Building Albuquerque’s
Local Workforce and Future

Albuquerque is growing, and we are doing it with purpose.

Mayor Tim Keller’s Campaign for Growth is a bold initiative to create 1,000 net new jobs by 2028, fueled by strategic investment in local businesses and a skilled workforce.

From Job Training Albuquerque to the Small Business Office, the Film Office, and our business retention and expansion efforts — the City of Albuquerque is not just imagining a stronger future. We are actively building it. These programs are designed to empower our workforce, grow our local businesses, and ensure that major investments are just the beginning of long-term, sustainable economic growth.

The Impact So Far

Since 2020, Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) has:

Empowered more than 3,700 workers with job-ready skills

Partnered with nearly 400 local businesses

Helped create over 1,600 new jobs

Generated more than $80 million in annual added earning power

More than 25 percent wage growth

Supported female, minority, and LGBTQ-owned businesses and workers

Since July 2023, the Small Business Office (SBO) has:

A total of 1,861 businesses have received assistance

402 entrepreneurs have been coached to succeed

A total of 45 events have been organized to support our mission

A total of $200,000 in grant funding has been awarded to small businesses for window repairs

A total of 87 businesses across our community received awards

The City of Albuquerque’s Small Business Office (SBO) has been named the inaugural recipient of the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award by New Mexico IDEA, the statewide economic development professional association

Data through September 30, 2025

Real Results from Local Businesses

“All costs covered by the program. I highly recommend this to any small business that needs training for their team.”
Ken Carson, Owner, Nexus Brewery

“It’s a unique experience to be a woman in leadership and it can be really isolating sometimes. This [JTA-funded] course helps us create a little community… Our staff are able to advance their education without worrying about paying for it.”
Natasha Gacinski, Senior Director of Program Operations, Cuidando Los Niños
“I was going to take the course no matter what, but the funding from JTA allowed me to enroll and complete the program sooner than I had planned… There was not one thing about it that didn’t benefit me or my business.”
Joseph Wojcik, Owner, Powerhouse Electric
“As a business owner, if you continue doing the same, you won’t see any change. JTA is going to give you the tools to do that change.”
Ruth Porta, CEO, La Esperanza Childcare Center
“Anytime you invest in your people, you get exponential return. When employees know your company is invested in their growth and development, they return that 100 fold.”
Jack Rudd, VP of Member Contact Center, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union
“The process was easy and stress free… I highly recommend anyone join this program and gain knowledge in career-specific trainings. It shows the program was created to build people up and allows access to education without prerequisites.”
Marissa Canales, Project Coordinator, Catholic Charities

Join the Movement

Whether you are an employer looking to grow or a worker ready to advance, we are here to help.
  • Access free training
  • Connect with local support
  • Strengthen your team and your future

Albuquerque thrives when you do.

Learn more about Job Training Albuquerque
Learn more about the Small Business Office
Explore other Economic Development programs

Why People Choose Albuquerque

Albuquerque attracts skilled workers because it offers what many professionals are looking for today. The city has more affordable housing compared to other metros, access to outdoor recreation year-round, a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, and short commute times. This quality of life helps businesses recruit and retain top talent who want to live and build their future here.

Albuquerque is home to a dynamic, growing workforce that is as diverse as it is resilient. With strategic investments in training, education, and industry alignment, the city is creating strong pipelines of talent across high-growth sectors like film, tech, quantum, biosciences, aerospace, and tourism. Our Economic Development Department is committed to building an inclusive workforce that supports business success and community prosperity. Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or just getting started — Albuquerque is ready to work with you.

Growth Overview PDF