Binational Synergy: The Economic Advantage of Cross-Border Collaboration

A border town that is key to the agricultural and manufacturing sector

Deming, New Mexico, is just 20 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. It is shaped by its binational connections, thriving agricultural sector, and expanding manufacturing base. Its proximity to the border fosters a unique cultural and economic synergy with a fluid workforce between nations and industries.

Home to approximately 14,000 residents, with another 11,000 in the surrounding county, Deming benefits from a truly international dynamic that influences business, education, and community life. With a strong commitment to sustainable growth and strategic development, the city is focused on leveraging its geographic advantage to create new opportunities for businesses and residents.

“Our long-term vision is to grow from within,” says Cassie Arias-Ward, Economic Development Coordinator. “That means supporting our existing industry—especially in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing—while creating opportunities for both retention and recruitment of families.”

Supply chain strength

Agriculture remains one of Deming’s economic pillars, with large-scale production of crops such as green chilies, onions, pecans, and cotton. The city is home to Olam Food Ingredients, the world’s largest green chili and jalapeno processor, supplying major food distributors nationwide. The region’s warm climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for high-yield farming, supporting small family farms and large agricultural enterprises. Irrigation infrastructure from the  Mimbres Basin and regional aquifers further enhances productivity, ensuring a steady supply for processing facilities and markets across the country.

Manufacturing in Deming is equally robust, focusing on food processing, packaging, and renewable energy components. The city’s strategic location along major transportation corridors facilitates efficient supply chain management. Lescombes Family Vineyards, New Mexico’s largest winery, operates its bottling facility in Deming, producing various wines distributed across the Southwest and beyond. In addition to food-related manufacturing, the city has seen an increase in interest from solar energy companies, capitalizing on the area’s 340 days of sunshine annually.

With one of the region’s 24-hour crossing, Deming benefits from a demographic often unnoticed in conventional economic reports. “We have 800 U.S. citizen students who cross the border daily to attend school here,” Ward notes. “It’s a truly binational community, which makes our workforce unique.” The port facilitates the movement of raw agricultural goods and finished products, allowing businesses in Deming to trade with Mexico and other U.S. markets efficiently.

Driving industrial growth

Deming’s geographical advantage plays a crucial role in attracting businesses. Positioned as the midpoint between Los Angeles/Long Beach and Houston ports, the city offers a logistical edge that can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. “We market our strengths as ‘place, price, and profit,’” Ward explains. “We have access to air, rail, and interstate transport, making it easier for companies to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively.”

The city owns a 1,400-foot rail spur in its northern industrial park, which features 1,500 acres of developable land. This infrastructure allows for direct rail connectivity, making it ideal for food processing, logistics, and manufacturing companies that require efficient transportation of raw materials and finished products. Deming is also positioned along Interstate 10, a central east-west corridor connecting California to Florida, offering businesses prime access to key U.S. markets.

Improving mobility and accessibility

Significant infrastructure projects are underway to enhance Deming’s livability and economic potential. One of the city’s major projects is the Gold Street Road Diet, which aims to reduce traffic lanes from four to two, allowing for expanded sidewalks, ADA-accessible parking, and improved pedestrian safety. “This phase is expected to be completed by Q4 in 2025,” Azucena Vargas, Community Services Director, states.

Another key initiative is modernizing traffic signals throughout the city, with upgrades at intersections, including Cedar and Gold Street, Pine Street and Gold, Spruce and Gold, and Ash and Gold Street. These enhancements improve traffic flow and accommodate the city’s growing transportation needs.

Investing in green spaces

Deming has also made substantial investments in public parks and recreational facilities. A $390,000 grant was recently secured to enhance Trees Lake, a manmade lake that serves as a hub for outdoor activities. “This grant will allow us to stabilize walking paths, install new play features, and add shade structures, accommodating people of all ages,” Vargas explains.

Further improvements include new basketball courts and the expansion of the inflatable water park, which will soon feature permanent restrooms and concession stands. The lake’s proximity to the recently acquired golf course and the Starmax Entertainment Center has positioned it as a key anchor in Deming’s growing entertainment district.

