AGP Executive Report

Hotel & Tourism Development: Albuquerque City Council approved a $40 million, 135-room chain hotel in the Sawmill District, funded via a 20-year taxable industrial revenue bond—welcomed by some residents for downtown lodging access and questioned by others. Wildfire & Visitor Alerts: The Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico has grown to nearly 13,000 acres and is about 31% contained, with smoke affecting nearby areas and a temporary forest closure plus a road closure on NM 503 between County Road 98 and State Road 76. Medicare for Seniors (Costco/SCAN): Costco is partnering with SCAN Group to offer jointly branded Medicare Advantage plans in two states and a Medicare supplemental plan in a third, pending federal and state approval. Public Safety Tech: New Mexico’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center says it has connected firearms to 527 criminal incidents across the state since launching in December 2025, with arrests tied to 41% of case leads. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Grant County at $4.29/gallon (week ending Aug. 8), with statewide averages easing slightly. Local Culture & Events: Silver City filmmaker Kaia Roman will bring her documentary “Frequency: The Secret of Everything” back home for a WNMU Light Hall screening Aug. 25 with a Q&A.

Navajo Code Talker Museum Debate: Navajo Code Talker descendants are criticizing New Mexico’s plan to build a scaled-down museum on Navajo Preparatory School’s Farmington campus instead of a larger, Nation-based site, after the state set aside $20 million for the project and Chevron donated land near Window Rock. Tourism & Lodging Oversight: Grants City Council removed Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member Aaron Dean over qualification requirements tied to tourism/lodging industry connections, a move that could affect how event grants are reviewed. Hotel Incentives in Albuquerque: Albuquerque City Council approved more than $40 million in tax incentives for a Sawmill-area dual-branded Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites project, with some residents warning about neighborhood disruption and traffic. Roadless Rule Fight (Outdoor Access): The Trump administration moved to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, a major change that could reshape national forest management and wildfire-related planning across millions of acres. Senior Travel/Health Services: Costco announced it will sell store-branded Medicare Advantage plans with SCAN Health Plan in a limited rollout pending federal approval, with details not yet available. Road Safety: Albuquerque police reported a fatal West Side crash where a pedestrian was struck by a white box truck; the driver was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Albuquerque Hotel Boost: The City Council approved $40M in tax incentives for a Sawmill-area dual-branded Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites, with supporters citing more affordable lodging for tourists while residents warn about neighborhood disruption and traffic. Road & Travel Disruptions: NMDOT starts a US 64 repaving project near Dulce (one lane closed, pilot car, 20 working days) and also begins a US 180 overlay south of Luna in Catron County (minor delays through end of August). National Forests Policy: The Trump administration is moving to rescind the 2001 “roadless rule,” a move that could reshape development and wildfire-management plans across millions of acres—drawing strong pushback from environmentalists. Local Safety Watch: APD says a pedestrian died after being struck by a box truck on Central Avenue’s West Side; the driver was arrested on outstanding warrants. Tourism & Events: Route 66 Car Club in Flagstaff honored 101-year-old Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay, while the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade brought tens of thousands to Williamsport for Mexico’s team and 20 total squads. Outdoor Travel Demand: New data points to a surge in hiking and trail recreation participation, shifting lodging and destination choices toward outdoor infrastructure.

Road & Transit Updates: NMDOT starts a $2M U.S. 180 rehab south of Luna (Catron County) with minor delays through late August, and Bernalillo County will pause major work on the Isleta Boulevard Corridor Project for about four months starting Aug. 19 while New Mexico Gas Company completes utility work. Getting Around Albuquerque: Route 790 returns for the academic year, running hourly weekdays from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. between the Northwest Transit Center and UNM/CNM. Wildfire Travel Caution: The Frijoles Fire grew past 11,300 acres; officials warn smoke could worsen air quality for Nambe and Española, with EPA forecasts flagging “very unhealthy” conditions at times. Outdoor/Water Reality Check: Colorado River drought keeps Lake Powell near record lows, raising concerns for hydropower and water supplies across the Southwest. Local Travel Economy: Food banks in Carlsbad and Ruidoso say demand is rising as federal food aid shrinks. Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on Central Avenue near 106th Street NW. Rail Tourism: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad announces new fall-themed trips, including an Oktoberfest Express and a Wagon Train.

Albuquerque Transit: Route 790 is back starting Monday, Aug. 17, running hourly on weekdays (about 6 a.m.–7 p.m.) to connect the Westside with UNM and CNM and major downtown stops. Food Security: In Carlsbad and Ruidoso, food pantries are seeing demand spike as federal food aid shrinks, with some sites nearly doubling car counts. Scenic Rail: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is rolling out new fall-themed trips, including an Oktoberfest Express (Sept. 12) and The Wagon Train (Sept. 26), with limited capacity. Wildfire Updates (Santa Fe area): The Frijoles Fire is at 11,335 acres with 9% containment; a community meeting is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Colorado River Watch: Lake Powell hit a record low, raising fresh concerns for water and hydropower across the Southwest—an issue that also affects New Mexico travelers and recreation. Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on Central Avenue near 106th Street in northwest Albuquerque; the driver was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Wildfire Travel Safety: Consumer Reports-style guidance is circulating on how to protect indoor air during New Mexico’s wildfire season—keep windows sealed, run air purifiers continuously in heavy smoke, and replace filters as needed. Colorado River Reality Check: Lake Powell hit a record low, putting more pressure on the Colorado River system that supports water, power, and tourism across the Southwest. Santa Fe Forest Update: The Frijoles Fire remains active with a community meeting set for Aug. 18; officials report continued firefighting efforts and note very unhealthy smoke risk in some areas overnight. Road Trip Planning: NMDOT roadwork starts Aug. 17 on US 491 near Gallup (Twin Lakes to Tohatchi), with minor delays expected through mid-September. Route 66 Fun in Santa Fe: The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit expands with a Santa Fe stop Aug. 28–30 at the New Mexico History Museum, including a new recording station and documentary preview. Golf Weekend Buzz: The 2026 New Mexico Open set a 72-year sponsorship record, with free spectator admission Sept. 14–16 at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort. Spaceport America Watch: Virgin Galactic pushed commercial flights again, now targeting early 2027 for its first suborbital tourism vehicle.

Frijoles Fire Update: The Santa Fe National Forest lightning-caused Frijoles Fire is at 8,921 acres with 12% containment and 579 personnel; crews are building contingency lines and preparing spike camps, with a closure in effect and smoke likely to linger in northern New Mexico. Road & Transit: NMDOT has renamed the “Texas U-Turn” advanced U-turns to “Q-Turns,” and Albuquerque’s Barcelona Road closure (Yuma storm drain work) runs Aug. 16–Aug. 28 with a detour via Coors–Rio Bravo–Isleta. Local Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Torrance County’s lowest regular gas at $3.77 (week ending Aug. 8), while statewide regular averages $3.87; E85 also dipped statewide to $3.56. Route 66 for Visitors: The free Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit adds a Santa Fe stop Aug. 28–30 with expanded hands-on features and a new documentary preview. Outdoor Getaway: A new hiking pick highlights a 2.7-mile Valles Caldera-area route to San Antonio Hot Springs (day use only, no fires/camping). Safety Reminder: Monsoon storms are expected today and tomorrow, with a flood watch for parts of the Sangre de Cristo burn scar area—avoid arroyos and water-covered roads.

Local Food & Fun: Heidi’s Ice Cream in Albuquerque is serving up rotating, adventurous scoops (including brown butter piñon and red chile marshmallows) and just launched an ice cream food truck in Corrales. Trail Debate: Some Albuquerque residents are pushing back on a proposed Rail Trail segment, arguing it could bring more foot and bike traffic into a historic neighborhood. Chiles & Culture: The Journal’s “Centennial Sundays” spotlights New Mexico’s chile obsession, including past coverage of the red-vs-green debate that even pulled in governors. Wildfire Update (Santa Fe NF): The Frijoles Fire is at 8,921 acres with 12% containment; Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties shifted areas to Ready/Go/Set status, with smoke and storm chances continuing. Travel Planning Weather: Monsoon storms may bring heavy rain and flooding risk in parts of New Mexico, with heat returning next week—travelers are urged to avoid arroyos and water-covered roads. Roadwork: N.M. 26 (Hatch Highway) gets a $2.6M pavement and safety project starting soon, with daytime lane closures and pilot-car operations. Spaceport Tourism Watch: Virgin Galactic says Spaceport America activity should pick up this fall as commercial flights are now expected to begin in February 2027.

