Economic Development

Economic Development: Blending Cultures, Art, Technology, And Place

Santa Fe County combines native culture with diverse colorful communities; that include the oldest capital city in the USA and the Historic Village of Agua Fria. Our county is full of wide open spaces and trails, expansive vistas, and some of the best sunsets you will ever see. For Santa Fe County residents and visitors, this creates the special quality of life we all appreciate.

Economic Development in Santa Fe County requires a resilient infrastructure that promotes affordable housing programs, a vibrant local food system, and connectivity through broadband.

The County also recognizes the need for occupational diversity and an educated, trained and responsive workforce with skills in emerging industries like green technologies. Santa Fe County is a partner in programs with the Santa Fe Community College and others to address this critical need.

While the County is open to working with all, our economic development objectives and target industries are centered upon businesses and agencies supporting the following:

• Strong and resilient infrastructure through broadband and affordable housing programs
• Green Industry- Renewable Energy and Water Conservation
• Arts and Culture
• Film/Media
• Local Agriculture promoting food security and resilience
• Ecotourism and Outdoor Recreation
• Business Development/Expansion/Retention
• Regional Partnerships
• Workforce training and development 

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Industry Highlight

Outdoor Recreation
Santa Fe County has it all in abundance. Widely recognized for its unrivaled mountain scenery in a stunning high desert landscape, the spectacular terrain of Santa Fe County is the perfect setting for world-class hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing opportunities. Four acclaimed golf courses tempt golfers, and with over 300 days of sunshine, outdoor fun is assured.

Santa Fe County is committed to enhancing outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities and to grow Santa Fe as a mountain biking destination. Santa Fe County has invested millions in building and enhancing trail infrastructure, working to improve and expand the nearly 200 miles of trails available throughout the County.

Santa Fe Recognized as Silver Level Ride Center    

Santa Fe County is a mecca for mountain bikers, ranked by USA Today as one of the country’s top mountain biking towns and a Silver-Level Ride Center designation by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The Ride Center designation represents IMBA's recognition of large-scale mountain bike destinations that offer a wide range of great trails for every riding style.

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Interested in learning more about Santa Fe County and Santa Fe County Economic Development?

Please see the contact information below. Additionally, you can find helpful demographic and labor market information under the "More Links" tab on the side of the page. 

Contact Information
For more information on Santa Fe County Economic Development, please contact

Chris Hyer, Economic Development Manager at (505) 995-2728; email: [bot protected email address] or

Alex Fitzgerald, Economic Development Specialist at (505) 986-6349; email: [bot protected email address] 

Please subscribe to the Santa Fe County Economic Development email list for periodic updates and information concerning economic development projects and opportunities.

For more information on Santa Fe County's economic goals and focus areas, please see the links below: 

Economic Development Plan

• Economic Development Plan
• Economic Development Plan Appendix
• Ordinance 2014-7 (Ordinance Approving The 2014 Economic Development Plan)
• Santa Fe County Economic Development Ecosystem partners

REDI Northern New Mexico Economic Development Initiative

Visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department »