The Albuquerque City Council unanimously approved two related ordinances to support Solero Technologies, a Rocket Lab subsidiary, to expand compound semiconductor manufacturing for space-grade solar cells. The council approved the industrial revenue bond ordinance (IRB) and a Local Economic Development Act project support ordinance after presentations by company representatives and state economic development staff.

What the council approved: Council adopted two ordinances designed to support the Solero expansion at Sandia Tech Park — an industrial revenue bond in a maximum principal amount of $72,600,000 and a local economic development assistance package that includes a $250,000 city LEDA award and the city serving as fiscal agent for a $1,500,000 state LEAD grant. The project follows Solero’s award of federal CHIPS funding and is described by the company as modernization and expansion of its space-grade compound semiconductor manufacturing capacity.

Why it matters: City economic development staff said the investment will retain about 350 well‑paid jobs and is expected to create roughly 70 additional positions; state economic development staff indicated the project had been vetted for return-on-investment. Jennifer Goodrum (Rocket Lab / Solero representative) and company VP Bruce Clevinger told the council the expansion will modernize a factory that powers many satellites.

Public comment and questions: Supporters described national security and economic benefits of the manufacturing expansion. One commenter urged support for domestic technologies used in national security applications; another raised concerns about ties to the defense industry but the project received broad council support.

Votes and next steps: Both ordinances passed unanimously. Council directed staff to proceed with the bond and project documents. Company representatives said construction design work is already under contract and that they expect to commence construction in the current quarter.

Ending: The council’s action clears the way for Solero’s planned modernization and expansion, a project the city and state say aligns with CHIPS program goals and with broader efforts to grow advanced manufacturing in Albuquerque.