natural resource management while enhancing local ecosystems.” The commission approved the administrative resolution on a 5‑0 roll call vote.
The county’s Human Resources Department will lead the pilot in partnership with Parks, Recreation and Open Space, Technical Services and local community partners. White and commissioners said goals include paid training, hands‑on job experience, and a local talent pipeline to support wildfire mitigation, tree restoration, urban forestry and other resilience work.
Commissioners and staff noted the program responds to both community needs and county workforce shortages. Chair Olivas said the effort aligns with a similar program the City of Albuquerque approved last week with $400,000 in funding, and he urged coordination so both governments can share talent and resources.
Public commenters from community groups and youth workforce organizations supported the measure at the meeting. Speakers representing Samia (Samir/Semilla) project affiliates, the CEMEA Project, NextGen proponents and local organizers urged commissioners to approve funding and highlighted the program’s potential to create local career pathways and keep youth in Bernalillo County.
Vice Chair Barboa called the program “transformational,” comparing it to service‑corps opportunities that build both skills and networks for young people. Several commenters described programs that would teach urban forestry, land stewardship, green infrastructure and outdoor education and connect participants with mentors and local employers.
County staff said the $250,000 is for the pilot year only and that additional county positions and internship slots are being made available by the county manager’s office beyond the cash appropriation. Commissioners indicated some district‑directed funds will also be used to support the initiative going forward.
The resolution now moves to implementation steps overseen by Human Resources and participating departments, which staff said will include partner selection, recruitment and performance measures focused on workforce placement and ecosystem benefits.
