New Mexico First conducts many town halls and other events each year.
First Forum 2019
The First Forum lecture series highlights important issues facing our nation and New Mexico. This year New Mexico First will focus on sustainable journalism, preserving the fourth estate. Join New Mexico First for an exciting discussion on strengthening journalism in our Land of Enchantment. Additionally, a series of awards will be given to public officials, civic leaders and journalists who make positive impacts in New Mexico and put good policy or fair coverage above partisan politics.
06-JUNE-2019
Albuquerque
2018 Albuquerque Goals Summit
Participants met to discuss the community conditions they view as most important to ensure that Albuquerque is an active, thriving, culturally rich, and sustainable community. This year the focus of the summit was on describing the desired community conditions for three of the city’s eight goals.
Sesiones disponibles para hablantes de inglés y hablantes de español. Los hispanohablantes van a https://nmfirst.worldsecuresystems.com/event-details/2018-albuquerque-goals-summit#Español para registrarse.
-Public Safety, currently defined as “The public is safe, secure and shares responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.”
-Economic Vitality, currently defined as “The community supports a vital, diverse and sustainable economy.”
-Environmental Protection, currently defined as “Protect Albuquerque’s natural environments – its mountains, river, bosque, volcanos, arroyos, air and water.”
2018-JULY
Albuquerque
2018 Statewide Town Hall: Strengthening Higher Education and Tomorrow’s Workforce
Our state is rich in education and career opportunities but also faces challenges. New Mexicans came together to develop consensus-supported actionable policy recommendations on education, community, business and policy leaders seeking optimal alignment of education and the workforce, as well as statewide economic prosperity.
10-Apr-2018-11-Apr-2018
Albuquerque
New Mexico Sustainable Journalism
New Mexicans need accurate sources of information they can rely on to make decisions for their families and businesses, engage in work to improve their communities, and take part in the democratic process. Therefore, the Rio Grande Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists, in partnership with New Mexico First, held focus groups across the state to discuss a vision, needs and best practices for meeting the news and information needs of New Mexicans.
19-MAR-2018, 20-MAR-2018, 22-MAR-2018, 23-MAR-2018
Portales, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Albuquerque
State Water Planning Town Hall: Advancing New Mexico’s Water Future
In partnership with the Interstate Stream Commission, New Mexico First convened a two-day water town hall. New Mexicans came together to develop smart, actionable recommendations on water policy. The town hall focused primarily on supply and demand, water quality, infrastructure, legal issues, water planning and collaboration, and changing conditions.
13-DEC-2017 - 14-DEC-2017
Albuquerque
NM Arts Focus Group: Arts in K-12 Public Education
New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs conducted a three-phase project to improve and expand arts education for public middle and high school students in New Mexico. A focus group met to identify barriers and opportunities for enhancing arts education and provide guidance for an arts in education taskforce.
NOV-2017
Albuquerque
Los Alamos Public Schools Community Forums: Pros and Cons of Adjusting School Start Times
Members of the Los Alamos community came together to decide on whether to adjust the 2018-19 school start times for the LAPS high school, middle school, and elementary schools.
24-OCT-2017- 25-OCT-2017
Los Alamos
New Mexico First and KOB Town Hall Debate
Albuquerque residents came together to identify public safety concerns facing Albuquerque and help shape, important, issue-focused questions for a televised mayoral debate. Candidates answered questions that were formulated by public consensus earlier in the day at four separate community centers throughout the city. Participants were asked to read background information on public safety to help develop thoughtful, issue-based questions as a means for yielding an informative and fair mayoral candidate debate. Topics included: Behavioral health, community safety, gun safety, law enforcement and theft.
15-SEP-2017
Albuquerque
First Forum 2017
The First Forum Lecture series highlighted important issues facing our nation and New Mexico. This educational event gave people in our state the opportunity to hear national leading figures address topics unique to their individual expertise. The organization’s biennial First Forum this year featured retired U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Trent Lott.
07-JUN-2017
Albuquerque
Facilitation for Success Workshop 2017
New Mexico First facilitation skills training provides a well-defined, step-by-step approach to help people learn to run productive meetings.
19-APR-2017
Albuquerque
NM Rising: Engaging Our Communities for Excellence in Education
New Mexicans from Gallup, Farmington, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Roswell, and Las Cruces, met to discuss how to improve our education system to better support our students and educators through implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
12-OCT-2016 - 15-NOV-2016
Gallup, October 12, 2016
Farmington, October 14, 2016
Santa Fe, October 17, 2016
Albuquerque, October 18, 2016
Roswell, October 27, 2016
Las Cruces, November 15, 2016
Proposed Expansion of New Mexico PreK
The New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership held a public feedback meeting in Las Cruces. Participants discussed the NM PreK Program expansion. They explored the pros and cons of the expansion.
28-SEPT-2016
Las Cruces
Albuquerque Goals Forum 2016
Participants met to discuss the community conditions they view as most important to ensure that Albuquerque is an active, thriving, culturally rich, and sustainable community.
19-JUL-2016
Albuquerque
Nonprofit Sector Strategic Planning Summit 2016
This one-day event brought together key stakeholders for a consensus driven deliberation to develop strategies that enhance the nonprofit sector as a whole.
14-JUN-2016
Albuquerque
Economic Security and Vitality for New Mexico Town Hall 2016
Town hall participants helped create a highly actionable platform focused
on strengthening the states’ economic health.
19-MAY-2016
Albuquerque
Facilitation for Success Workshop 2016
New Mexico First facilitation skills training provides a well-defined, step-by-step approach to help people learn to run productive meetings.
