New Mexico Rural Areas Examine Ways to Jumpstart Growth

New Mexico is fighting an outbound migration of the state's population in pursuit of greater economic opportunity. Consider that while New Mexico's population grew an estimated 23.7 percent overall from 1990 to 2003, six of the state's 33 counties experienced a population decline in that period and seven others experienced single digit growth.

Population growth trends are directly related to economic opportunity. New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, with an alarming 28 percent of its youth under 18 living in poverty.

The 2000 U.S. Census actually projects only 12 percent New Mexico population growth between now and 2030 because of perceived limited economic opportunities.

What can New Mexico do to reverse this disturbing migration?

The answer is economic development at its most grassroots level. Many efforts are underway to nurture local entrepreneurship and "grow from within."

Read more here.