AGP Executive Report

Local Transportation & Safety: Albuquerque added two new speed cameras (Tramway near Lomas NE and Paseo del Norte near Barstow NE) and plans two more on Coors by early August, bringing the total to 38, as the city continues its push to curb speeding and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Elections & Transparency: New Mexico voters are still struggling to find clear answers on out-of-state political spending tied to a federal super PAC, raising questions about how much money is being spent in the state and who ultimately pays for the messaging. Housing Policy: Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia is moving to triple the “fee in lieu” developers can pay instead of building affordable units, a proposal set for an Aug. 12 vote that supporters say could boost affordable housing supply while critics warn it may slow construction. Food Safety: A federal egg recall remains active for a resistant Salmonella outbreak tied to specific carton codes, with illnesses reported across 17 states; consumers are urged to check dates and codes and discard affected eggs. Tech & Cybersecurity: New Mexico State University researchers say an AI flaw dubbed “GhostWriter” can be triggered to steal private data, highlighting new risks for consumers and businesses using chatbots. Energy & Industry: A USGS report estimates vast coal reserves under federal lands, while the market question remains whether that translates into new mining as policy and demand shift.

Colorado River Policy: Federal water managers unveiled a 10-year Colorado River plan that resets how releases and cutbacks are negotiated every two years, opening the door to major reductions for Arizona, California and Nevada as reservoirs hit new lows. Local Governance & Housing: Santa Fe is weighing a proposal to triple the “fee in lieu” charge on developers who skip building affordable units, a move supporters say could fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund while critics warn it may slow construction. Public Safety & Homelessness: Farmington held a meeting after business and residents pushed for help managing homelessness-related crime and disorder in the Animas District, with police describing new strategies tied to a liquor-heavy corridor. Economic Development & Secrecy: Torrance County residents are pressing for answers about “Project Mars,” a proposed development tied to a defense contractor and surrounded by nondisclosure agreements. Energy & Utilities: New Mexico’s regulators ordered steps tied to the Blackstone Infrastructure–TXNM Energy/PNS acquisition process, and the companies say they’re reversing an unlawful stock transaction as required. Healthcare Expansion: Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City bought two buildings to expand services, including an urgent care clinic and early steps toward a residency program.

Local Governance & Public Finance: Silver City council split over the fiscal year 2027 budget, with Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith breaking a tie after two councilors voted no over employee pay and budget sustainability. Energy & Utilities: New Mexico’s PRC ordered Blackstone and TXNM Energy to unwind an unlawful $400 million stock transaction; Blackstone extended its timeline and TXNM says it will reverse the deal as required, keeping the broader acquisition review moving. Healthcare Expansion: Gila Regional Medical Center bought two Silver City buildings to add an urgent care clinic and begin a residency program, aiming to relieve capacity pressures. Public Safety & Local Economy: A Santa Rosa hotel on Route 66 suffered major damage in an early-morning fire, but officials say the rest of the property remains open while the fire marshal investigates. State Policy & Cost of Living: Curry County adopted a round-up-to-the-nearest-nickel rule for cash property tax payments after the federal government stopped penny production, affecting how taxpayers pay in person. Business & Markets: A national report shows business bankruptcy filings rose again, pointing to higher borrowing costs and pressure on firms with thin margins. National Policy Watch: A new federal Colorado River plan would set a 10-year framework and could trigger steep cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada, with details expected soon. Crime & Enforcement: Federal agents seized cocaine, guns, cash and dozens of venomous snakes in an Albuquerque-area raid tied to alleged cocaine distribution.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The federal government released a new 10-year Colorado River management framework, setting up potential deep reductions for Arizona, California and Nevada (up to 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036), while New Mexico and other Upper Basin states are not expected to face mandatory cuts under the initial framework. Local Business Impact: The plan is already drawing sharp pushback from Arizona officials, and New Mexico businesses and communities tied to river-dependent agriculture and water reliability will be watching the next steps as operating details are set to follow. Public Health & Grocers: A salmonella egg recall tied to Texas farms has sickened nearly 100 people across multiple states, including New Mexico, prompting local retailers and farms to promote fresh alternatives. Energy & Grid Reliability: The DOE issued an emergency power order covering New Mexico and 16 other states ahead of extreme heat, aimed at reducing blackout risk. Local Courts: In Albuquerque, Sheryl Williams Stapleton is set for trial on fraud allegations involving diverted APS learning funds. Aviation Update: The U.S. Marine Corps reported an F-35B crash near Miramar with the pilot expected to survive after ejecting.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a 10-year Colorado River management framework that could require Arizona, California and Nevada to reduce use by up to 3 million acre-feet per year through 2036, with operating details set every two years; Upper Basin states including New Mexico are not facing mandatory cuts in the framework. Local Housing & Utilities: Albuquerque code enforcement ordered repairs and temporary cooling at Sunport Plaza Apartments after finding multiple units without working air conditioning. Education Tech Privacy: Santa Fe Public Schools will pause the state-required Amira AI reading program over concerns about voice recordings and student privacy, with a fallback to I-Ready if guidance doesn’t arrive by Aug. 14. Business Leadership: Bernalillo County’s economic development director Marcos Gonzales is set to leave in early August to lead the Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative. Public Safety & Health: A federal emergency grid order covers New Mexico and 16 other states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. Justice & Courts: A federal fraud trial is set to begin for Sheryl Williams Stapleton, accused of diverting millions from Albuquerque Public Schools learning funds. Community & Culture: Albuquerque sneakerheads lined up for Nike SB “Hatch Green Chile” Dunks, tying retail buzz to New Mexico’s green chile season.