Democratic 2028 Primary Calendar: The DNC approved a new early-voting lineup that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22, 2028), then Nevada (Feb. 1), with New Mexico among the early states in February—aimed at testing candidates with Black and Latino voters and union members. Spaceport America Update: Virgin Galactic pushed its first regular passenger flights to February 2027, with ground testing expected later this month and renewed activity at Spaceport America in Sierra County. Frijoles Fire Operations: Santa Fe National Forest reported the Frijoles Fire at 8,921 acres with 12% containment, shifting areas to “ready” status and continuing contingency line work. Road Travel in NM: N.M. 26 (Hatch Highway) pavement work starts this week with daytime lane closures, and separate projects on NM 605 and I-40 east of Grants bring overlays and nighttime delays. Travel Ideas: A guide spotlights Truth or Consequences as New Mexico’s most walkable city, with downtown shops and nearby hot springs. Local Spotlight: Rep. Melanie Stansbury shared Lincoln County-area visits and community engagement, including a stop at the Humane Society of Lincoln County in Ruidoso. Health Alert for Travelers: USDA and CDC coverage notes New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, with risk described as very low for the U.S. public.

Roadwork for travelers: N.M. DOT says a $2.6 million pavement preservation and safety project on N.M. 26 (Hatch Highway) will start Monday, running about 46 miles from near U.S. 180 at Deming toward Hatch, with daytime lane closures and pilot-car operations (6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon–Fri; weekends as needed). More local delays: In the Grants/Milan area, crews plan $2.2M on NM 605 (Aug. 14 start) and $1.8M nighttime work on I-40 east of Grants (Aug. 16 start), with minor delays and extra travel time expected. Food & culture: Hatch chile season is popping up beyond New Mexico—this weekend, Imperial Beach shoppers can roast Hatch chiles on-site. Health watch for the Southwest: A study from Arizona hospitals found Valley fever was the most common cause among tested community-acquired pneumonia patients, underscoring why clinicians should consider it when symptoms overlap. Local higher-ed planning: New Mexico’s Higher Education Department wrapped statewide capital outlay tours and hearings, reviewing $301.2M in requested projects across colleges and universities.

Road & Safety Updates: NMDOT says more than $4 million in work is coming to NM 605 in Milan (Aug. 14 start) and I-40 east of Grants (night work starting Aug. 16), with drivers urged to expect minor delays. Local Food & Culture: Hatch chile season is popping up in Imperial Beach with on-site roasting of New Mexico peppers at SunCoast Market this weekend. Outdoor Travel Caution: A marine heat wave is driving more stingrays toward Southern California beaches, and reported sting incidents at spots like Bolsa Chica and Huntington Beach have surged—one New Mexico tourist described severe pain after stepping on a stingray. Health Watch for Travelers: An FDA Class I egg recall tied to a Salmonella outbreak includes confirmed distribution states such as New Mexico, and officials warn products may have traveled beyond those areas. Tech & Community Impact: KUNM spoke with a reporter about New Mexico’s Meta sting operation after a judge ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million and implement product reforms. Pet Travel Preparedness: The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Simparica TRIO to treat New World screwworm in dogs and puppies, noting detections in parts of Texas and New Mexico.

Space Tourism Buzz: Virgin Galactic is letting the public vote on a name for its next-generation Delta-class spaceplane, with finalists Horizon, Explore, Ascend and Apeiron, as commercial flights are now expected to resume in February 2027. Gas Prices Watch: The national regular gas average ticked back up to about $4.07 after a week of declines, with crude oil hovering around the $80 range. Screwworm Preparedness for Pet Owners: The FDA authorized Simparica TRIO for emergency treatment of New World screwworm in dogs and puppies, noting a case in Lea County, New Mexico, and urging monitoring for symptoms. Wildfire & Travel Disruption: The Frijoles Fire near Cundiyo is still growing (about 7,800 acres, 1% contained), with Camino de Canon under evacuation order and nearby areas moved to READY status to warn travelers. Local Tourism Impact: Elephant Butte leaders approved a disaster resolution tied to historically low lake levels, seeking help to keep reservoir-dependent businesses afloat. Historic Site Decision: Alamogordo voted to ask the NSF to delay demolition of the Sunspot Solar Observatory while groups explore options like education and dark-sky tourism. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports diesel deals in parts of New Mexico, including Quay County’s lowest at $4.79 (week ending Aug. 8).

