City Aims to Create 1,000 Jobs
Campaign for Growth invests in small businesses and workforce to fuel long-term prosperity
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque is growing and doing it with purpose. Mayor Tim Keller today announced the City’s Campaign for Growth, a bold initiative to create 1,000 new jobs by 2028 through local business support and workforce development.
“Albuquerque’s strength has always been our people,” said Keller. “Through initiatives like Job Training Albuquerque and the Small Business Office, we’re supplying the tools to succeed and driving our goal of creating 1,000 new jobs by 2028.”
The program highlights ongoing efforts to empower workers, grow small businesses, and build long-term, sustainable prosperity. With strategic investments in high-growth sectors like film, tech, quantum, biosciences, aerospace, and tourism, Albuquerque is forging a strong pipeline of talent and opportunity. The city’s diverse population, affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture make it a top destination for professionals and businesses alike.
“Our goal is not just to imagine a stronger future but to build it,” said Economic Development Director Max Gruner. “Through the Campaign for Growth, we are aligning our workforce, business community, and industry partners to help Albuquerque continue to thrive.”
The Campaign for Growth will enhance programs that are already showing results. Since its launch in 2020, Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) has empowered more than 3,500 workers with job-ready skills and partnered with nearly 400 local businesses. The program has helped create over 1,500 new jobs, generated more than $78 million in annual added earning power, and achieved 26% average wage growth. JTA has also expanded opportunities for woman-, minority-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses, ensuring that Albuquerque’s growth is inclusive and far-reaching.
Business owners are already seeing results. “I was going to take the course no matter what, but the funding from JTA allowed me to enroll and complete the program sooner than I had planned,” said Joseph Wojcik, owner of Powerhouse Electric. “There was not one thing about it that didn’t benefit me or my business.”
Since July 2023, the Small Business Office has nurtured 1,861 businesses and 402 entrepreneurs toward success. In that time, the office has organized 45 events to strengthen Albuquerque’s business community, awarded $200,000 in repair grants benefiting 87 local businesses, and earned recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award from New Mexico IDEA.
Whether you are an employer looking to expand or an employee ready to advance, the City of Albuquerque is here to help. Free training, small business support, and resources for entrepreneurs are available now. Learn more at: ABQ-Growth.com