September 23rd, 2026 – Cibola County is joining the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance as its newest public-sector partner, expanding regional economic development collaboration and strengthening efforts to attract investment, create quality jobs and support existing businesses across central and western New Mexico.
Through the partnership, Cibola County will gain access to AREA’s business recruitment, regional marketing, economic research, site-selection and lead-generation capabilities. AREA and the County will also collaborate to promote available commercial and industrial properties, connect prospective employers with local and state resources and strengthen Cibola County’s visibility among companies considering investment in New Mexico.
“Economic growth does not stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and neither should our approach to creating opportunity,” said Chad Matheson, President and CEO of AREA. “Cibola County brings tremendous assets to our regional economy, including strategic transportation infrastructure, a proud industrial heritage and communities that are ready for investment. We are excited to welcome the County to AREA and work together to tell a stronger regional story, generate new opportunities and deliver meaningful economic results.”
Located along Interstate 40 and historic Route 66, Cibola County offers direct access to major east-west transportation corridors, BNSF rail service and the Grants-Milan Municipal Airport. The County’s economic base includes healthcare, energy, natural resources, government, tourism, agriculture and small business, with additional opportunities for industrial development and economic diversification.
“Joining AREA gives Cibola County access to additional expertise, relationships and resources that will strengthen our economic development efforts,” said Denise Hanson, Director of the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF). “This partnership will help us more effectively promote our communities, respond to business opportunities and connect local assets with regional and statewide strategies. Most importantly, it positions us to pursue quality jobs and investment that will benefit Cibola County residents.”
The partnership builds upon AREA’s public-private economic development model, which brings businesses, local governments, educational institutions and community leaders together around a shared strategy for regional competitiveness. Public-sector partners work alongside AREA to respond to business-location opportunities, advance infrastructure and site-readiness priorities and address barriers affecting economic growth.
“Every community contributes something distinct to our economic value proposition,” Matheson said. “Bringing those assets together allows us to compete more effectively for investment while ensuring that regional growth creates opportunity in both urban and rural communities.”
The addition of Cibola County further expands AREA’s network of partners committed to building a stronger, more connected and prosperous New Mexico. For more information about AREA and its public sector partnerships, visit ABQ.org. For a complete list of AREA’s public sector partners and private investors, visit https://www.abq.org/support/.
ABOUT CIBOLA COUNTY
Cibola County is located in western New Mexico and includes the communities of Grants and Milan, along with several rural communities and portions of the Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Laguna, Zuni Pueblo and the Navajo Nation. Positioned along Interstate 40, historic Route 66 and the BNSF Railway, the County offers strategic transportation access, abundant natural and cultural resources and opportunities for continued business growth and economic diversification. For more information, visit cibolacountynm.com.
ABOUT AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead and execute strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the region for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metropolitan area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org.