Commission forms workforce development advisory committee and fund to connect residents with jobs

Doña Ana County commissioners voted Feb. 10 to create a county advisory and coordination committee on workforce development and to establish a workforce development fund to support training and local hiring.

Denise Carter (staff) said the advisory committee will include up to 25 members representing employers, education and community-based organizations; the resolution directs the county manager to draft procedures and bring recommendations on membership and funding. Representatives from the Empower New Mexico coalition, Samia Project and other community organizations spoke in strong support, saying the body could help ensure projects that receive public subsidies maximize local hiring and training opportunities.

Speakers representing Project Jupiter and contractor partners told commissioners the project is committed to a local-hiring strategy, a centralized project website with job boards, information sessions, and a local vendor registry. Commissioners framed the committee as a vehicle to coordinate training, outreach and funding to keep residents working locally as the county invests in recreation centers and other projects.

Outcome: resolution (2026-24) approved; staff to return with procedural details and membership recommendations.