New Mexico’s future economy depends on whether we are preparing the next generation to participate in it, and current trends are raising serious concerns.
Recent reports show approximately 32,000 New Mexicans ages 16–24 are neither working nor enrolled in school. That means thousands of young adults are disconnected from the workforce, education, and long-term economic opportunity.
For businesses across the state, this directly affects workforce availability, economic growth, productivity, and New Mexico’s ability to compete for investment and job creation.
A strong economy requires a dependable, ready-to-work talent pipeline. Yet employers across New Mexico continue reporting difficulty finding and retaining qualified workers while tens of thousands of young people remain outside both education and employment systems.
Legislative Accountability Matters
Legislators control funding for public education, workforce readiness, and career training programs. Taxpayers are investing billions into these systems, but the outcomes are not meeting expectations.
When 32,000 young adults are not at work or school, accountability matters.
Every seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives is on the ballot this November. Voters have an opportunity to evaluate whether current leadership is producing measurable results and supporting policies that strengthen both businesses and the future workforce.
Strong Workforce = Strong New Mexico
New Mexico’s families, employers, and communities deserve policies that reconnect young people to education, employment, and long-term opportunity.
Workforce participation, education outcomes, and economic competitiveness are directly tied to the future strength of our state. Reconnecting young adults to meaningful opportunity is not optional — it is essential for long-term economic stability and growth.
As always, staying informed and engaged is critical to shaping New Mexico’s future business climate and workforce.
Read the full NMBC update here:
http://nmbizcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NMBC-Email-5-6-26-compressed.pdf