Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has announced the launch of the Campaign for Growth, an initiative aimed at creating 1,000 new jobs in the city by 2028. The plan focuses on supporting local businesses and workforce development to reach its employment target.
“Albuquerque’s strength has always been our people,” said Keller. “Through initiatives like Job Training Albuquerque and the Small Business Office, we’re supplying the tools to succeed and driving our goal of creating 1,000 new jobs by 2028.”
The campaign emphasizes efforts to support workers, foster small business growth, and encourage sustainable economic development. The city plans to invest in high-growth industries such as film, technology, quantum computing, biosciences, aerospace, and tourism. City officials point to Albuquerque’s diverse population, affordable housing options, outdoor amenities, and cultural attractions as factors that attract both professionals and businesses.
“Our goal is not just to imagine a stronger future but to build it,” said Economic Development Director Max Gruner. “Through the Campaign for Growth, we are aligning our workforce, business community, and industry partners to help Albuquerque continue to thrive.”
The Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) program has played a key role since its inception in 2020. It has provided more than 3,500 workers with skills needed for employment and partnered with nearly 400 local businesses. According to city data, JTA has contributed to the creation of over 1,500 jobs and increased annual earning power by more than $78 million while achieving an average wage growth of 26 percent. The program also aims for inclusivity by expanding opportunities for women-, minority-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Business owners have noted positive impacts from these programs. Joseph Wojcik, owner of Powerhouse Electric, said: “I was going to take the course no matter what, but the funding from JTA allowed me to enroll and complete the program sooner than I had planned. There was not one thing about it that didn’t benefit me or my business.”
Since July 2023, Albuquerque’s Small Business Office has supported nearly 1,900 businesses and over 400 entrepreneurs through events and financial assistance. The office organized 45 events designed to strengthen the local business environment and awarded $200,000 in repair grants that benefited dozens of local companies. The office recently received recognition from New Mexico IDEA as the inaugural recipient of the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award.
The city encourages employers seeking expansion or individuals interested in career advancement to access free training programs and small business resources through its website ABQ-Growth.com.
