Building Stronger Together … Toward a Prosperous Future

By Patty Lundstrom, CEcD

The future is barreling toward us like a freight train—unavoidable, powerful, and filled with both challenges and opportunities. At the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC), we view this momentum not as a threat but as a call to action. As we celebrate National Economic Development Week (May 11–17, 2025), it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the transformative power of collaboration under the theme, “Building Stronger Together,” and to highlight our shared vision for a thriving Gallup-McKinley County.

Since its founding in 2012, GGEDC has worked to prepare our region for an economic future where tradition and innovation coexist. Our mission drives us to ask critical questions: What can we leverage from our energy- and transportation-driven past? What assets remain untapped? How can we adapt to disruptive trends like automation and artificial intelligence (AI)? These guiding questions shape our long-term regional development strategy.

A key part of our strategy is fostering dialogue. Each year, GGEDC hosts economic roundtables that bring together civic leaders, business experts, educators, and community members to explore the shifting economic landscape. At the 2025 Roundtable, held in Santa Fe in February, national consultants contracted by McKinley County and the City of Gallup presented updates on the Gallup-McKinley County TradePort. This ambitious initiative, centered at the Gallup Energy Logistics Park and along Carbon Coal Road, aims to position the region as a critical logistics hub in both national and international trade.

This year’s Roundtable focused particularly on how automation and AI can enhance the TradePort’s competitive edge. Presenters outlined a vision for integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs), establishing an AV test track and research campus, creating a hydrogen fueling hub, and securing a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation. Expert panels examined global automation trends, their local implications, and the strategic planning needed to make the TradePort a regional economic powerhouse. These efforts are designed to harness the strengths of our geographic location combined with our transportation assets – primarily direct access to I-40 and the BNSF Southern Transcon Railway - while embracing future technologies.

Central to all GGEDC initiatives is a firm belief in the power of collaboration. “Building Stronger Together” is more than a slogan—it’s a strategy. In today’s rapidly changing economic environment, success demands unity across sectors. By bringing together businesses, government, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, we’re creating a resilient ecosystem geared for long-term growth.

Our focus on the future includes investments in workforce education and infrastructure. We are preparing local job seekers to succeed in high-tech, automation-driven industries and forging partnerships that will expand opportunities. The development of the TradePort, as part of the broader state Trade Ports initiative, exemplifies our commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking planning.

These efforts are deeply rooted in a commitment to the people of Gallup-McKinley County. The talent, determination, and resilience of our residents are the foundation of everything we do. We are building on our historical strengths to create new opportunities and stimulate sustainable growth—efforts that can inspire similar models across New Mexico.

A major milestone in this journey is House Bill 19, The Trade Ports Development Act, which I carried during the 2025 legislative session. Signed into law in April, this bill provides a framework for establishing trade port districts across the state, with a focus on attracting foreign investment and developing regional trade hubs. It prioritizes rural areas and empowers local governments to facilitate goods movement through public-private partnerships, reinforcing New Mexico’s position in global commerce.

As we mark National Economic Development Week, we’re reminded that our greatest strength lies in unity. A thriving Gallup-McKinley County is within reach if we continue to build stronger, smarter, and more resilient communities—together.
 

patty@gallupedc.com
Patty Lundstrom, CEcD, has served as the Executive Director of Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation since its beginning in 2012. She also is a Democratic member of the New Mexico House of Representatives representing District 9 since January 2003. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and specializes in Economic Development Credit Analysis, Technology-led Economic Development, Foreign Direct Investment, Business Retention & Expansion, Real Estate Development & Reuse, and Economic Development Marketing & Attraction.