The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), in partnership with the City of Las Cruces was recognized with the prestigious Blueprint for Growth Award at the 2025 New Mexico Governor’s Economic Development Conference for its innovative Pre-Speculative Industrial Development Program. This award highlights organizations that are redefining how communities attract investment, foster job creation, and build sustainable economic futures.
Davin Lopez of MVEDA, in partnership with Elizabeth Teeters of the City of Las Cruces, accepting the NM Governor’s Conference Award
The program was launched to overcome long-standing challenges in attracting industrial projects to the Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park (LCIIP). Traditionally, secondary markets like Las Cruces struggled to draw speculative development because of the high risks developers face when building without a tenant in place. MVEDA’s forward-thinking model reduces that risk by allowing developers to advance engineering, architectural plans, renderings, and pre-permitting without requiring upfront land acquisition or construction. The result is a “ready-to-build” environment that accelerates timelines once a tenant is identified, giving the region a competitive advantage in site selection decisions.The program is already delivering measurable results. Since its launch, it has already attracted the interest of three out-of-state developers who are considering investment in the LCIIP.
By aligning public policy with private sector needs, MVEDA has set a new standard for collaboration and innovation in economic development. The Blueprint for Growth Award affirms MVEDA’s leadership in designing programs that de-risk development, enhance competitiveness, and position southern New Mexico as a region ready to move at the speed of business.
