Future Forward: AI and Autonomous Tech Shaping Gallup/McKinley County TradePort

Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC) continued its focus on regional economic growth with a February 2025 Economic Roundtable with the theme, “Future Forward: Automation, AI Tech and the Gallup-McKinley County TradePort.” The event was the 15th roundtable by GGEDC over the past decade and attracted approximately 60 local, state, and national thought leaders to discuss the region's evolving economic landscape and the integration of advanced technologies into its development plans. The final report from the roundtable - along with reports from all other GGEDC economic roundtables - can be found at: Reports (scroll down to “Economic Roundtables”).

Event Overview

The roundtable focused on the strategic development of the Gallup-McKinley County TradePort, emphasizing the role of automation and AI in shaping the future of transportation and logistics. Keynote presentations and panel discussions by national expert consultants explored the potential of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and AI technologies in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the region's trade infrastructure. The following presenters provided insights into the integration of AV testing facilities and AI-driven transportation systems in a planned Automotive Proving Ground, a key component of the TradePort framework:

Tommy Haws, Board President, Greater Gallup EDC
Patty Lundstrom, Executive Director, Greater Gallup EDC
Jeff Kiely, Principal, Kiely Consulting / Consultant to Greater Gallup EDC
Bill Mackey, Senior Vice President, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Mark-Tami Hotta, President, Integrity First Coaching & Consulting
Dr. Lonnie Love, Fellow, Sandia National Laboratories
Jeff Sweeney, Project Manager & Senior Analyst, John C. Martin Associates, LLC
Joshua Nelson, Principal Project Director for Transportation, Hatch Associates
Casey McElroy, Project Manager, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Aaron Gordon, Hydrogen Project Manager, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.

Key Presentations and Discussions

1. Overview:  GGEDC Executive Director Patty Lundstrom provided a broad overview of the TradePort initiative, emphasizing that it was a combined portfolio of interrelated projects, all aimed at taking advantage of the Greater Gallup area’s locational and transportation assets by establishing a logistics and manufacturing hub as part of the nation’s trade system.  The goal is to increase economic activity, generate new public revenues and provide good-paying employment for the region’s workforce.  She noted the importance of the Trade Ports Development Act (HB 19), which was subsequently passed by the New Mexico Legislature, providing important legislative and funding support for well-positioned trade port projects in the State.
2. AI and Autonomous Technology in Transportation: Experts discussed the transformative impact of AI and AVs on transportation systems, highlighting opportunities for Gallup and McKinley County to become a testing and development hub for these technologies.
3. Intelligent Transportation in New Mexico: Discussions centered on the state's initiatives to incorporate intelligent transportation systems, aiming to improve traffic safety and management and reduce congestion, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the TradePort.
4. Plans for the Automotive/AV Proving Ground at the Gallup-McKinley County TradePort: Presentations detailed the development of an Automotive/AV proving ground within the TradePort, designed to facilitate the testing and validation of autonomous and traditional vehicles in real-world scenarios.

Breakout Sessions

Participants engaged in focused breakout groups to delve deeper into specific aspects of the TradePort development:

• AV Proving Ground Project
  Participants explored the technical and logistical requirements for establishing a state-of-the-art facility for automotive testing (including autonomous vehicle technologies), with plans for funding, industry attraction and community support.
• The Value Proposition: Why Gallup?
  Facilitators led a discussion on Gallup and McKinley County’s unique advantages, which position the region as an attractive site for investment. Leading attractors were a location strategically positioned within an 11-hour drive time from Los Angeles, CA and Oklahoma City, OK, critical east-west interstate transportation infrastructure (U.S. Interstate 40 and the BNSF Southern Transcon Railway), and lower business operating costs.
• TradePort Master Plan
  GGEDC provided updates and facilitated discussions on the TradePort Master Plan draft, which integrates various sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, and health and outdoor recreation industries, with emerging technologies and substantial local workforce training assets.
• AI/AV Innovation in New Mexico Transportation Policy
  State staff summarized the State’s efforts to support the transportation industry. Participants examined the alignment of state transportation policies with the integration of AI and AV technologies, ensuring regulatory support for innovation.

A significant step toward the TradePort

The roundtable underscored the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal entities in advancing the TradePort initiative. Participants emphasized the need for infrastructure investment, workforce development, and policy alignment to support integrating AI and AV technologies. The discussions highlighted Gallup and McKinley County's potential to serve as a strategic node in the national logistics network, leveraging technological advancements to drive economic growth and innovation.
The February 2025 Roundtable represents a significant step toward realizing the vision of a technologically advanced and economically vibrant Gallup-McKinley County region, positioning it as a leader in the future of transportation and logistics. For more information or to get involved in the effort, please contact the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation.