After over four years of spearheading state investments and incentives in various sectors like outdoor recreation, aerospace, film, and venture capital, New Mexico's leading economic development official, Alicia Keyes, is resigning. Her tenure as Secretary of the State Economic Development Department will conclude in mid-July.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commended Keyes' commitment to job growth and economic advancement in the state. While New Mexico has seen a significant drop in unemployment since the pandemic lockdowns, workforce participation remains below the national average.

Keyes expressed her satisfaction in working with New Mexicans across the state to generate better-paying jobs and bolster long-term economic stability.

Appointed in January 2019, Keyes played a crucial role in establishing the state's outdoor recreation office. She also recently contributed to the successful lobbying effort for the creation of a media academy, designed to bolster the local film industry.

Governor Lujan Grisham highlighted the progress made in creating higher-paying jobs under the Local Economic Development Act, which supports infrastructure projects for expanding or relocating businesses. She noted the support for over 8,500 jobs in the past four years.

However, a legislative analysis from late last year revealed that taxpayer-funded incentives don't always yield the projected number of high-quality jobs, and recovery of funds for unmet promises isn't consistent.

Keyes intends to take some time off before exploring private sector opportunities within New Mexico.