2008 Statewide Town Hall

Business as UNusual:
A Town Hall on Rural-Urban
Economic Development

Town Hall Overview

Dates: March 27-29, 2008
Where:  Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso, NM

Throughout the state, New Mexicans are talking about the importance of sustaining our rural communities. Many also point to the importance of strengthening the economic relationships between rural and urban communities. Whether people’s worries focus on infrastructure, jobs, investments in energy, agricultural preservation, community building, or sustainable growth, citizens cite rural economic development as a primary concern. Political momentum is building around this issue as well, with rural and urban economic partnerships expected to be a major focus during the next few years.

For these reasons, New Mexico First convened our 2008 statewide town hall on rural economic development and rural-urban partnerships. Over 160 registrants attended the two and a half day event, held at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.  Final results will be posted soon.

Who Attended?

  • Citizens concerned about rural communities
  • Business people
  • Farmers and ranchers
  • Educators
  • Public officials
  • People working in economic development
  • Environmentalists
  • Students 

Town Hall Process

New Mexico First town halls are not typical conferences with day after day of presentations. There were a few guest speakers to help set the context, but the bulk of the town hall was comprised of small group discussions among people who care about the topic.

Prior to the town hall, participants received a background report. The report provided valuable information on the town hall topic. It also served as a basis for citizen discussions during the town hall.

Using New Mexico First’s proven consensus-building process, the three-day town hall asked participants to share their best ideas for improving the state’s rural economies. On day one of the town hall, participants divided into small groups to discuss the issue. On day two, they began refining and combining those answers. On day three, participants finalized concrete, actionable recommendations for local, state, and federal policymakers.

What Happens After the Town Hall?

The recommendations developed at the town hall will not sit on a shelf. New Mexico First supports an implementation team that works for 12-18 months following the event in order to make sure the recommendations get heard. The Implementation Team is made up of town hall participants who volunteered at the final session and help advance the recommendations with state leaders.