The economies of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County remain stronger than in many areas of the United States, although there have been definite downturns. Housing construction has taken a hit, but commercial work has been buoyed somewhat by the construction of new education facilities. Manufacturing, the trades and transportation are down from the previous year, but gross receipts from education and health services and even agriculture remain strong.

Biofuels and other green energy-related options will contribute to the area’s recovery rate. An operating algae fuel plant on the west mesa, a tower manufacturer for wind turbines and construction of a large solar generating plant near Santa Teresa head up the current opportunities. Construction of a Union Pacific Railroad Refueling terminal in Santa Teresa and maquila growth in San Jeronimo, Mexico, are now back on track. Spaceport America construction in Sierra County will strengthen Dona Ana County. The low cost of the work force, prime location industrial parks and easy access to the Mexican maquilas will continue to be significant factors in area development.

The government sector is the largest employer at around 30% of the total non-farm employment. The state is implementing spending cuts due to the economy, but NMSU enrollment and research grant acquisition remain strong.

The nearby El Paso-Juarez metropolitan area influences the cost of living in the Las Cruces area. Las Cruces and El Paso are within a 45-minute commute of each other, and the labor force variables (i.e. wage rates, unemployment, job opportunities, etc.) are increasingly connected. The influx of Fort Bliss soldiers and families from Mexico have kept the El Paso housing market among the best in the country.

For the future, Las Cruces has a strong standing nationally as a place to retire and conduct business, which will no doubt contribute to the attraction of green industry and to the community’s economic recovery. Rankings include the top small metro areas for business by Forbes Magazine and the Milken Institute and the top places to retire by AARP Magazine and CNN-Money Magazine.