Aviation expansion

Deming is in the early stages of planning extensive improvements to its municipal airport, home to the longest runway in New Mexico at 8,018 feet. “We’re looking to widen the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which will allow us to attract aerospace and engineering industries,” Ward shares. “This is a major step toward diversifying our economy beyond agriculture and manufacturing.”

The proposed expansion includes upgrades to airport infrastructure, such as lighting, taxiways, and fueling facilities, to accommodate larger aircraft. Additionally, the city is working with state and federal agencies to secure funding for advanced navigational systems that will enhance safety and operational efficiency. These improvements will position Deming as a regional hub for aviation-related industries, including aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and aerospace manufacturing.

Growing visitor economy

Tourism is another vital component of Deming’s economic landscape, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. “We built Trees Lake to attract some of the 30,000 vehicles that pass through the I-10 corridor daily,” Ward notes. “It has become a recreational focal point, offering walking paths, bird-watching stations, and an inflatable water park that enhances local and visitor engagement.”

Additionally, Deming is home to Rockhound State Park, one of the few parks in the U.S. that allows visitors to collect rocks and minerals, making it a significant draw for geology enthusiasts. City of Rocks State Park, known for its unique volcanic rock formations, offers breathtaking landscapes and stargazing opportunities. Meanwhile, Pancho Villa State Park highlights the area’s role in U.S.-Mexico relations, featuring exhibits on the infamous raid led by Pancho Villa in 1916.

Annual events and attractions

Deming is home to several signature events that attract visitors from across the country. The Great American Duck Races, a tradition spanning more than 40 years, sees participants race live ducks in a nod to the city’s historically abundant water supply.

Another major draw is the Deming Gem and Mineral Show, which welcomes international visitors eager to explore the region’s geological riches. The city also celebrates its vibrant culture through events like the Salsa Festival, the Annual Rodeo, and the Annual Golf Tournament, which attracts over 300 participants. Aviation enthusiasts look forward to the Fly-In Event, where private aircraft pilots offer free airplane rides to local youth, fostering an early interest in aviation careers.

Meeting regional workforce needs

Deming is working closely with Western New Mexico University, New Mexico State’s Arrowhead Center, and Doña Ana Community College to develop targeted training programs that address the region’s evolving workforce needs. “We’re focusing on certificates in food processing, manufacturing, CDL training, forklift operation, and welding to align with industry demands,” Ward says. “These programs ensure that new workers and those looking to reskill have access to relevant education and training.”

In addition to technical certifications, Deming invests in workforce pipeline development through high school partnerships and apprenticeship programs. The city collaborates with local schools to introduce career readiness programs, exposing students to agriculture, manufacturing, and trade opportunities. High school students have access to early college credit programs and internship placements with local employers, giving them a head start in their careers.

Partnerships with America’s Job Center and local employers help bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness, ensuring students have direct pathways into stable careers. “We’re working to ensure that our local workforce is trained and ready for job opportunities in Deming and the surrounding region,” Ward adds. “By connecting businesses with skilled talent, we’re strengthening our economy and community.”

Progress in public safety and healthcare

Public safety and healthcare are also top priorities. The city is renovating the old City Hall building to house the Deming Police Department, a project currently in the design phase. The new facility will provide updated technology, improved dispatch capabilities, and expanded office space to serve the community better.

Deming’s healthcare infrastructure is anchored by Mimbres Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital offers essential services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, cardiopulmonary care, and radiology. With 31 active physicians and 70 telemedicine specialists, it ensures that residents have access to specialized medical expertise without having to travel long distances.

The hospital has expanded its primary care and specialty clinics, providing greater access to preventative and chronic disease management services. Plans are also in place to expand telehealth capabilities, enabling patients to consult with specialists remotely and reducing wait times and travel burdens for critical care.

A vision for Deming

Deming’s next five to ten years will focus on expanding industrial infrastructure, enhancing public amenities, and sustaining its unique cultural and economic identity. “We’re balancing growth with preserving our community’s character,” Ward concludes. “Our priority is ensuring that development aligns with what Deming families have built over the past generations, to guide our path forward.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Deming, New Mexico
What: A binational economic hub known for its strong agricultural roots, expanding manufacturing sector, and strategic location along major trade and transportation routes.
Where: Located just 20 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border
Website: www.cityofdeming.org & www.dlced.com