About NEEDO
Vision and History
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The Northeast New Mexico Economic Development Organization is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to developing a vibrant, integrated regional economy in the Northeastern region of New Mexico that supports, sustains, and builds on the natural environment, the local resources, and the cultural traditions of northeastern New Mexico's communities. The NEEDO region encompasses the nine counties in northeast New Mexico: Colfax, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel, Torrance, and Union.
NEEDO developed from a Stronger Economies Together (SET) initiative that launched in 2009 by USDA Rural Development in collaboration with the nation’s Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDC) and their land-grant university partners, including New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Services, which served as a lead strategic partner. The purpose of the SET initiative was to strengthen the capacity of smaller communities in rural regions of the country to work together in developing and implementing an economic plan hat strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of their region. Based on the regional SET plan, NEEDO was incorporated in 2012 to strengthen the ability of the region to establish and sustain a stable regional economy in the region. Since 2019, with ongoing support from the CREATE BRIDGES project, NEEDO has focussed its efforts on responding to the needs of existing small businesses in the northeastern region by offering direct services and support. This effort targets the retail and hospitality sector and includes capacity and leadership building together with marketing and branding assistance. NEEDO also offers expertise and guidance for local economic development projects as well as support for research and policy initiatives. |
