Creative industries Bill Signed with support from 3 of 4 Otero County State Lawmakers

The Creative Economies Bill HB 8 was Signed by the New Mexico Governor - Chapter 183  on April 5th, 2023.

With a potential boost to the rural creative economies within New Mexico HB 8 passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law on April 5th.

The bill passed in the Senate - Y:30 N:2 with all local Senators voting in favor of the proposal that could benefit the New York Avenue, Alamogordo and Granada Street, Tularosa Cultural Arts Districts. Each street has a collection of galleries and shops with local creators represented that could benefit from this bill. 

Within those two streets in Otero County over 200 local artisans and crafters are represented. 

The New Mexico house passed the bill as well but local District 51 Representative John Block was the lone voice within the Otero County state legislatures to vote against the measure that benefits creative industries in rural communities.

The bill that began in the New Mexico legislature establishes a Division of Creative Industries within the State Economic Development Department which would benefit Alamogordo.

The bill was sponsored by Santa Fe Representative and House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski and Senator Jeff Steinborn.

Following the model established through the Division of Outdoor Recreation, the Creative Industries Division would be used to spur job creation and local economic growth by providing grants, workforce training, professional services and targeted investments.

Szczepanski says it’s another major industry the state can invest in.

“We’ve had real success that we should be proud of in sectors like film and aerospace but we know there is unlimited potential for growth for our people for innovation,” she said. “So as we diversify our economy we must not lose the heart and soul of New Mexico. Instead it’s time to embrace it, our creative industries.”

While the bill did not get the full funding requested of sponsors, they were pleased with its passage, and signature of the Governor; setting the wheels in motion for the establishment of the department and the mechanics of the bill put into motion. 

The bill also requires that 50% of the appropriations go to rural and underserved communities.

According to state statistics five-percent of New Mexico employees work in the creative industries contributing $5.6 billion to the state’s economy every year.

Today, New Mexico’s creative and cultural industry contributes $5.6 billion to the state economy and provides $2.4 billion in annual wages. With rich legacies in the fine arts, design, crafts, cuisine, music, and dance, the creative industries are without a doubt an economic strength for New Mexico with incredible untapped potential to expand.

The legislation was developed in coalition with the Creative Industries Consortium – artists, entrepreneurs and community organizations from around the state with a focus on rural New Mexico.

A statement posted in the Consortium website states: “Governor Lujan Grisham signed HB8 into law on April 5, 2023, thereby establishing the Creative Industries Division in the NM Economic Development Department. Creative New Mexico will continue to update advocates as the Division becomes operational.”

Within Otero County it’s noted, who supports jobs and the creative industries with by the opposition and no vote of District 51 Representative, John Block.

A huge thank you, to Senators, Bill Burton and Ron Griggs for their support of this bill and a thank you to District 52 Dona Ana & Otero County (representing Chaparral) Representative  Willie D Madrid. 

More News from Alamogordo

• Bird Flu Particles Found In New Mexico Milk Samples and Other States FDA and Department of Agriculture working together milk deemed safe still
• Governors Lujan Grisham and Gordon take part in National Governors Association “Disagree Better” Initiative A better way civil dialogue…