Farmington council agrees to apply to host 2026 infrastructure conference, begins talks on 2027 outdoor economics event

Assistant City Manager Colby Gibson asked the Farmington City Council for consensus to submit a proposal to host the New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference, tentatively scheduled Nov. 16–20, 2026. Gibson said the conference typically attracts up to 600 professionals from local, state, federal, tribal and private sectors and offers workshops, direct access to funders, and sessions on funding projects from initial listing to ribbon cutting. "It's gonna include people from local government, state government, federal government, tribal, and then also the private sector," Gibson said. He said the conference has "no buy in fee" and estimated local economic activity up to $500,000 over five days based on recent events.

Council gave staff consensus to prepare and submit the application. Councilors and the mayor cited the civic center’s capacity and previous successful events as reasons to apply. Later, staff asked permission to begin negotiating to host the Outdoor Economics Conference in 2027; Warren Runcicker said past local events drew 300–400 attendees and highlighted benefits to local outdoor businesses and tourism. Staff said the 2027 event carries potential cost exposure — roughly $100,000 — and suggested cost‑sharing with San Juan County and other partners. Council provided direction to continue negotiations and to pursue partners and sponsorships before final commitments.

No formal binding financial commitment was adopted at the meeting; council provided consensus to apply for the 2026 infrastructure conference and to explore negotiations for the 2027 outdoor conference.