CENTER FOR CIVIC POLICY
Building Opportunity for Working Families
Putting workers and communities at the forefront of building a diverse and healthy economy.
The Center for Civic Policy is proud to work within two powerful coalitions—EmPower NM and Power Up BernCo —to fight for economic policies that put working families first, not just corporations.
EmPower NM worked with Doña Ana County leaders to establish a Workforce Development Advisory Committee and Workforce Development Fund using revenues from Project Jupiter. These efforts ensure that Doña Ana County and New Mexico residents—especially from disadvantaged communities—can access good jobs and careers from Project Jupiter.
The Advisory Committee brings together workforce training providers and community organizations, including EmPower members NM CAFé and The Semilla Project. They will coordinate training efforts, identify barriers for disadvantaged residents, and recommend initiatives to close those gaps.
Through these coalitions, the Center for Civic Policy supports diverse community voices demanding economic policies that create pathways to good jobs for New Mexicans who have too long been excluded from opportunity. This work proves what’s possible when communities organize and fight together.
Power Up BernCo brought together residents across the county for a 9-month community engagement effort—the most public input on economic development in the county’s history. Residents made it clear: economic development investments should deliver real benefits to communities, not corporate handouts with no strings attached.
The campaign won a major victory when Bernalillo County approved the Community Benefits Resolution. This requires companies seeking public subsidies to show measurable returns for taxpayers. The resolution creates:
- A Community Benefits Rubric tying incentives to local hiring, small business investment, and sustainability
- A Community Benefits Fund that subsidized companies must contribute to
- An Economic Development Citizen Advisory Committee for ongoing oversight
Clear Horizons Act
New Mexico has what it takes to build a land of opportunity for our families. Opportunities to live and work in a state with clean air, land, and water for generations to come. Our hardworking New Mexico families deserve to be treated with respect and care, especially by companies and industries that can afford to do more to lower pollution and create a healthier environment. This year, CCP is supporting three bills with the goal of putting the health and well-being of our communities first, these bills include the Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefits Fund, and Innovation in Government Act.