Enchanting Economics in New Mexico UNM BBER

Season 3 of Enchanting Economics begins with a discussion about the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Oil Conservation Division. This understaffed and underfunded group has the potential to inject millions into New Mexico's economy, not to mention help clean and protect our environment. For more information on the department, visit its official website at www.emnrd.nm.gov. Also, check out the preliminary impact analysis BBER did on the OCD at bber.unm.edu

We chat with Economic FORUM of Albuquerque Executive Director Bob Murphy and Chair of the Board Michelle Coons about his impending retirement and the future of the group.

Economic Forum of Albuquerque website

Acting BBER Director Michael O'Donnell gives quarterly presentations to its economic forecast (FOR-UNM) subscribers. This episode is a snippet of his 2021Q3 discussion from Aug. 6, where he recaps New Mexico's recent performance as well as presents a portion of his forecast.

NMMainStreet Director Daniel Gutierrez talks about the different ways they are helping our communities rebuild and restore to make economic successes.   

Visit www.nmmainstreet.org for more information on the different programs NMMainStreet offers and how you can make a difference in your community.

BBER Director Michael "Mo" O'Donnell explains the current struggle plaguing New Mexico's workforce. Hear why people are hesitant to return to work, why businesses are struggling to hire staff, what industries are still hurting and who's recovering from the recent pandemic-induced recession.  

To view local media coverage with quotes from Mo, visit bber.unm.edu/news

Sonja Unrau, Community Relations Manager for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, and BBER Data Bank Manager Suzan Reagan run the gamut of housing in the Land of Enchantment. We discuss how MFA gets its data, how it targets specific areas of New Mexico to assess the community's needs, as well as what it is actively doing to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

If you or someone you know needs help with rent, visit Rental Help New Mexico (renthelpnm.org) | The state of New Mexico will grant $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

For more on MFA, visit its website at MFA Housing New Mexico (housingnm.org)