AGP Executive Report

Election & Debates: New Mexico’s governor’s race is headed into early voting without a debate after Deb Haaland ended negotiations and said she won’t participate before Election Day, while Gregg Hull still plans to show up for a KOB-TV forum on Oct. 8. Balloon Fiesta Travel: NMDOT says I-25 lanes will stay open in both directions during Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta (Oct. 3-11), with traffic shifted to outside lanes and Comanche Road/Montgomery Blvd seeing reductions—expect delays and plan extra time. Early Childhood Health: A new hearing testing center opened in Las Cruces with the New Mexico School for the Deaf and Expert Hearing Care, helping infants get evaluated locally instead of driving to Albuquerque. Severe Weather Impacts: Heavy rains have worsened road conditions in Curry County, with County Road 14 closed after flooding and officials warning about muddy, slick, and unstable roads. Community Damage: In Anthony, residents reported storm damage at a cemetery, including displaced headstones and sunken burial plots, with cleanup efforts underway. Transit Safety: A Las Cruces man was arrested after an alleged bus hijacking attempt on I-10 near milepost 149 that sent the bus into oncoming traffic.

Outdoor Recreation Grants: San Juan County approved a FY2027 outdoor recreation grant to fund trail design and environmental review for Lanzanera Mesa, aiming to expand hiking and mountain biking east of the county and extend the Mesa Manzano Trail System. Tourism Marketing Authenticity: The New Mexico Tourism Department is rolling out a “Keep it True” pledge to keep generative AI out of destination ads, with dozens of local partners signing on. Flood & Road Safety: Lincoln County opened an evacuation shelter in Hondo Valley Public Schools as flash flooding threatened communities and closed U.S. 380 in parts of southeastern Lincoln County. Screwworm & Border Livestock: The U.S. plans to reopen the Santa Teresa livestock inspection port, but beef prices likely won’t drop soon despite more cattle supply. Gas Watch: Premium gas hit a low of $4.68 in Roosevelt County and $4.92 in Rio Arriba County; statewide premium averaged $5.15 for the week ending Sept. 19. Wildlife Encounters: A bear surge has put 15 young bears in care in Albuquerque, with the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation seeking donations to keep feeding them. Route 66 Storytelling: A new Route 66 New Mexico project, “Route 66 Connected,” offers an interactive atlas and photo-driven itineraries for the Mother Road’s Centennial.

Tourism Policy: The New Mexico Tourism Department is urging the industry to sign the “Keep it True” pledge, promising destination ads won’t be generated with generative AI and will instead feature authentic subjects and landscapes. Wildlife & Safety: New Mexico is seeing a surge in bear encounters as more bears move to lower elevations for food and water; the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation is caring for 15 young bears and says it needs donations to keep feeding them. Outdoor & Family Fun: Bernalillo County deputies rescued “Atlas,” a 120–130-pound dog that got too exhausted on a mountain hike, carrying him out over rough terrain and reminding hikers to bring plenty of water. Local Events: Sweetwater Downs in Sweetwater County is hosting the final three days of horse racing this Friday, with a $300,000 purse race on Saturday. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel prices in New Mexico remain volatile, with Sierra County’s lowest diesel at $6.19/gallon (week ending Sept. 19) and the statewide diesel average at $6.27/gallon. Route 66 Spotlight: A new Route 66 New Mexico project, “Route 66 Connected,” is building an interactive atlas and photo-driven itineraries for the Mother Road’s Centennial. Sports (NM travel tie-in): WKU volleyball heads to New Mexico to open conference play against New Mexico State on Sept. 25 (ESPN+).

Flash-Flood Watch (NM): Monsoon storms are still firing across eastern New Mexico, with a Flood Watch continuing in parts of Southern New Mexico as rain chances linger into Friday morning before drying out for the weekend; officials are urging drivers to slow down and avoid flooded arroyos. Hurricane Ripple Effects: Hurricane Polo remains a major threat in the Pacific, and forecasters say its moisture could boost next-week rain chances for New Mexico. Border Livestock Update (NM): The USDA plans to reopen the Santa Teresa, New Mexico livestock inspection port after last year’s screwworm-related import block—expected to expand cattle supplies, but not quickly lower record beef prices. Local Community Support (Socorro): Mid-west NMCAP in Socorro is continuing weekly food and utility assistance, plus clothing vouchers and referrals for residents facing hardship. Outdoor Safety (Hiking with Pets): Bernalillo County deputies rescued a nearly 130-pound dog, Atlas, after it became too exhausted to finish a difficult hike—another reminder to watch pets closely on trails. Travel/Weather Planning (Las Cruces): Las Cruces fire and police report no major flooding after recent rains, but say they’ll keep monitoring as more rain is forecast.