US-Mexico cattle trade: USDA says it will reopen the Douglas, Arizona cattle port on Aug. 24 under a phased plan, with New Mexico’s Santa Teresa and Columbus ports “under consideration,” alongside a new $25M sterile-fly distribution center to fight New World screwworm. Energy reliability: The DOE issued an emergency order for the Southwest Power Pool covering 17 states and about 20 million people through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk. New Mexico utility deal: The NM Public Regulation Commission gave final approval for Emera to sell New Mexico Gas Company to Bernhard Capital Partners, a $1.25B transaction expected to close in August 2026. Clean energy angle: A new look at PNM’s power mix highlights how renewables have shifted cooling demand away from coal and gas while keeping electricity costs relatively lower. Housing finance: A new ranking of New Mexico’s largest residential mortgage lenders reports $5.6B in home-purchase loans originated in 2025. Local business & tech: ABQ-Net, New Mexico’s open-access quantum network, is set to host four quantum companies working on defense and other innovations.

Energy & Regulation: New Mexico regulators approved the sale of New Mexico Gas Company to an affiliate of Bernhard Capital Partners in a 2-1 vote, with a base-rate freeze through early 2028, $22.4 million in bill credits, and a $10 million economic development investment; one commissioner dissented, warning the deal’s risks outweigh benefits. Local Economy & Housing: The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department’s CFO filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging leaders retaliated after she raised concerns that universal childcare implementation created an $83 million budget shortfall. Broadband & Affordability: The PRC began rulemaking for New Mexico’s Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, using $10 million from the SRUSF to provide monthly broadband discounts up to $30 (up to $70 on tribal lands) starting in December. Tech & Jobs: Qunnect’s ABQ-Net open-access quantum network is expanding New Mexico’s quantum ecosystem, connecting labs and companies via fiber infrastructure. Agriculture & Trade: Rep. Lupe Diaz joined USDA for the phased reopening of the Douglas Port of Entry for live cattle imports from Sonora, Mexico, alongside a new sterile fly distribution center to bolster screwworm response. Consumer Watch: AAA says New Mexico regular gas averages $4.06 per gallon, up 2 cents week over week. Business Climate: A new U.S. News state ranking placed New Mexico among the lowest overall.

Energy & Policy: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it cut DOE energy grants to “blue states” based solely on political identity, hitting New Mexico projects including NMIMT and PNM. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Xcel Energy reported Q2 2026 earnings of $586M ($0.93/share), citing stronger recovery of electric infrastructure investments. Data Centers & Local Politics: Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter meeting turned chaotic, with scuffles during public comment and renewed scrutiny of the Santa Teresa hyperscale project. Agriculture & Trade: USDA announced phased reopening of southern border cattle ports after the New World screwworm disruption, with New Mexico’s Santa Teresa crossing next if Arizona goes smoothly. Public Safety & Health: NMDOJ launched “Stop. Drop. Verify” to help residents spot scams, including AI-driven fraud. Business & Community Well-Being: The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico is offering free RecoverMe access for residents using code NM100. Housing: Sunport Plaza Apartments tenants report weeks/months without working AC, prompting city oversight concerns. Courts: Former UNM lineman Brett Karhu sued the NCAA seeking a fifth year of eligibility after the NCAA’s “five-for-five” rule left him ineligible.