21-MAR-2016-22-MAR-2016
Albuquerque
Resilience in Agriculture
New Mexicans from Crownpoint, Abiquiu, Farmington, Laguna, Las Cruces, Roswell, Shiprock, Silver City, Taos, Tucumcari and Bosque Farms came together to shape a smart and robust strategic plan for agriculture!
Starting DEC-02-2015
Albuquerque, Crownpoint, Abiquiu, Farmington, Laguna, Las Cruces, Roswell, Shiprock, Silver City, Taos, Tucumcari and Bosque Farms
Facilitation for Success Workshop 2015
New Mexico First facilitation skills training provided a well-defined, step-by-step approach to help people learn to run productive meetings.
05-NOV-2015
Albuquerque
Resilience in Agriculture
New Mexicans from Crownpoint, Abiquiu, Farmington, Laguna, Las Cruces, Roswell, Shiprock, Silver City, Taos, Tucumcari and Bosque Farms came together to shape a smart and robust strategic plan for agriculture!
Starting DEC-02-2015
Albuquerque, Crownpoint, Abiquiu, Farmington, Laguna, Las Cruces, Roswell, Shiprock, Silver City, Taos, Tucumcari and Bosque Farms
First Forum 2015
New Mexico First joined with nearly 300 citizens celebrate the Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards and biannual lecture series.
25-JUNE-2015
Albuquerque
First Responder Forum
FirstNet is a single platform for public safety communications at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels. Forum participants identified challenges, recommendations, and priorities that will ensure statewide coordination in addressing key needs of first responders throughout the state.
December 8-9, 2014
Albuquerque, NM
City of Albuquerque 2014 Goals Forum
The City of Albuquerque 2014 Goals Forum is the main source of resident input into the city's goal setting process. Participants at the forum played a vital role by describing the future Albuquerque they would like to see. The bulk of the forum was comprised of small group discussions among participants who care about the issues and want to contribute to Albuquerque’s progress.
July 19, 2014
Albuquerque, NM
City of Albuquerque Snapshot Report, 2012: Backgrounder
City of Albuquerque 2014 Goals Forum: Recommendations
Facilitation for Success Workshop
New Mexico First facilitation skills training provides a well-defined, step-by-step approach to help people learn to run productive meetings. Whether you want to learn how to become a better group facilitator or simply a better participant in a group setting, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills that enable groups to generate, develop, and select between ideas to reach consensus.
May 6-7, 2014
Albuquerque, NM
Town Hall 40: Water
New Mexico First convened a two-day town hall that brought together
people from around the state to develop practical recommendations on
water use and policy. Town hall participants focused on key issues
including: meaningful long-range and crisis water planning, NM’s aging
water infrastructure,conservation and reuse and water development.
April 15-16, 2014
Albuquerque, NM
Town Hall 40-Water: Backgrounder
Town Hall 40-Water: Recommendations
Bipartisanship Leadership Awards 2013
In conjunction with the First Forum Lecture Series, New Mexico First will present lawmakers and other leaders with the Spirit of Bipartisan Award to honor those who have been role models for cross-party collaboration primarily in specific policy areas, such as health, education, energy, environment, and economic development. Awards will be given at state and local levels. Awardees must have proven, in tangible ways, their ability to put good policy above partisan politics.
June 21, 2013
Albuquerque, NM
First Forum: A Policy Tribute to U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman
For 30 years, Senator Jeff Bingaman served New Mexico and our nation. The public policy organization New Mexico First will honor that career at our 2013 First Forum. This policy tribute will primarily focus on issues he prioritized: energy, education, and international competitiveness. The event will also address possible future policies in those areas.
Speakers:
Sam Donaldson, ABC newsman, event moderator;
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, guest speaker;
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, guest speaker;
Gene Baca, chair, Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards; and
Heather Balas, president, New Mexico First
June 21, 2013
Albuquerque, NM
STEM Action Planning Summit
Participants developed an action plan that will help ensure important STEM education goals are achieved for New Mexico students and teachers. The plan focuses on inquiry based learning, early college retention, teacher development and more.
November 8-9, 2012
Santa Fe, NM
STEM Action Planning Summit: Backgrounder
STEM Action Planning Summit: Appendix
STEM Action Planning Summit: Recommendations
New Century Economy Summit
This summit developed recommendations to leverage the state’s assets, promote investments in sustainable industries, and diversify our economy.
October 2, 2012
Albuquerque, NM
New Century Economy Summit: Backgrounder
New Century Economy Summit: Recommendations
Early Childhood Development Community Meeting
Parents, early childhood providers, civic and business leaders, and policy makers came together to share their ideas about how the Early Childhood Care and Education Act can provide opportunities for our state’s greatest asset for the future—our young people.
Santa Fe
September 28, 2012
Early Childhood Development Community September Meeting Final Report
African American Summit
The New Mexico Office of African American Affairs convened a one-day summit to identify priorities and ensure statewide coordination in addressing key needs of the African American community. This statewide collaborative planning session produced a platform of recommendations to strengthen quality of life in African American communities.
September 21, 2012
Albuquerque, NM
African American Summit: Backgrounder
African American Summit: Recommendations
Statewide Broadband Summit
New Mexicans came together to develop recommendations to help ensure that all citizens have access to the internet and that broadband is used effectively to grow our economy and meet community needs. The Summit was convened by the NM State Library. This statewide collaborative planning session included recommendations regarding digital literacy, education, economic development, health, tribal issues, and governance/collaboration issues.
August 3, 2012
Albuquerque, NM
Statewide Broadband Summit: Backgrounder
Statewide Broadband Summit: Recommendations
Town Hall on Fire and Water
Participants explored the impact of recurring wildfires in New Mexico and developed policy recommendations for an Implementation Team allowing the team to accomplish policy changes in New Mexico.
June 5-6, 2012:
Albuquerque, NM
Town Hall on New Mexico Fire and Water: Backgrounder
Town Hall on New Mexico Fire and Water: Recommendations
Town Hall on New Mexico Fire and Water: Accomplishments
Presbyterian Community Health Forums
Presbyterian Healthcare Services has worked with its five regional hospitals and their Community Boards of Trustees to conduct community needs assessments and develop health priorities that affect New Mexicans. Although many health needs are common throughout the state, each community can be unique when implementing strategies for addressing these needs. Community members, local healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and public health officials came together to share their thoughts about community-based initiatives that can improve the health of community members. Forums were held in the following communities.
Espanola
Feb 23rd
Clovis
March 26th
Tucumcari
March 27th
Ruidoso
March 28th
Rio Rancho
April 3rd
Urban Albuquerque
April 5th
Los Lunas
April 11th
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Clovis Backgrounder
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Tucumcari Backgrounder
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Ruidoso Backgrounder
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Rio Rancho Backgrounder
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Albuquerque Backgrounder
Presbyterian Healthcare Services Community Health Forum: Los Lunas Backgrounder
Arizona Water Settlement Act Town Hall
The Arizona Water Settlement Town Hall helped communities understand and offer feedback on options associated with the Arizona Water Settlement Act of 2004. The AWSA potentially allows New Mexico to access more water from the Gila system than it currently takes. The act also makes available significant federal dollars to fund projects that meet water supply demands in Grant, Luna, Hidalgo, and Catron counties.
February 16-17, 2012
Silver City, NM
Town Hall on Arizona Water Settlement Act: Backgrounder
Town Hall on Arizona Water Settlement Act: Recommendations
Town Hall 39: New Mexico Centennial
Join us to celebrate our state’s Centennial and our organization’s 25th Anniversary! We will identify New Mexico’s greatest strengths and weaknesses, and develop a platform of recommendations for addressing the opportunities that will impact our future. For these reasons, New Mexico First is convening a two-day town hall where participants will explore the state’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and treats, identify urgent needs that will have the greatest influence on the future of the state, and put forth their best ideas for making progress. We anticipate that many of the town hall recommendations will focus on education, the economy, energy, and health.
March 22-23, 2012
Albuquerque
Town Hall 39-Centennial: Backgrounder
Town Hall 39-Centennial: Recommendations
Town Hall 39-Centennial: Outcomes
Early Childhood Development Community Meetings Statewide
In 2011, the Early Childhood Care and Education Act was signed into law to establish an early childhood system across the state and support quality programs for our state’s youngest children. Parents, early childhood providers, civic leaders, business leaders, and policy makers shared their ideas about how this act can meet the needs in their communities and provide opportunities for our state’s greatest asset for the future—our young people.
October 18, 2011
Taos, NM
October 20, 2011
Farmington, NM
November 1, 2011
Las Cruces, NM
January 12, 2012
Clovis, NM
Early Childhood Care and Education Background Report
Early Childhood Care and Education Final Report
Early Childhood Care and Education Act
New Mexico's Young Children Their Needs, Our Future Prepared By Peter Winograd
Early Childhood Development Community Meetings: Recommendations
Early Childhood Development Community Meetings Statewide
In 2011, the Early Childhood Care and Education Act was signed into law to establish an early childhood system across the state and support quality programs for our state’s youngest children. Parents, early childhood providers, civic leaders, business leaders, and policy makers shared their ideas about how this act can meet the needs in their communities and provide opportunities for our state’s greatest asset for the future—our young people.
October 18, 2011
Taos, NM
October 20, 2011
Farmington, NM
November 1, 2011
Las Cruces, NM
January 12, 2012
Clovis, NM
Early Childhood Care and Education Background Report
Early Childhood Care and Education Final Report
Early Childhood Care and Education Act
New Mexico's Young Children Their Needs, Our Future Prepared By Peter Winograd
Early Childhood Development Community Meetings: Recommendations
Santa Fe Mobilizing for Education Excellence Summit
Creating the great schools and mobilizing the community to support Santa Fe’s young people deserve was the central theme of this important summit. The event brought together community members, educators, and students to ensure young people thrive and have the support they need to excel. The event was attended by nearly 175 people.
June 13, 2011
Santa Fe
Santa Fe Mobilization Summit Background Report
Santa Fe Mobilization Summit Final Report
Santa Fe Informe de la Cumbre
Santa Fe Mobilization Summit Final Report Espanol
First Forum: Cokie Roberts and the Politics of Good Government
In this climate of growing political dissention, is “good government” a thing of the past? National correspondent Cokie Roberts addressed this question - and others - at First Forum. Moderated by ABC newsman Sam Donaldson, the event also honored our state's leading lawmakers with our Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards. The event was attended by nearly 300 people.
May 25, 2011
Albuquerque
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
The State of New Mexico explored if a health insurance exchange could be helpful to New Mexicans who need affordable health insurance. Consumers, both insured and uninsured, shared their ideas about how an idea like an exchange could be of benefit. Together the events were attended by about 60 people.
April 28, 2011: Las Vegas, NM
May 12, 2011: Portales, NM
May 19, 2011: Las Cruces, NM
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Final Report
APS School Success Summit: Measuring Student Learning and Teacher Effectiveness
How should schools, students and teachers be evaluated? The one-day summit facilitated by New Mexico First and sponsored by Albuquerque Public Schools looked at models of evaluation, particularly growth models (that measure students progress over time). Nearly 100 participants learned about different approaches and offered input to Albuquerque Public Schools.
