Los Poblanos LEDA Project Heading to City Council for Introduction March 1

Feb. 26, 2021

The Keller administration is sending a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund project to expand production and create new jobs at the local Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm to City Council for introduction on March 1. The proposal combines $2.3 million from Los Poblanos with $250,000 in State funding and $25,000 from the City to boost the business’ growth.

“We’re working with local business and partners at the State to create an environment where more locals can find work and small businesses can thrive,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “From multi-billion dollar enterprises like Netflix to homegrown local businesses like Los Poblanos, Albuquerque is here to partner for growth.” 

Los Poblanos will invest $2.3 million in their proposed expansion, growing its workforce by seven in the first year, and increasing to 24 employees by year five of the LEDA project. The funding will allow for the acquisition of land, a building for a new production facility with 5,000 square feet of space, and 4,000 square feet of warehouse capacity for inventory, food storage, and sales. The additional space will support boosted production of branded lifestyle products, expansion of a line of food products developed by their culinary team, and the launch a craft spirits business.

“Part of our economic development strategy is to ensure homegrown businesses have the same access to incentive programs like LEDA that larger out-of-state companies do,” said Economic Development Director Synthia Jaramillo. “Our investment in these businesses is an investment in Albuquerque, and how we work to build a resilient economy that works for everyone.”

Currently, Los Poblanos contracts some production, warehousing, and distribution to third party manufacturers, and this proposed expansion would allow the business to sustain operations in Albuquerque, and support local suppliers.

“A project of this magnitude would create a triple benefit,” said Los Poblanos Executive Director Matt Rembe. “It will grow jobs and revenue for Los Poblanos, jobs and revenue for small farms and sustainable food initiatives in our community, and finally, promotion of the unique culture and stories of the Rio Grande River Valley and the State of New Mexico.”

Following the introduction on March 1, the Los Poblanos LEDA project will be presented for approval at the March 15 City Council meeting.