Flash Flood Watch: Heavy rain and debris flows are prompting life-threatening flash-flood warnings across New Mexico, with rescues reported and officials urging residents to avoid travel and prepare to evacuate. Flooding in Socorro County: A flood watch runs through Wednesday night, with possible impacts extending into the weekend; sandbags and evacuation centers are being readied. Tourism Marketing Policy: The New Mexico Tourism Department is asking the industry to “Keep it True,” pledging not to use generative AI to fabricate destination advertising and to rely on human-created content. Spaceport America Scrutiny: Residents are debating Spaceport America’s local economic impact, including jobs, visitor spending, and whether earlier promises have been met. Outdoor Learning in NM Connections: A new “Outdoor Studio” class story highlights how field-based art education can shape travel-style outdoor attention, with a link to UNM in the background. Route 66 Documentary Screenings: A Route 66 roadshow documentary is touring the state with planned screenings in Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, Santa Fe, and Gallup. Travel & Air Service: STARLUX and American Airlines launched a codeshare that adds Albuquerque and other NM-area connections to major U.S. destinations. Local Safety Update: Albuquerque Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash near Central Ave NE and Alvarado Dr SE.

Boutique Hotel Boom: Hotel Lucile in Los Angeles is reopening Sept. 14 inside a 1931 church, with 25 rooms, a small pool, and rotating contemporary art—another example of how travelers are chasing character-rich stays. Road-Trip Inspiration: A three-person Indian-origin cycling team just completed an unsupported 3,168-mile coast-to-coast ride, rolling through New Mexico on Route 66 from Santa Monica to Washington, D.C. Lonely Planet 2027 Buzz: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 highlights New Mexico among global picks, plus St Cuthbert’s Way in the UK and other “slow travel” destinations. Flash-Flood Watch (NM): New Mexico activated its State Emergency Operation Center as heavy rain and thunderstorms raise flash-flood risk; NMDOT urges drivers to avoid flooded low-water crossings and “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” Local Events: PEEC’s Nature Youth Group kick-off is set for Sept. 23 at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center in Los Alamos. Travel Tech/Access: TSA is expanding military “honor lane” priority at 33+ airports, including Albuquerque Sunport.

Severe Weather & Road Safety: New Mexico DHSEM activated the State Emergency Operations Center for flash-flood risk this week, with sandbags and Swiftwater teams pre-positioned near Ruidoso and Las Vegas; NMDOT also urged drivers to avoid flooded low-water crossings and arroyos, “turn around, don’t drown.” Spaceport America Update: Spaceport America canceled its Sept. 26 Open House due to expected heavy rain that could severely impact safe travel to the site. Outdoor & Family Travel: Bernalillo County Fire Rescue rescued an exhausted 120–130 lb dog after a tough mountain hike, a reminder to bring water and plan for the return trip. Local Transit & Getting Around: Albuquerque’s Uptown Connect TOD project secured $30M+ in new funding, while a new bike-lane pilot is underway on MLK Jr. Ave with separated-lane designs. Nature & Events: The Sandhill Crane Festival returns this week, and Teton Valley’s Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival runs Sept. 23–26. Travel Planning Tech: Apple Wallet IDs are expanding—New Mexico is already live, while North Carolina is the next state with a published launch target. Aviation & Travel Routes: Aeroméxico announced nonstop Mexico City–Nassau flights starting March 19, 2027.