April 26, 2011
Albuquerque
APS School Success Summit Final Report
APS School Success Summit Final Report
Implementation Session: Early Childhood Education and Care
The New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership and New Mexico First organized an implementation session to develop an action plan for aligning existing programs and funding to ensure a comprehensive early childhood care and education system in New Mexico. Invited guests participated in the two-day session to develop an innovative, out-of-the-box implementation plan.
April 20-21, 2011
Santa Fe
Early Childhood Care and Education Background Report
Early Childhood Care and Education Final Report
Summit on Regional Tourism: Policies and Practices
This one-day forum brought together stakeholders from the Albuquerque areas’ tourism industry. The event kicked off a series of working group meetings to develop recommendations for the City of Albuquerque. The recommendations will address the mission and scope of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s mission and scope. The event was attended by about 60 people.
February 28, 2011
Albuquerque
Summit on Regional Tourism: Policies and Practices Background Report
Summit on Regional Tourism: Policies and Practices Final Report
Election 2010: Town Hall Debates
Citizens from each of New Mexico's three congressional districts came together for half-day town halls to develop questions for their congressional candidates. The candidates address those questions during live debates, moderated by Sam Donaldson, and braodcast on public television and radio.
October 9, 2010
Congressional District III, Portales
October 15, 2010
Congressional District I, Albuquerque
October 27, 2010
Congressional District II, Las Cruces
Town Hall 38: Raising the Aspirations of New Mexico Youth
New Mexico First held two-day town halls in four regions around the state to produce recommendations for community-driven plans that support the aspirations of New Mexico youth. The event, titled Raising the Aspirations of New Mexico Youth, brought together a wide range of citizens from 44 New Mexico communities.
May 5-6
Southeast Region in Roswell
May 12-13
Southwest Region in Las Cruces
May 19
Northeast Region in Las Vegas
June 10-11
Central Region in Albuquerque
Town Hall 38: Background Report
Town Hall 38: Final Report
Northern New Mexico Drug Interdiction Summit
New Mexico First organized the Northern New Mexico Drug Interdiction Summit, convened by the City of Espanola and the Office of the State Attorney. The event was attended by 50 people and brought together local, state, tribal, and federal policymakers and elected officials. Attendees also included law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, public and behavioral health administrators, government agency professionals, and technical specialists involved in drug interdiction activities. Participants came from Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties.
February 25, 2010: Espanola, NM
Northern New Mexico Drug Interdiction Summit Background Report
Northern New Mexico Drug Interdiction Summit Final Report
Achievement Gap Solutions Summits
New Mexico First organized a series of summits on eliminating educational achievement gaps. It was convened on behalf of the Office of the Governor and the Public Education Department. The four events were attended by over 400 people from all parts of the state.
October 26, 2009: African American Summit
November 9, 2009: Native American Summit
December 1, 2009: Hispanic-Latino Summit
Achievement Gap Solutions Summit Final Report
United Way of Central New Mexico Strategic Planning Sessions
The United Way of Central New Mexico contracted with New Mexico First to convene a series of four community forums to collect input for the organization's strategic planning process. About 150 people took part in the forums, including business leaders, social service providers, grantees, donors, volunteers, and others.
September 29, 2009
October 1, 2009
October 13, 2009
October 20, 2009
Healthcare Town Hall with U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman
New Mexico First convened a one-day citizen deliberation on federal health care reform. Citizens agreed on a series of questions to be answered by U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman.
August 24, 2009
Albuquerque, NM
Town Hall 37: Growing New Mexico's Energy Economy
New Mexico First convened a statewide town hall on energy policy, producing a total of 18 recommendations. Attended by over 200 people, the event brought together a wide range of citizens from 37 New Mexico communities. They came from small, medium, and large towns representing business, education, tribal, environment, youth, and government interests.
May 14-16, 2009
Ruidoso, NM
Town Hall 37: Background Report
Town Hall 37: Final Report
Partnering for a Healthy Tomorrow: Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease in New Mexico
Over 170 people came together for community forums how to prevent and manage the most common chronic conditions affecting New Mexicans. The events were facilited by New Mexico First, on behalf of the Healthy New Mexico Task Force. Participants included a wide representation of community members and leaders, public health officials, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. (The establishment of the Healthy New Mexico Task Force was influenced by New Mexico First's 2008 statewide town hall on health care reform.)
April 3, 2009
Las Cruces, NM
April 17, 2009
Albuquerque, NM
Partnering for a Healthy Tomorrow: Background Report
Partnering for a Healthy Tomorrow: Final Report
The Business of Healthcare Summit
New Mexico First organized a one-day summit on the Business of Healthcare. It was convened by Thomas C. Taylor, a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives and Minority Leader. The event was attended by 43 New Mexicans and included hospital administrators, physicians and nurses, auxiliary clinical staff and policy analysts and health insurers.
November 21, 2008
Albuquerque
Business of Healthcare Summit Final Report
Election 08 Congressional Town Halls
Over 200 voters throughout the state took part in one of three town halls to discuss key issues in their Congressional race. Participants at each of the three town halls worked together to develop a slate of questions for their Congressional candidates. The town hall preceded the live televised forum where the town hall participants asked the questions developed by the participants.
October 9, 2008
Las Cruces (Congressional District 2)
October 14, 2008
Rio Rancho (Congressional District 3)
October 23, 2008
Albuquerque (Congressional District 1)
Sustainable Transportation: Paying our Way From Here to There
New Mexico First organized a town hall on Sustainable Transportation: Paying Our Way From Here to There. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana, New Mexico, August 7-9 and attended by 150 people. They came from 35 communities and 20 counties in New Mexico and included state policymakers, local leaders and citizens, business and industry leaders, technical specialists, and people with a special interest in transportation. It was convened by New Mexico Board of Nursing and the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence. It was convened by the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Association of Regional Councils.