Tourism & Local Relief: Elephant Butte and Truth or Consequences leaders approved a disaster resolution tied to Elephant Butte Lake’s historically low levels, aiming to keep reservoir-dependent businesses afloat while waiting on state approval for possible assistance. Record-Quest Cycling: Garfield County tandem riders Lena and Randy Ross say they’re hunting a Guinness-style first after completing 100-mile rides in all 50 states in a single day. Santa Fe Culture: New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe debuts Paul Burlin’s Southwest-inspired murals for the first time in the state, running through Nov. 29. Native Community Event: IndigenousWays Festival returns Friday, Aug. 14, at the Santa Fe Railyard Water Tower with music, poetry, and a Red Road Pow Wow. Road Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium/midgrade prices varying by county this month, with some of the lowest premium diesel figures appearing in Valencia, Lincoln, and McKinley counties. Pet Travel Safety: FDA issued emergency authorization for Simparica TRIO to treat New World screwworm in dogs and puppies, noting detections in parts of Texas and New Mexico. Health Alerts: Foodborne illness coverage continues nationwide as cyclosporiasis cases rise, with experts urging caution around produce until sources are confirmed. Public Safety Spending Scrutiny: A legislative committee review says New Mexico’s National Guard deployments cost $22M+ with no “clear” crime impact yet.

Route 66 Welcome Stop: Visit Albuquerque opened a new Route 66 Crossroads Information Station at Central Ave. and 4th St., with trip guides plus New Mexico snacks and souvenirs for travelers planning classic-road adventures. Border-Community Culture: FYI+ is hosting Raíces y Ritmos (Roots & Rhythms) this Saturday, Aug. 15 in Anthony, celebrating the history and contributions of southern border communities with a free family event and tacos. Local Tourism Planning: Bernalillo County leaders are studying how other cities turned fairgrounds into year-round attractions, with Expo New Mexico redevelopment ideas that could include land buys, safety upgrades, and even a future park or stadium. Big Bend Visitor Impact: Bulldozers have moved into Big Bend National Park tied to border-wall construction plans, drawing strong backlash from critics worried about damage to wildlife and scenery. Northern NM Smoke Watch: Frijoles Fire continues to drive heavy haze and wildfire smoke impacts across northern New Mexico, with residents and schools adjusting as conditions linger. Travel Safety Note: A crash on Highway 60/84 in Curry County left one dead and two injured, a reminder to slow down on rural routes during peak travel.

National Guard Accountability: A New Mexico legislative finance review says Operation Zia Shield—costing more than $22M to deploy hundreds of Guard members around Española and parts of Albuquerque—showed “no clear impacts on crime,” with crime metrics largely unchanged. Road Trip Safety: A deadly Highway 60/84 crash in Curry County left one person dead and two injured, with investigators still sorting out what happened. Wildfire & Travel Disruption: Frijoles Fire continues to grow in the Pecos Wilderness area, with air-quality impacts and ongoing road closures and evacuations near Chimayó and Cerro Piñon. Wildlife Warning for Visitors: New Mexico wildlife officials warn drought is pushing bears toward unsecured food near homes and towns, increasing the odds of human-bear encounters. Tourism Funding: Roswell city council is weighing Lodgers’ Tax requests tied to local events, with tourism dollars routed through the Occupancy Tax Board. Local Culture & Events: Roswell Shorts announced 31 official selections for its Sept. 25–26 festival at the International UFO Museum & Research Center. Stargazing Plan: The Perseid meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn hours of Aug. 13, with local astronomers recommending viewing from midnight to early morning away from city lights.

Northern New Mexico Smoke Impacts: Santa Fe-area students were kept inside as Frijoles Fire smoke pushed air-quality alerts, with forecasters hopeful for improvement by Thursday. Wildfire Updates: Rocky Canyon Fire evacuation rules are easing for some residents, though shelters and closures remain in place as crews work to protect homes. State Policy & Tech: New Mexico Democratic lawmakers are floating a possible statewide data center moratorium for the 2027 session, citing lawsuits and “guardrails” concerns around Project Jupiter. Local Governance & Safety: Lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon for answers after a civilian medevac crash near a New Mexico missile range tied to GPS jamming testing. Travel & Community Life: New Mexico United extended its longest unbeaten run in club history, a reminder that sports weekends can be a big tourism draw. Courtroom Fight Over Prediction Markets: The CFTC is using emergency authority in its KalshiEX dispute, with New Mexico named in a broader prediction-market regulatory showdown. Outdoor Conditions for Visitors: Low Rio Grande flows and drought stress are prompting fishing cautions, especially for trout.