Cyclists & commuters: Albuquerque is testing separated bike lane designs on MLK Jr. Avenue (Arno to Oak), with six barrier styles installed for about two weeks and a public survey planned after. Wildlife safety: Bear encounters are rising nationwide, and experts say once bears learn to grab human food, it’s hard to reverse—so travelers and locals should secure trash and avoid feeding. New Mexico stays on the radar: Vermejo (Ted Turner Reserve) launched “Wild Wellbeing,” a nature-guided program tied to its rewilded 558,000-acre landscape. Road-trip planning: Journeyscape rolled out a 14-day “Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip” linking Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe, and major parks like White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, and Chaco. Travel logistics: If you’re flying through Albuquerque International Sunport, note that FAA ground stops hit several Northeast hubs, which could affect connecting flights. Weather watch: Subtropical moisture raises flash-flood risk in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle this week.

Tourism Spotlight: Sandoval County’s Gilman Tunnels just earned a big shout-out, ranking No. 2 worldwide for scenic tunnel views by car-rental brand SIXT—an easy win for travelers planning a Jemez-area drive. Weather & Safety: New Mexico’s monsoon season winds down, but a rainy stretch is expected to linger this week, with Albuquerque seeing about 1–3 inches and parts of the state possibly 3–4 inches, plus flash-flood warnings in many areas. Travel Disruption: If you’re flying through the Albuquerque International Sunport with Northeast connections, watch for FAA ground stops tied to an equipment outage at major hubs—delays and missed connections are possible. Animal Health: New Mexico confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Grant County, triggering surveillance and an infested movement zone. Road Notes: Construction is set to start on U.S. 550 between Cuba and San Ysidro, with daytime work and minor delays through mid-November.

TSA Travel Perk: TSA rolled out dedicated “Honor Lanes” for active-duty, veterans, and eligible families at 33+ airports, with fast-track options even where lanes aren’t available—good news for military travelers, but worth planning around. Road Work in NM: NMDOT starts a $2M rehab project on U.S. 550 between Cuba and San Ysidro (Sept. 21–mid-November), with injections to address sinking, cracking, and water buildup; expect minor delays. Safety Updates in Albuquerque: ABQ installed a new HAWK signal at Kathryn and San Mateo SE near schools, part of a broader push after recent pedestrian/bicyclist fatalities. Border & Livestock Watch: Coverage highlights renewed New Mexico border surveillance after a second New World screwworm case and notes USDA plans to reopen a livestock port soon—important for ranchers and pet owners. Santa Fe Legal News: Santa Fe agreed to a $1.25M settlement in a use-of-force case tied to a stun-gun incident. Tourism & Culture: Santa Fe’s 314th annual fiesta drew attention, while 516 Arts’ Route 66 exhibition spotlights drag and identity along the corridor.

Road Safety in Albuquerque: The city installed a new HAWK crosswalk beacon at Kathryn and San Mateo SE near Whitter Elementary and Wilson Middle School, the fifth such signal since a bicyclist was fatally struck in 2025—plus August traffic fatalities in New Mexico rose about 28% to 46, per NMDOT/UNM data. New Mexico Tourism & Culture: Old Town Emporium, a long-running Albuquerque gift shop known for New Mexico-themed items, announced it will close later this year. Local Arts on Route 66: 516 Arts’ “The Rest Is Drag” exhibition runs through Oct. 12, rethinking identity through drag along Route 66. Livestock & Public Health Watch: New World screwworm is back in the region, with New Mexico expanding surveillance after a second case in Grant County—urging hunters and pet owners to stay alert. Community & Heritage: Bayard’s council heard plans to convert the former Local 890 Union Hall into a mining museum, supported by New Mexico Tourism Department grants. Travel-Friendly Note: If you’re planning around fall travel, Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 1, 2026—clocks fall back at 2 a.m.

New Mexico Tourism: The state’s tourism agency says international travel is rising even as the national trend dips, a hopeful sign for visitors planning trips. Wildlife & Livestock Health: New World screwworm has been detected again, with Texas and New Mexico in the mix, prompting renewed attention for pets and livestock and a call for public watchfulness. Local Travel & Culture: Albuquerque’s Old Town Emporium gift shop is closing after 23 years, a hit for souvenir hunters and small-business fans. Road Trip Nostalgia: Route 66 turns 100 this year, and a new look at its ghost towns and decaying relics highlights detours—plus a separate guide points travelers to nearby UNESCO stops. Getting Through the Airport: TSA is expanding military lanes, including at Albuquerque International Sunport, for eligible service members and veterans. Community Events: Bayard’s council received an update on plans to turn a former union hall into a mining museum, supported by earlier Tourism Department grants.