August 7, 2008
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
Sustainable Transportation: Paying our Way From Here to There: Background Report
Sustainable Transportation: Paying our Way From Here to There: Final Report
Sustainable Transportation: Paying our Way From Here to There: Implementation Team Summary of Result
Town Hall Albuquerque: A Discussion on the Proposed Event Center & Hotel Complex
New Mexico First organized a Town Hall with the 173 Bernalillo County residents who attended Town Hall Albuquerque: A Discussion on the Proposed Event Center and Hotel Complex. It was attended by Covering a wide range of interests, stakeholder groups included individuals representing: tribal issues, development including new construction, governmental and education, arts, culture, and special events, community and environmental issues, lodging and entertainment business retail, restaurant and other small businesses.
July 17, 2008
Albuquerque Convention Center
Town Hall Albuquerque: Proposed Event Center & Hotel Complex Background Report
Town Hall Albuquerque: Proposed Event Center & Hotel Complex Final Report
Moving from Talk to Action: Building Community Plans for a Strong Nursing Workforce
New Mexico First organized six, one-day regional forums called Moving From Talk to Action: Building Community Plans for a Strong Nursing Workforce. The forums were held in the communities of Albuquerque, Clovis, Espanola, Gallup, Las Cruces, and Roswell. The 135 people who attended came from 24 different communities in New Mexico and included state policymakers, community leaders, community health council members, nursing administrators and managers healthcare employers, nursing educators, college and university administrators, and staff nurses from various disciplines. The New Mexicans that participated in the forums made it clear that they are ready to form community action teams and work in collaboration with a state action team to share responsibility for the recommendations that have already been made for nursing education, recruitment, and retention, champion their implementation, and alleviate the nursing shortage. It was convened by New Mexico Board of Nursing and the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence.
June-September 2008
Albuquerque, Roswell, Clovis, Las Cruces, Gallup, Espanola
Moving from Talk to Action: Background Report
Moving from Talk to Action: Final Report
Business as UNusual: A Town Hall on Rural Urban Economic Development
New Mexico First organized Town Hall 36 on Rural Urban Economic Development. The event was attended by 160 people from 37 different communities, and included business owners, farmers, environmentalists, youth, and government officials.
March 27-29, 2008
Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso
Town Hall 36: Background Report
Town Hall 36: Final Report
Looking to the Future: Preparing for the Next Generation in Health Careers
New Mexico First organized the health careers pipeline forum: Looking to the Future: Preparing for the Next Generation of Health Careers. This event was convened by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and the University of New Mexico Hospitals. It brought together 160 people from all parts of the state. Participants included students, educators, and administrators from the secondary and higher education school systems, healthcare employers and practitioners, members of rural and tribal communities, and federal and state policymakers.
May, 2, 2008
Albuquerque
Looking to the Future: Preparing for the Next Generation in Health Careers Background Report
Looking to the Future: Preparing for the Next Generation in Health Careers Final Report
Public Hearings for Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV)
New Mexico First organized Public Hearings for Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV.) Participants at the hearings represented varying perspectives. There were 81 participants, including educators, administrators, parents, business leaders, and interested community members. Participants worked in groups of 10-40 led by a two person facilitation team. Each group explored nine discussion questions that would, by the end of the day, translate into a list of recommendations highlighting top priorities for the New Mexico Public Education Department as it moves forward with the development of the 6-year state plan. The hearings were sponsored by the State of New Mexico Public Education Department.
October 15-17, 2007: Farmington, Alamogordo, Albuquerque
Public Hearings for Carl D. Perkins Career and Tech Report
Climate Change and Water in New Mexico
New Mexico First organized five regional citizen forums held throughout New Mexico. Participants attending the daylong events learned about basic climate change science and developed recommendations for managing the state’s limited water resources. There were 215 registrants, including community members, business leaders, tribal members, environmentalists, farmers, ranchers, people working for water utilities, and teachers. The event was sponsored by National Commission on Energy Policy and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer.
September 16, 2007: Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington, Albuquerque, Las Vegas
Climate Change and Water in New Mexico Background Report
Climate Change and Water in New Mexico Final Report
Town Hall 35: Strengthening New Mexico Healthcare: Access, Coverage and Economics
New Mexico First organized a healthcare related town hall to discuss access, coverage, and economics. Almost 250 people took part in the three-day event, with 135 active participants. These participants developed recommendations about what should be done to strengthen New Mexicans’ healthcare system. This town hall brought together healthcare stakeholders from all parts of the state.
May 3-5, 2007>br/>UNM/Student Union Building, Albuquerque
Town Hall 35: Background Report
Town Hall 35: Final Report and Recommendations
Town Hall 35: Legislative Agenda
Town Hall 35: Legislative Outcomes
Town Hall 34: Today's Students, Tomorrow's Workforce: A Town Hall on Higher Education
A Town Hall on Higher Education was convened by New Mexico First on in Santa Fe. This town hall brought together stakeholders in the areas of higher education and economic development from all parts of New Mexico. Almost 200 people took part in the three-day event, with 122 active participants. These participants developed recommendations about what should be done to prepare New Mexicans to thrive in the 21st century economy.
April 20, 2006
Santa Fe
Town Hall 34: Legislative Agenda
Town Hall 34: Background Report
Town Hall 34: Report and Recommendations
Sustainability: A Town Hall on Albuquerque's Energy Future
Former Mayor Martin J. Chávez welcomed 250 dignitaries, presenters, participants, observers, facilitators and media representatives to a citizens’ forum at the Albuquerque Convention Center to address the City’s energy future “…in an effort to energize our creative and entrepreneurial forces toward ambitious goals for clean, sustainable energy to protect our environment and ensure Albuquerque’s prominence in the 21st Century economy.”
