Sunland Park, New Mexico

SUNLAND PARK , NEW MEX I CO amount of illegal dumping that occurs, given its location at the edge of a desert. Perea acknowledges that the initiatives have helped but there is still a lot to be done, especially with the recycling program, as the community grows. Sunland Park continues to work with the Economic Development Department for the State of New Mexico, which helps the city by facilitating the use of financing mechanisms, such as industrial revenue bonds, local economic development act funding. In addition, the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance has been instrumental in recruiting companies to the area, in particular, with Stampede Meat that opened last year, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the community. And the Border Industrial Association has been working tirelessly to further develop the industrial parks just outside the City of Sunland Park. Having already run out of space, they’re expanding their parks to fit in more companies. Among other large entities, Union Pacific just invested $500 million in an intermodal facility in nearby Santa Teresa. “I like to think of Sunland Park as a diamond in the rough,” Perea reflects. “A growing community that’s been through a lot in the past, but with the right leadership and the right attitude going forward, the city is going to transform over the next 10, 15, 20 years. I’m happy to be representing Sunland Park, today, and I hope when people come to visit us, they can see true potential in being a part of our community.” Marquez chimes in with her own thoughts, “I believe there are limitless, unrealized opportunities in Sunland Park. It’s a blank slate poised for explosive, controlled growth. We are in the perfect location; we’re just waiting for the right mix of groups, companies, and residents to find us, and join us, and grow with us. Because the city really is special.”