Legislative Pay Vote: New Mexico lawmakers are heading toward a November ballot decision on a constitutional amendment that would end the long ban on paying legislators a salary—supporters say it could broaden representation, while opponents warn it may reshape the Legislature into a full-time political career. Public Health Alert: The New World screwworm is back in the region, with confirmed cases reported in Texas and New Mexico, prompting new tracking tools and heightened concern for livestock, pets, and wildlife. Tourism & Local Culture: Bayard is moving ahead with plans to turn the former Local 890 Union Hall into a mining museum, supported by New Mexico Tourism Department grants and tied to the “Salt of the Earth” legacy. UNM Business Boost: Frontier Restaurant CEO Shannon Rainosek donated $250,000 to UNM’s business school to fund student internships, competitions, conferences, and international travel. Travel Safety: TSA is expanding dedicated military screening lanes, including at Albuquerque International Sunport, to speed up airport security for eligible service members and veterans. Flood Watch: A major storm system with tropical moisture is raising flash-flood concerns across the Four Corners, including New Mexico.

Tourism Spotlight: Sandoval County’s Gilman Tunnels in the Jemez Pueblo area earned a No. 2 “tunnel view” ranking from car rental brand SIXT, praising the cinematic mountain-vista drive and its strong visitor ratings. Local Travel & Safety: Santa Fe County finished upgrades to the Avenida Vista Grande bridge near Eldorado, adding drainage improvements, a concrete apron, and new guardrails to make the main entrance safer during major rain events. Outdoor & Events: Under Canvas is set to debut its first New Mexico camp in Santa Fe in 2027, and the Cavern City Renaissance Festival (Sept. 25–26) will feature Bud Board’s Olde Apothecary herb-bundle booth at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park. NM News You Can Use: New Mexico confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Grant County, expanding surveillance and a 12.4-mile infested zone with inspection/treatment rules for animal movement. Sports (NM angle): The UNM Lobos head to Oklahoma to face the Sooners in a big Week 3 matchup.

Tourism Spotlight: Sandoval County’s Gilman Tunnels in the Jemez Pueblo area earned a No. 2 “tunnel view” ranking worldwide from car-rental brand SIXT, praising the scenic drive and its steady visitor traffic. Local Travel & Safety: Santa Fe County finished upgrades to the Avenida Vista Grande bridge near Eldorado, adding new guardrails and drainage improvements to better handle major rain and reduce erosion risk. Golf Getaway: The 2026 New Mexico Open wrapped at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort in Elephant Butte, with amateur Jackson Funkhouser winning by seven and setting a course record. Family-Friendly Weekend: Carlsbad’s Cavern City Renaissance Festival (Sept. 25–26) will feature Bud Board’s Olde Apothecary-themed interactive herb-bundle booth at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park. Animal Health Watch: New World screwworm was confirmed in a horse in Grant County, triggering expanded surveillance and a restricted movement zone for animals. On-the-Road Note: Police reported a fatal pedestrian crash in Albuquerque’s International District late Wednesday; the driver was not impaired and speed wasn’t a factor.

Public Safety & Travel Disruption: Three people died after being swept away in floodwaters on the Navajo Nation, with heavy rain and flash-flood warnings reported across northwestern New Mexico—plan around storm updates and avoid washed-out roads. Livestock & Outdoor Health: USDA says New World screwworm has been detected near Mimbres, NM; hunters are asked to watch for maggots/larvae in wounds and report suspected cases to the NM Department of Wildlife or the NM Livestock Board—important for anyone hiking, camping, or traveling with pets. Tourism & Culture: The New Mexico Jazz Festival keeps rolling with headliners esperanza spalding (Santa Fe, Sept. 18) and René Marie & Experiment In Truth (Sept. 19) at the Lensic. Local Governance: A Farmington family reached a $6 million settlement after their father was shot and killed by police in 2023, underscoring how legal outcomes can affect community trust. Road Trip Inspiration: Route 66 turns 100, with suggested detours to UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way.