February 23, 2006
Albuquerque
Sustainability: A Town Hall on Albuquerque’s Energy Future Background Report
Sustainability: A Town Hall on Albuquerque’s Energy Future Final Report
Watershed Town Hall
New Mexico First convened the town hall, “Looking to the Future: A Town Hall on New Mexico’s Watersheds and Forests,” on behalf of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute. The purpose of the town hall was to discuss watershed issues and make recommendations to public policy leaders about how best to implement New Mexico’s two most recently adopted statewide strategic plans for watershed management. The town hall was attended by 130 people, including participants, observers, and staff. Participants included environmental activists, farmers and ranchers, representatives of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, government officials, and others who care about watershed issues.
November 28-29, 2005
NMHU, Las Vegas
Watershed Town Hall Background Report
Watershed Town Hall Final Report and Recommendations
Mathematics & Science Town Hall
New Mexico First organized a town hall entitled, “Mathematics & Science Town Hall,” where 100 New Mexicans from diverse backgrounds, including: teachers, higher education faculty, students, scientists, business owners, museum staff, policy leaders, and representatives from large scale mathematics and science initiatives, came together to discuss the future of mathematics and science in New Mexico. The event was conducted on behalf of the NM Partnership for Mathematics and Science Education.
November 17-19, 2005
Glorieta
Mathematics & Science Town Hall Final Report and Recommendations
Town Hall 33: The Management and Future of Federal Investment in New Mexico
New Mexico First organized a town hall to address the issue of federal spending in the state. Participants received presentations on various elements of the topic from 12 very knowledgeable speakers, including the governor. For a period of one and a half days, the participants worked in panels guided by trained facilitators and recorders to reach consensus on overarching strategies, strategic planning strategies, research and technology strategies and economic growth strategies that present opportunities for expanding the uses of our federal resources and diversifying our economy to reduce our relative reliance on federal spending.
April 28-29, 2005
Albuquerque
Town Hall 33: Executive Summary
Town Hall 33: Town Hall Report and Recommendations
Town Hall 32: Growing an Entrepreneurial Economy: Small and Emerging Business in New Mexico
New Mexico First organized a town hall to focused on growing an entrepreneurial economy by using small and emerging business in New Mexico to produce growth. The Town Hall agreed that economic development happens in the private sector and can be supported by government. Certain nongovernmental entities can focus on growing certain businesses with high economic potential.
April 15-17, 2004
Las Cruces
Town Hall 32: Background Report
Town Hall 32: Consensus Document
Town Hall 32: Executive Summary
Town Hall 30: Leading with Integrity: Advancing New Mexico
New Mexico First organized a town hall with more than 70 participants to discuss leadership and integrity and the qualities needed for one to lead successfully. Town hall participants noted that leadership requires passion, modeling ethical and moral behavior, accountability and a commitment for the common good.
March 27-30, 2003
Las Vegas
Town Hall 30: Background Report
Town Hall 30: Consensus Document
Town Hall 30: Executive Summary
Town Hall 29: New Mexico's Energy, Economics and Environment
New Mexico First organized a town hall to revisit the topic of energy; to agree on its interplay with two vital elements: economics and the environment; to use this opportunity to reduce the gap between the opposing views on the subject; and to find positive solutions to the challenges posed by these issues.
November 14, 2002
Carlsbad
Town Hall 29: Background Report
Town Hall 29: Consensus Document
Town Hall 29: Executive Summary
Town Hall 28: New Mexico's Water: Perceptions, Reality and Imperatives
New Mexico First organized a town hall to agree on principles and priorities and to recommend actions for the protection and management of the state’s water resources. Establishing a framework for policy decisions that involve tough, value-laden trade-offs is an urgent imperative, as is identifying specific institutional, technological and behavioral changes that will optimize the availability and quality of this vital resource.
May 16-19, 2002
Socorro
Town Hall 28: Consensus Document
Town Hall 28: Executive Summary
Town Hall 27: New Mexico's Border with Mexico: Creating a Viable Agenda for Growth
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss New Mexico's border with Mexico, strategies for relations with Mexico, and potential public policy implications. The Town Hall expressed a need to achieve a shared vision that investing in the border is good for the entire state of New Mexico in its efforts to become a leader in border development.
November 1-4, 2001
Las Cruces
Town Hall 27: Background Report
Town Hall 27: Consensus Document
Town Hall 27: Executive Summary
Town Hall 26: New Mexico Taxes: Taking Another Look
New Mexico First organized a town hall to take another look at New Mexico’s major tax system and make recommendations for improvement.
May 3-6, 2001
Angel Fire
Town Hall 26: Consensus Document
Town Hall 26: Executive Summary
Town Hall 25: New Mexico's Options for 21st Century Sustainable Economic Growth & Prosperity
New Mexico First organized a town hall to look at New Mexico’s options for twenty-first century sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
November 9-12, 2000
Albuquerque
Town Hall 24: New Mexico's Energy Future
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss energy as a integral component of the lifeblood of New Mexico’s job producing economy.
June 1-4, 2000
Farmington
Town Hall 24: Consensus Document
Town Hall 24: Executive Summary
APS Town Hall
New Mexico First organized a town hall where 125 participants and observers convened at the University of New Mexico to address whether Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) should be deconsolidated or otherwise restructured. Town Hall participants included teachers and other educators, administrators, parents, students, and business and community members. The town hall was conducted on behalf of the NM Legislative Education Study Committee.
