LEDA Funding Crossroads: Alamogordo Commision on Wednesday Should Not Choose a Private Gym Expansion over Military Housing

Alamogordo’s City Commission is poised to decide how to allocate the final $1.9 million in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds that remains. Two proposals are under consideration: Sendero Alamo, an 80-unit affordable housing development tailored for military families, and Xtreme Amplitude, a private gymnastics facility seeking expansion. While both projects offer community benefits, only one directly supports Alamogordo’s strategic partnership with Holloman Air Force Base.

Military Housing: A Strategic Imperative

MainGate United, a nonprofit focused on military-community integration, has long warned of Alamogordo’s housing crisis. Since they went domant due to a lack of focus on their core mission they have been silent. Their support for military housing in the past stems from a stark reality: Holloman AFB leadership recently confirmed a shortage of over hundreds of beds for unaccompanied Airmen, forcing many to commute from Las Cruces.

“Affordable military housing isn’t just a quality-of-life issue—it’s a national security issue,” said a MainGate United spokesperson in 2023. “If we can’t house our airmen and their families, we risk losing the very mission that sustains our economy.”

Sendero Alamo’s LEDA request of $1.5 million would fund would help create four full-time jobs paying over $75,000 annually.

“Each bedroom is an Air Force job that stays in Alamogordo with spending in Alamogordo proper,” the developer stated. “That’s $5 million in local economic impact per year.”

Where Is the Chamber?

Historically, the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce has been a vocal advocate for military priorities. During events like Otero County Days, the Chamber has rallied support for Holloman AFB and emphasized the importance of housing, infrastructure, and mission retention. Yet during the October 2025 LEDA deliberations, the Chamber’s executive director was notably absent from public comment.

“The Chamber has always said anything military should be a priority,” said a former Chamber Member. “So why aren’t they in the room, standing up for this housing project?” 

This silence has sparked concern among stakeholders who view military housing as not just a civic obligation, but a strategic investment.“We need our institutions to show up,” said Rene Sepulveda a downtown business advocate and the publisher of the news orginization “This is the moment to lead, not to watch from the sidelines.”

Private Gymnastics Facility: A Worthy But Secondary Cause

Xtreme Amplitude, a beloved local gym, seeks the full $1.9 million to purchase and renovate a larger facility. Their proposal highlights youth development, mental health support, and community engagement through gymnastics, cheer, dance, and ninja programs.

“We’re a safe space for kids and adults to grow physically and emotionally,” said the applicant. “We’ve outgrown our current building and want to expand our impact."

While the gym employs 30 part time people and has produced athletes critics argue that LEDA funds should prioritizebroader economic and strategicly positive priorities.  "The right thing to do is to award the recommended $475,000 in LEDA funds to Xtreme Amplitude and the remainder to the military housing said, Mr. Rene Sepulveda.

What’s at Stake

Holloman AFB contributes over $450 million annually to the regional economy. Its retention depends on Alamogordo’s ability to house military personnel affordably and reliably.

“If we lose Holloman, we lose Alamogordo, that’s the reality," Sepulveda concluded.

As the City Commission prepares to vote, Alamogordo must decide whether to invest in strategic infrastructure or divert funds to a private venture with less systemic impact.

Wednesday Night Commission Meeting

LEDA funds are not just economic tools—they are declarations of civic priority. Alamogordo must ask itself: will we invest in the infrastructure that secures our future, or will we miss the moment to stand with our military partners? The silence from key institutions like the Chamber of Commerce is deafening. Leadership is not just about history—it’s about presence.

Citations:

1. Sendero Alamo LEDA Presentation, October 28, 2025
2. National Apartment Association Economic Impact Calculator – Sendero Alamo
3. Xtreme Amplitude LEDA Presentation, October 28, 2025
4. Alamogordo City Commission Meeting, October 2025 – Public Comments
5. MainGate United Public Statements, 2024–2025
6. Alamogordo Daily News, “LEDA Funding Sparks Debate Over Priorities,” October 2025
7. IMPACT OF FORT BLISS, HOLLOMAN AFB AND WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE ON JOBS, INCOME AND INDUSTRY OUTPUT
8. Holloman AFB Economic Impact Report, 2023
9. Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce – Otero County Days Advocacy Overview
10. 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News, “LEDA in Alamogordo: Economic Engine or Political Slush Fund?”

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