Printer-friendlyNew Mexico First Town Hall 37:
Event Overview
As Americans, energy impacts almost all aspects of our daily lives – from heating our homes to fueling our cars to powering our computers. As New Mexicans, energy production affects our state’s economy in significant ways. You name it, we’ve got it, including oil, natural gas, wind generation, coal, uranium, solar, geothermal, and other energy-related industries. Most experts agree that New Mexico needs a comprehensive energy policy and we need it integrated into an overall economic development strategy.
That assumption established the fundamental question of New Mexico First’s 2009 statewide town hall: How should our state grow its energy economy? Whether you live in a rural community or an urban center, the issue affects you. Participants at the town hall developed concrete recommendations that will impact the quality of life for all New Mexicans.
When and Where?
May 14-16, 2009
Albuquerque Convention Center
401 2nd Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Who Attended?
- State and local policymakers
- Community leaders and citizens
- Business leaders and managers
- Economic development professionals
- Environmentalists
- Energy producers and advocates
What Happens at the Town Hall?
This was not a typical conference with day after day of presentations. A series of speakers help set the context, but the bulk of the town hall was comprised of small group discussions among citizens who care about the topic.
Prior to the town hall, the participants received a background report that provided valuable information on the state’s sources of energy, productivity gains from energy efficiency, and cross-cutting issues for energy transmission and economic development. The report served as the basis for discussions held 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 growing the state’s energy economy. On day one of the town hall, participants were divided into small groups to discuss key issues and answer a common set of questions. On day two, participants began refining and synthesizing their conclusions. By noon on day three, participants had developed concrete, actionable recommendations for state and local leaders and policymakers.
What Happens after the Town Hall?
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.