September 22-24, 2005: UNM/Student Union Building, Albuquerque
APS Town Hall Background Report
APS Town Hall Final Report and Recommendations
Town Hall 23: Twenty-First Century Healthcare in New Mexico: Constructing a Rational Plan
New Mexico first organized a town hall to discuss the basic level of healthcare that should be available to all New Mexicans; the levels of responsibility of the key partners in providing and paying for this basic care; what needs to happen in order for all New Mexicans to access this care both financially and physically; and underlying values, goals and solutions.
October 21-24, 1999
Las Cruces
Town Hall 23: Background Report
Town Hall 23: Consensus Document
Town Hall 23: Executive Summary
Town Hall 22: K-12 Education in New Mexico: Benchmarks for the New Millennium
New Mexico First organized a town hall which focused on the NM educational system, our children and improvements that need to be made to schools around the state.
June 3-6, 1999
Taos
Town Hall 22: Executive Summary
Town Hall 21: American Indians in New Mexico and Their Neighbors: Building Bridges of Understanding
New Mexico First organized a town hall to explore the state of relations between Indians and their non-Indian neighbors, and to identify ways to overcome challenges to achieving better relations.
June 4-7, 1998
Albuquerque
Town Hall 21: Consensus Document
Town Hall 21: Executive Summary
Town Hall 20: Integrated Regional Transportation
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discussthe possibilities of creating an intergrade regional transportation system.
October 23, 1997
Gallup
Town Hall 20: Consensus Report
Town Hall 20: Executive Summary
Town Hall 19: Managing New Mexico Land and Water Resources for the Best Use: Now and Through 2020
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss the importance of planning for New Mexico’s water and land use demands.
June 26-29, 1997
Albuquerque
Town Hall 19: Background Report
Town Hall 19: Consensus Document
Town Hall 19: Executive Summary
Town Hall 18: On Youth By Youth
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss the problems New Mexico’s education program and the dropouts it is producing, irresponsible teenage pregnancy, New Mexico’s drug and substance abuse problem and crime and violence among youth. More than 90 percent of the participants were youth. The youth participants ranged in age from 12 to 21 and represented the diversity of culture in New Mexico.
October 24-27, 1996
Glorieta
Town Hall 18: Consensus Document
Town Hall 18: Executive Summary
Town Hall 17: Strategic Planning New Mexico's Future
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss the challenge of creating a collective vision for New Mexico's future.
June 20-23, 1996
Taos
Town Hall 17: Background Report
Town Hall 17: Consensus Document
Town Hall 17: Executive Summary
Town Hall 16: Crime, Corrections & the Law in New Mexico
New Mexico First organized a town hall that was sponsored in part by the City of Farmington. Over 80 New Mexicans, representing our diverse population and including criminal and juvenile justice professionals and citizens impacted and affected by crime and the criminal and juvenile justice system, met to address the issue of "Crime, Corrections and the Law in New Mexico."
October 26-29, 1995
Farmington
Town Hall 16: Consensus Document
Town Hall 16: Executive Summary
Town Hall 15: Partnerships for Progress/Regional Trade
New Mexico First organized a town hall to discuss commerce between the United States and Mexico. To explore the obstacles and opportunities surrounding cross-border trade in this region, New Mexico First convened its first-ever town hall involving participants of states other than New Mexico. The unique gathering brought more than 120 participants from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Chihuahua and Sonora.
May 31-June 3, 1995
Albuquerque
Town Hall 15: Consensus Document
Town Hall 15: Executive Summary
Town Hall 14: The Structure of Government in NM
November 10–13, 1994
Roswell
Town Hall 13: Economic Development in New Mexico: What are the Goals?
April 28–May 1, 1994
Angel Fire
Town Hall 12: Breaking Down the Barriers: Cultural Sensitivity in New Mexico
October 14-17, 1993
Las Cruces
Town Hall 11: Children and Their Families in NM
April 15-18, 1993
Farmington
Town Hall 10: Government Expenditures in NM
November 12-15, 1992
Gallup
Town Hall 9: Financing New Mexico Government
April 30–May 3, 1992
Angel Fire
Town Hall 8: Infrastructure: To Build A State
October 10-13, 1991
Las Cruces
Town Hall 7: Healthcare: Rights and Privileges
October 25-28, 1990
Mescalero
Town Hall 6: New Mexico's Environment
May 3-6, 1990
Gallup
Town Hall 5: Beyond Survival: Public Education in New Mexico
October 12-15, 1989
Mescalero
Town Hall 4: Beyond Survival: Public Education in New Mexico
April 30 - May 3, 1989: Las Cruces
Town Hall 3: Higher Education in New Mexico
October 12-15, 1988: Gallup
Town Hall 2: Water: Lifeblood of New Mexico
May 15-18, 1988
Angel Fire
Town Hall 1: The Marketing of New Mexico
October 25-28, 1987
Ruidoso
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Government Ethics and Transparency Key Focus, 2019 Legislative Session
25-Apr-2019 -
New Mexico First Announces Award Recipients in Bipartisan Collaboration, Journalistic Excellence, Civic Leadership and Lifetime Achievement
16-Apr-2019 -
Heather Balas Leaving New Mexico First for Foundation
12-Apr-2019 -
2019 Legislative Outcomes: New Mexico First Successfully Advances Consensus-Driven Legislative Priorities
21-Mar-2019
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Balas joins Thornburg Foundation
22-Apr-2019 -
Balas joins Thornburg Foundation
22-Apr-2019 -
Longtime New Mexico First Executive leaving for Foundation
16-Apr-2019 -
New Mexico First director leaving for Thornburg Foundation
16-Apr-2019 -
NMID’s Trip Jennings receives NM First award for excellence
16-Apr-2019 -
On heels of town hall, New Mexico First seeks to stabilize what’s working in higher ed
14-Jan-2019 -
New Mexico First Town Hall: Bill looks to put money back into college fund
04-Jan-2019 -
Lujan Grisham names transition team for environment, energy and water
17-Dec-2018 -
Editorial: State ethics commission must do its work in public
07-Dec-2018 -
Let’s make sure the ethics commission is strong
13-Nov-2018 -
Vote 4 NM: Understanding constitutional amendment 2
05-Nov-2018 -
Artesia Daily Press: Candidates answer state’s policy concerns
22-Oct-2018 -
Candidates answer New Mexicans’ policy concerns in live debate
22-Oct-2018 -
Hobbs News-Sun: Candidates answer state’s policy concerns
22-Oct-2018 -
Candidates address New Mexicans’ policy concerns in live debate
18-Oct-2018 -
Candidates Answer New Mexicans’ Policy Concerns in Live Debate
18-Oct-2018 -
Candidates for governor answer smart questions from New Mexicans
17-Oct-2018 -
Watch: Lujan Grisham, Pearce highlight differences in KOB 4 gubernatorial debate
17-Oct-2018 -
Placitas still struggling with feral horse debate
16-Oct-2018 -
New Mexico First Taskforce News: Fiery debate erupts over growing wild horse population
05-Oct-2018 -
Will citizen involvement make the difference in Albuquerque?
