Pub. 17 2020 Issue 2

Issue 2 • 2020 15 O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S — H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Albuquerque: 505-843-9232 | Las Cruces: 575-524-6830 El Paso: 915-500-1055 | www.ELCDC.com Enchantment Land CDC is a local non-profit that assists in the growth and development of small businesses in New Mexico and El Paso, offering local expertise and local decisions on SBA 504 loans. Empowering the Local Economy businesses face mounting pressure should be directed instead at the absolute failure of the federal government to provide further stimulus payments to individuals and, in the most de- finitive way possible, prioritizing corporations and billionaires over everything else, most notably small business. Despite the current difficulties, there is a reason for op- timism locally. Governor Lujan Grisham is continuing to emphasize film and television production as a burgeoning in- dustry in the state. She is correct to do so, as the industry has overwhelming popularity in the state, with over 70% of New Mexicans recently polled having a favorable view of it. During the fiscal year 2019, direct spending from the film industry was $525.5 million, a record high for the state. The Governor is savvy to identify film and television production as a dynam- ic and evolving industry that can be sustained in the future. While the industry has been shut down during the pan- demic, the governor has had her eye on the ball, restarting the Council on Film and Media Industries, which has been dormant for over a decade. The chairman of the council, James Gollin, said the industry is positioned to recover quickly following the COVID shutdown and is flexible in its working methods: “If we can avoid the obvious roadblocks and bottlenecks, the industry can rapidly double in size and then more slowly double again, supporting ancillary industries, and helping lead the way towards a more sustainable and diversified economy that will benefit all New Mexicans.” Amber Dodson, the director of the New Mexico Film Office, is equally optimistic about the path of the state and the industry: “Our film industry is on a high-growth trajectory and the new council will ensure that New Mexico will continue to be ahead of the curve, deft, strategic, and even more prosperous.” While this is an incredibly difficult time in this country, New Mexico is in a position to build a sustainable, dynamic economy for the future. It is becoming increasingly apparent that we are at a transformational point in American history. People are thinking about deeper systemic issues more than at any point during my lifetime; they’re thinking about how the economy is fundamentally structured, what can be done to ameliorate systemic inequality, and what policies are best to carry that vision out. Governor Lujan Grisham, while having to make difficult decisions, has kept her eye on sustaining New Mexico economically in the future. While there will always be disagreements about a myriad of issues, I believe that the state is on an upward trajectory. The states that will emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic stronger than before are the ones that have their eyes to the future and that are looking to spot economic and social trends before they become conven- tional wisdom. Under current leadership, I believe that this state is better positioned to do so than at any point that I can remember. While the coronavirus pandemic has taken an enormous toll on this nation, having a reason for optimism is essential to maintaining societal well-being and participation. New Mexicans should be heartened that their state leadership has shown composure, intelligence and an eye toward future economic opportunities during this society-changing time. n