Strategic Site Readiness Program

Explore New Mexico’s Site Readiness Program and discover development-ready sites with strategic locations for business growth. Home Programs and Services Communities Strategic Site Readiness Program Strategic Site Readiness Program New Mexico’s Site Readiness Program enhances the state’s capacity to prepare high-value sites for future economic development. The Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness Act authorized the Economic Development Department (EDD) to conduct site characterization studies, designate strategic economic development sites, and fund predevelopment activities that strengthen long-term job creation and investment opportunities across the state. Through the Site Readiness Program, eligible sites may receive a detailed site characterization study from Global Location Strategies (GLS), including a GIS and infrastructure review, and an on‑site assessment to verify conditions, identify strengths and gaps, and provide recommendations to further site readiness. After participating in the site characterization study, sites will be included in EDD’s GIS map under the “Find Your Perfect Site” tab at the top of the page. The Site Selection Map gives you better visibility for sites and for investors and site selectors looking to locate in New Mexico. The most promising and strategic sites may be recommended for designation by an Advisory Committee and approved for designation by the EDD Cabinet Secretary as a State of New Mexico Strategic Site. This designation means those sites are eligible to apply for grant or loan funding to further prepare the site by funding impactful pre-development needs, identified in the site characterization study. The Strategic Site Readiness Program helps communities get sites ready for future development by giving them access to recommendations to make sites development ready.  Start the process by contacting your EDD Regional Representative  Site Readiness Intake Form  Visit the Site Selection Map Frequently Asked Questions Who should apply to be part of New Mexico’s Site Readiness Program? Local and regional governments, economic development organizations (EDOs), and private landowners or developers may be ready to participate in the Site Readiness program if: You or your agency owns a site with clear economic development potential The site needs due diligence or early-stage planning to attract investment You have local support for site development You’re seeking to reduce barriers to business recruitment You want to collaborate with EDD and partner agencies I’m a site owner or site representative; how do I participate in the program? The first step is to fill in the intake form with information about your site. Please fill out ONE intake form per site . EDD staff will be in touch with you if your site is selected for a characterization study. GLS carries out characterization studies in groups every six months. The next group of characterization studies will happen in August 2026. Communities and site representatives interested in preparing a site for future development are also encouraged to connect early with their Regional Representative. Click here to find your EDD regional representative . How long does the site readiness process take from intake to designation? Timelines can vary depending on the number of sites under review and readiness levels. Generally, once a site is selected, characterization studies are completed within six months. After the study is finalized, sites may be considered for designation by the Advisory Committee, which meets quarterly at a minimum with supplemental meetings added as needed. Is there a cost to participate in the Site Readiness Program? There is no cost for publicly owned selected sites to receive a characterization study through the program. For privately owned sites, there is a flat participation cost of $1,000. What are the st

Through the Site Readiness Program, eligible sites may receive a detailed site characterization study from Global Location Strategies (GLS), including a GIS and infrastructure review, and an on‑site assessment to verify conditions, identify strengths and gaps, and provide recommendations to further site readiness. After participating in the site characterization study, sites will be included in EDD’s GIS map under the “Find Your Perfect Site” tab at the top of the page. The Site Selection Map gives you better visibility for sites and for investors and site selectors looking to locate in New Mexico.