KC Counts

Another regional conversation regarding coronavirus and its impacts on health and the economy was held Wednesday, hosted in part by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center.

Taking part in the third such conversation were Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, Dr. Nicole Brennan, Director of Health Research at Battell, based in Columbus, Ohio, and Alvaro Bustillos, CEO of Vaquero Trading and President of Desarrollo Economico de Ciudad Juarez, a group dedicated to finding solutions to improve the quality of life of the people of Juarez.

LAS CRUCES, NM - In a recent regional community conversation hosted in part by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center, the relationship between Southern New Mexico, El Paso and Juarez was examined in terms of how the region as a whole is dealing with the coronavirus crisis and the economic fallout.

“We have become something far greater than neighbors. We are partners that depend on and support each other, and in doing so, we have become stronger. This is a chance to ensure this partnership is nurtured and protected.” Chihuahua’s Secretary of Innovation and Economic Development, Alejandra De Le Vega, summed up the relationship between regional entities in Juarez, El Paso and Southern New Mexico; Each hit hard by coronavirus and the economic shutdown that followed.

The unemployment numbers around the country, including right here in New Mexico, have been nothing short of staggering since the public health crisis associated with COVID-19 began. Recently, the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce held a teleconference to update those affected to include workers and businesses affected. New Mexico Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley said on average, his office would see about 9,600 New Mexicans receiving benefits per week. Since March 15th, that number has skyrocketed to over 79,800. He acknowledged problems for those seeking benefits and said his office has taken action to correct those.

Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima was re-elected to a fourth term Tuesday.  After nine rounds in the new ranked choice voting process, he beat former Mayor Bill Mattiace 55% to 45%.

KC Counts talked with the Mayor, who thanked supporters, outlined future projects and discussed the city's minimum wage.