Energy Markets: US natural gas futures slid near a three-month low as record output met lower LNG export flows and ample storage, keeping next-year prices soft. Healthcare Policy: New Mexico stood out as the only state where ACA enrollment rose, up 14%, after the state used its own funds to replace expiring federal subsidies. Water & Environment: Arizona voters overwhelmingly prioritize Colorado River water security, while New Mexico protesters rallied outside the BLM Santa Fe office to oppose proposed rollbacks to Chaco Canyon mining protections. Local Business & Housing: Albuquerque-area homebuilders and housing leaders warned the state is at a “really crucial time” for new development, and a proposed Hilton-branded Sawmill hotel hit feasibility uncertainty after community concerns delayed city incentives. Tech & Data Centers: Project Jupiter meetings in Las Cruces and Santa Teresa drew arrests and scuffles as residents weigh jobs and tax promises against environmental worries; meanwhile, national coverage highlights growing community pushback on data center growth. Education & Workforce: New Mexico’s teacher staffing model spotlighted “opportunity culture” approaches, and New Mexico Highlands University began a search for a new president after major leadership upheaval. Corporate/Legal: Meta disclosed a major youth-safety legal charge and warned of more courtroom risk ahead. Utilities & Finance: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas reported second-quarter 2026 operating results, while California Water Service Group declared its 326th straight quarterly dividend.

Data Center Fight in Southern NM: Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter update turned tense Tuesday, with three arrests after a scuffle involving security, deputies, and the public as Oracle and Stack Infrastructure faced questions about jobs and local hiring. Utility Merger Under Fire: New Mexico residents packed a Public Regulation Commission hearing on Blackstone’s proposed $11.5B acquisition of TXNM Energy (PNM), with opponents warning of rate hikes and profit-driven control while supporters pointed to jobs and apprenticeships. Water Conservation: Las Vegas, NM moved to Stage 3 water restrictions, tightening outdoor irrigation schedules and limiting nonessential uses. Local Governance & Courts: Cibola County Assessor Dolores Vallejos sued the City of Grants after her removal over the city charter’s dual-office rule, ahead of a council vote on filling her District 1 seat. Energy Tech & Jobs: ARRAY Technologies, a New Mexico-based solar tracking supplier, launched ARRAY Atlas to better connect foundations and trackers. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A warned customers after attackers accessed some Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts using stolen login credentials. Healthcare Policy: New Mexico earned an American Tort Reform “Trailblazer” nod for medical malpractice reforms aimed at keeping doctors in-state. Community Solar: Las Cruces opened community solar options for El Paso Electric customers, letting subscribers get bill credits without rooftop panels.

PNM/Blackstone Hearing: New Mexico residents packed the UNM public comment session on Blackstone’s proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy, with opponents warning of rate hikes and profit-driven control and supporters citing jobs and training pledges as regulators weigh the stalled deal. Data Center Pushback: Sierra County approved an 18-month data center moratorium after residents and commissioners raised concerns about environmental and water impacts, while Doña Ana County saw arrests and a scuffle tied to Project Jupiter opposition and oversight questions. Robocall Crackdown: New Mexico and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to block illegal robocalls, arguing current safeguards aren’t strong enough to stop scams. Tribal Education Funding: U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury introduced bills to study and potentially reform the Bureau of Indian Education equalization formula, aiming to boost teacher pay and funding for BIE-funded schools, including 44 in New Mexico. Local Utilities: Taos asked residents to conserve water after a leak and malfunction dropped storage tanks to critically low levels, leaving some users without pressure. Workforce/Training: Louisiana Tech joined a national microelectronics and semiconductor education network that includes New Mexico, aiming to expand regional workforce pipelines. Postal Service: Albuquerque postal workers protested privatization and called for more funding to keep USPS public.

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool pull extra power resources across a 17-state region as extreme heat strains the grid, with the order set to expire Aug. 3. Quantum & Defense Tech: ABQ-Net, New Mexico’s open-access quantum network in Downtown Albuquerque, is set to support four quantum companies working on defense and other innovations. Outdoor Business Growth: New Mexico is opening applications for the free ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator, a seven-week hybrid program aimed at helping small outdoor companies scale. Energy Policy & Chaco: New Mexico officials are urging the Interior Department not to roll back protections for the Greater Chaco Region, as public comment nears on potential changes to a 20-year mineral ban. Mexico Cattle Imports: The U.S. says it will begin lifting its suspension of Mexican cattle imports Aug. 24, with New Mexico border crossings next. Local Economy & Jobs: Realta Fusion plans to build a fusion R&D facility and HQ in Madison’s former Oscar Mayer plant, citing New Mexico as one of the locations it considered. Public Safety: Albuquerque police arrested a teen carrying a loaded rifle after a chase, with the teen saying he stole it from his father. Business & Community Events: Albuquerque’s Foxy Festival returns to the Rail Yards, highlighting local vendors and performers.

Cattle & Food Supply: The USDA says it will restart limited Mexican live-cattle imports on Aug. 24, starting at Douglas, Arizona, with Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico expected to follow later—aimed at easing tight U.S. supplies after the screwworm-driven shutdown. Energy & Grid Reliability: The DOE issued an emergency order for 17 states, including New Mexico, authorizing Southwest Power Pool to use backup generation through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk, with demand also pressured by data centers. Power & Community Funding: PNM launched a new Power Grant Program, investing $1 million in 2026 to support education, environmental work, and economic opportunity, with larger, more flexible grants for nonprofits. Local Labor & Schools: South Valley Academy teachers became the first in New Mexico to organize with Teamsters Local 492 instead of the state’s two teachers unions. Retail Expansion: Paris Baguette is preparing its first Albuquerque location and already plans a second café on the West Side, adding jobs and more dining options. Public Health: FDA updates link a salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, with 98 illnesses reported across 17 states including New Mexico. Politics & Policy: Rep. Susan Herrera announced her retirement from the New Mexico House after seven years, citing work on rural water security and protections for vulnerable residents.

Broadband Affordability: New Mexico is taking public comment as it prepares to launch a statewide ACP-like discount program, the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP), with enrollment starting in December and provider rules now in the works. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order directing $500,000 to help western New Mexico communities respond to recent flooding, including sandbags and National Guard support. Food Safety: A salmonella-linked recall is expanding fallout for shoppers and retailers: nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs from Midwest Poultry Services were pulled after potential contamination was found, with affected cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores including in New Mexico. Livestock Trade & Biosecurity: USDA announced a phased reopening of southern cattle ports of entry starting Aug. 24, with New Mexico ports next, but only after strict New World screwworm checks. Energy & Oilfield Cleanup: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says the state’s “stripper well” subsidy program now has zero participating wells and is urging lawmakers to end it. Insurance Pressure: New Mexico reports a record surge in homeowners losing coverage via non-renewals, especially in wildfire-prone counties. Local Courts: A former Aztec IT director filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and a rigged procurement process.

Border & Livestock Trade: USDA will phase back live cattle imports from Mexico starting Aug. 24, reopening the Douglas, Arizona port first, with Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico slated to follow—each animal will face full USDA inspection under new New World screwworm safeguards. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall has sickened 98 people across 17 states, including New Mexico; the FDA says the recalled eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire’s and urges shoppers to check cartons and return or discard them. Housing Insurance: New Mexico’s insurance superintendent says nonrenewals nearly tripled since 2021, with wildfire-prone counties hit hardest, as insurers drop more homeowners’ policies. Energy & Power: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued a lease for a wind farm repower after a public auction, aiming to boost output at San Juan Mesa Wind Farm. Workforce & Skills: UNM-Gallup hosted a fiber optic technician bootcamp, training 31 participants to help close the digital divide. Community Business: New Mexico Gas Company awarded $60,000 in Native American scholarships, marking 15 years of the program. Local Economy: Record number of NM homeowners are losing coverage, while the state’s tax-free school supplies weekend runs July 31–Aug. 2.

Salmonella & Egg Recall: Federal health officials say nearly 100 people in 17 states have been sickened by Salmonella Enteritidis tied to a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall, with 26 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; FDA says lab and traceback work point to the recalled Texas-produced shell eggs, though the producer may not account for every illness—so shoppers should check cartons and discard/return affected eggs. Local Business Spotlight: Olivia’s Café in Las Vegas won Small Business of the Year in a Rotary district competition, highlighting community support and local job impact. Energy & Regulation: A New Mexico column argues PNM should work with homeowners on solar and net metering changes, warning proposed shifts could hit customer-sited generation; another column backs the Public Regulation Commission’s oversight role in utility ownership decisions. Clean Power Deal: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued a lease for a wind farm repower after a public auction, aiming to replace older turbines with newer ones and generate 135 MW of clean electricity. Agriculture Trade: USDA plans a phased restart of U.S.-Mexico livestock imports after the New World screwworm pause, with ports including Santa Teresa and Columbus, N.M., reopening later in August. Politics & Governance: New Mexico Democrats face an internal fight over a lieutenant governor nominee replacement after a primary dropout, with party leaders criticizing the process as a power grab. Business Climate Watch: New Mexico’s public utilities sales tax revenue fell 21% in 2024, according to Census Bureau data.