ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING BUREAU

This bill creates a new Planning Bureau within New Mexico's Economic Development Department to coordinate statewide growth planning. The bureau must collaborate with state agencies (transportation, environment, housing authorities), regional commissions, and tribal nations (upon request) to develop a comprehensive plan focused on jobs, housing, transportation needs, and interagency coordination. It requires the plan to be updated every three years. The bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund to staff the bureau starting in fiscal year 2026, with unspent funds rolling over annually.