The City of Las Cruces and MVEDA Recognized with Statewide Economic Development Award

The City of Las Cruces, in partnership with the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), was honored with the prestigious Blueprint for Growth Award at the 2025 New Mexico Governor’s Economic Development Conference.

The recognition highlights the City and MVEDA’s innovative Pre-Speculative Industrial Development Program, which is transforming how communities attract investment, foster job creation, and build sustainable economic futures.

The program was created to address challenges in attracting industrial projects to the Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park. Historically, secondary markets such as Las Cruces faced barriers to speculative development due to the high risks of building without a tenant in place. Through this initiative, developers can advance engineering, architectural plans, renderings, and pre-permitting without requiring upfront land acquisition or construction. This “ready-to-build” approach reduces risk, accelerates timelines, and strengthens the region’s competitiveness in site selection decisions.

Since its launch, the program has already generated interest from three out-of-state developers considering investment in the Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park. The award affirms the program’s success in positioning southern New Mexico as a strong location for business growth and investment.

“We are proud to accept this award alongside MVEDA,” said Elizabeth Teeters, Director of Economic Development for the City of Las Cruces. “This recognition reflects our commitment to innovative partnerships that create opportunities, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth for our community.”

For more information about MVEDA and its role in advancing regional economic development, visit MVEDA’s website.