Options for Funding Local Library Operations (including Collections) in New Mexico

A study of operating funding options for the 93 local libraries within the New Mexico State Library system, which includes public libraries run by municipalities, counties, non-profit organizations, and Native American tribes. With many libraries having experienced decreasing operating funds since 2007, the authors review several options for funding local library operations, including increased State Library assistance; increased use of GO bonds; increased funding from counties and municipalities; establishing library districts; establishing Quality of Life districts; and collaboration between libraries and arts or cultural organizations. The report is illustrated with tables and graphs; appendices include information on the New Mexico anti-donation clause, a graph with a model for a library district in New York, and references

South Valley Incorporation Feasibility Study (revised)

Determining the financial feasibility of a South Valley municipality requires developing estimates of the revenues that might be raised, and this in turn requires a careful reading of NM statutes to see what the city may be entitled to and what authority it has under state law, as well as estimating the tax bases and the levels of activity against which fees and charges for services will be assessed. It is also critical to determine how much it will cost to provide various municipal services to the South Valley. This study focuses on the costs and revenues associated with operating a municipal government and with identifying and estimating recurring revenues that may be used to meet on-going expenditures

Situating Food Insecurity in a Historic Albuquerque Community: The Whorled Relationship between Food Insecurity and Place

This article examines conceptualizations of the relationship between food insecurity and place. We use an ethnographically inspired and community-engaged approach to situate our analysis of fluid dynamics at work in a community with high levels of food insecurity. We propose that the relationship between place and people’s experience of food insecurity is recursive, dialectical, and “whorled.” This relationship reflects complex, interconnected, and multidimensional processes with consequences for the health of residents. Our research demonstrates the key nature of the health-place nexus by exploring how food insecurity articulates with place in unexpected ways that go beyond discussions of food, food environments, food access, food practices or food systems that have become common in the literature

Lovington MainStreet: Community Economic Assessment

An analysis of economic conditions in Lovington, New Mexico, commissioned for its MainStreet program. The regional trade area surrounding Lovington (as determined by drive time analysis), and its downtown MainStreet district are described and displayed in color maps. Selected demographic, housing, and economic data for both Lovington and Lea County are examined. An analysis of pull factors revealed that Lovington has a net inflow of gross receipt tax revenues, largely due to oil and gas industry revenues. Lovington faces many challenges, including flat population growth, low educational achievement levels, a severe housing shortage, and the volatility of the petroleum industry. The authors recommend diversifying the economic base and attracting more accommodations and retail businesses to the MainStreet district. Illustrated with tables and charts

The Economic Importance of the Arts & Cultural Industries in Bernalillo County (Revised). Part I: Quantification of Economic Impacts

The purpose of this study is to measure the economic impact of arts and cultural industries in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. This research draws upon data from secondary data sources, including a comprehensive set of records of individual employers, and information gathered from primary investigation of the cultural content and revenue sources of nearly 400 businesses and institutions. This study also provides data on the impact of art and cultural activities on public finances, including the city, county and state. All measurements are for calendar year 2004

Economic Impacts of the Anticipated Non-Accreditation of Bernalillo County Levees

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) contracted the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) to estimate the economic impact resulting from levees in Bernalillo County losing FEMA accreditation. The levees are not expected to meet FEMAs post Hurricane Katrina standards. BBER estimates the increased cost of flood insurance for parcels located in the floodplain will likely average about $5.5 million in the first year and$6.2 million a year thereafter. Part 1 of the study describes the current floodplain in Bernalillo County, calculates the net new floodplain, and estimates the increase in flood insurance costs in the new floodplain. Part 2 examines the impacts of development of the net new floodplain. Illustrated with color maps and tables.\u2

Preliminary Analysis: Impacts of the $8.50 Minimum Wage on Santa Fe Businesses, Workers and the Santa Fe Economy (Revised)

This is the preliminary analysis of data relating to the impacts of the $8.50 minimum wage mandated by the Living Wage Ordinance on Santa Fe workers, businesses and the Santa Fe economy. The final report will include a more complete analysis of data collected under this first phase of the research project and a statistical analysis of microdata available after the beginning of 2006

An Inventory and Assessment of Silver City\u27s Arts and Cultural Assets

Despite a high level of organization and integration, the economic impact of arts and cultural (A & C) industries is yet to be fully realized in Silver City, New Mexico. During the period October 2008-April 2009, UNM-BBER conducted an investigation of the A & C economy of Silver City, with a focus on an inventory and assessment of the community\u27s cultural assets. The study was done in three parts: an extensive inventory of the assets of the area\u27s creative economy; a community-based survey of artists, preservationists, retailers, and others engaged in creative industries in Silver City and neighboring communities; and an analysis of the impact and trends of the creative economy. The findings are presented in two main parts; first, an analysis of the social assets of the local creative economy, followed by an analysis of the economic market for A & C industries in the area, including a review of trends during the 1989-2006 period. The report includes tables, graphs, and a sample survey

From community data to research archive: Partnering to increase and sustain capacity within a native organization

Community engagement and participation in academic research is growing in popularity and acceptance. Communities are now routinely engaged and participate in academic research design, implementation and interpretation, but the capacity of communities to conduct their own research is not always a product of these engagement initiatives. This article describes a collaboration between an organisation that supports Native American participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and university researchers to expand the organisation’s capacity to conduct research by creating a searchable database from their organisational records. We discuss how strategic design of a research collaboration can result in infrastructure development that contributes to community capacity