Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS)
Forecasted
Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) supports New Mexico communities with economic development projects that create jobs, expand the tax base, and encourage business growth.
Funder: New Mexico Economic Development Department
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Online application) | May 2027 (Presentation materials)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$25,000 per year through a cost-reimbursement contract
Summary: LEADS supports New Mexico community economic development projects that create jobs, expand the tax base, and encourage business growth.
Key Information: Applicants must participate in a public-private economic development effort and have current economic development and business-oriented marketing plans.
Description
Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) is a state-funded program run by the New Mexico Economic Development Department. It supports projects that deliver sustainable, measurable economic outcomes through business recruitment, retention, expansion, and startup activities. The program evolved from the Certified Communities Initiative in fiscal year 2016.
LEADS supports work in business retention and expansion, real estate, technology and entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional strategic planning. Projects must advance the community’s adopted economic development plan and have a defined beginning and end, with an appropriate budget and timeline. The department’s Community, Business and Rural Development team—also known as Regional Representatives—works with communities to identify projects and prepare applications.
