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Council backs Vitality Works expansion; city to serve as fiscal agent for state LITA funds
Summary
The council approved a Local Economic Development Act project to help Vitality Works expand its West Side manufacturing operation; the city will act as fiscal agent for $500,000 in state LITA funding and contribute $100,000 locally under LEDA, staff said the expansion will add 18 jobs.
The Albuquerque City Council on April 21 voted to advance a Local Economic Development Act (LITA) project supporting Vitality Works Inc., a nutraceutical manufacturer expanding on the West Side.
Economic development staff described the package: the state will provide $500,000 in LITA funds, with the city proposing to serve as fiscal agent for those state dollars and to contribute $100,000 from local LEDA resources. The company plans a roughly $5 million capital expansion that will add about 35,000 square feet of production and warehouse area, staff said.
Max Gruner, director of Economic Development, described Vitality Works as a long‑standing Albuquerque employer with more than 300 full‑time workers; company representative John Priest said the expansion will create 18 new full‑time production jobs with benefits and an average annual wage above $46,000. Staff analysis, including a fiscal impact review provided by the State of New Mexico, estimated about $1.75 million in net benefits to the city over a 10‑year period.
Councilor Sanchez moved a due‑pass motion (to pass the ordinance). The council unanimously approved the motion; staff said the Development Commission had previously recommended the project unanimously.
Councilors and staff encouraged a site visit and emphasized the West Side job impacts. The council vote authorizes execution of a project participation agreement and related documents.