17-Aug-2018 -
Q&A: House District 20 candidate Jim Dines
04-Oct-2018 -
Lawmakers get started on ethics commission enabling legislation
27-Sep-2018 -
Webinar: The Connection between Health and Wealth in New Mexico
17-Aug-2018 -
City hopes to gain public input during One Albuquerque Goals Summit
01-Aug-2018 -
Residents give their say on how tax dollars should be spent
01-Aug-2018 -
City seeks your ideas at 2018 Goals Summit
17-Aug-2018 -
Doña Ana County workforce plan ready to view
01-Jun-2018 -
New Mexico First Releases Town Hall Findings
01-Jun-2018 -
Wake Up Call, host Ellen Lockyer speaks with New Mexico First on Education Town Hall
01-Jun-2018 -
Statewide town hall: education ‘urgently needed’ to turn around state’s poverty rate
21-May-2018 -
Maximizing higher education's role in growing economy
03-May-2018 -
Higher education town hall: graduates must be career-ready
23-Apr-2018 -
Town hall discusses workforce, education
19-Apr-2018 -
New Mexico First Town Hall: Strengthening Higher Education
10-Apr-2018 -
Local leaders debate water with statewide peers
19-Dec-2017 -
Delayed start, more sleep, may still be an option at high school
18-Dec-2017 -
Los Alamos High cleared to try later start time
18-Dec-2017 -
No change for LAPS start time
18-Dec-2017 -
New Mexico Water Dialogue posts report from New Mexico First Town Hall on Water Planning 2017
17-Aug-2018 -
School start time debate set for Tuesday
11-Dec-2017 -
Options proposed to late start time at high school
01-Dec-2017 -
Later high school start times mulled
03-Nov-2017 -
School community to debate later start times
31-Oct-2017 -
Editorial: Voters shared concerns on crime at town hall
02-Oct-2017 -
Albuquerque residents' questions for mayoral candidates
27-Sep-2017 -
YouTube: KOB and New Mexico First Town Hall Debate
25-Sep-2017 -
Watch the #abq4ward Mayoral Town Hall in full
19-Sep-2017 -
Community part of process for tonight's #abq4ward Mayoral Town Hall
15-Sep-2017 -
Interim Legislative Water and Natural Resources Committee meets in Silver City
21-Sep-2017 -
YouTube: Mayoral Town Hall Participant Interview
05-Jun-2018 -
New Mexico's education plan one of first federally approved
15-Aug-2017 -
How to run a ranch; from outfitting to cow innards, teens learn the ropes
18-Jul-2017 -
Rep. Garcia Richard Receives Bipartisanship Award
14-Jun-2017 -
Communication key to bridging partisan divide, ex-senators say
08-Jun-2017 -
Albuquerque Journal: Former leaders of U.S. Senate to address gridlock: Tom Daschle and Trent Lott in ABQ
06-Jun-2017 -
Crisis Point: Advancing Healthy Politics in New Mexico
15-Jun-2017 -
Bipartisanship - It's Not a Four-Letter Word
05-Jun-2017 -
Bipartisanship Event to Find Solutions to State’s Challenges
15-Jun-2017 -
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Advancing healthy politics
19-May-2017 -
Bipartisanship is the solution to our state’s challenges
17-May-2017 -
Bipartisanship: The anecdote to politics fatigue and solving our state’s challenges
17-May-2017 -
New Mexico First Announces Spirit Of Bipartisanship Award Recipients
30-May-2017 -
Comcast Newsmakers: New Mexico First Bringing The Community Together
28-Apr-2017 -
NM agriculture facing unprecedented challenges
03-Apr-2017 -
NMSU receives Kellogg, Thornburg funds for agricultural resilience study
22-Mar-2017 -
Education chief pushes change in teacher evaluations
28-Jan-2017 -
NMPolitics.net: Ethics commission focus group findings released
11-Jan-2017 -
Lawmakers: OK an ethics commission or face a ferocious backlash
11-Jan-2017 -
Bipartisanship Event to Find Solutions to State’s Challenges
30-May-2017 -
Report from New Mexico First Town Hall on Water Planning 2017
17-Aug-2018
