Forum’s Executive Director, Emily Howard, will present the findings of a recent Research & Polling study we commissioned to learn more about Albuquerque residents’ and business leaders’ perceptions of the local economy and the role business plays in our community. Emily will also share some recommended strategic action items designed to build alignment and collaboration among business leaders.
The second half of this program will feature a panel moderated by Forum board member, Will Martinez, offering business leaders essential perspectives on shifting from reactive to proactive policy engagement in New Mexico’s unique legislative arena. Experts will analyze the strategic benefits of cultivating positive policymaker relationships, weigh the trade-offs of compensated legislature, and provide actionable insights for success in the 2026 and 2027 sessions.
Panelists: Jason Harper (Former State Legislator); Michael Rocca (Director, Master of Public Policy Program at UNM); Rhiannon Samuel (Executive Director, NAIOP New Mexico); Jason Weaks (Attorney/Lobbyist/Consultant)