FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2021
Contact:
Angie Poss, Assistant Commissioner of Communications
State Land Office Community Conversations Kicking Off in San Miguel and Mora Counties
SANTA FE, NM – The State Land Office (SLO) today announced San Miguel and Mora County as the first locations in a series of community conversations that will be taking place across the state. Both events will take place this Thursday, July 22nd. Full details are below. The purpose of the events is to connect with lease holders and the general public to discuss the work, accomplishments, and priorities of the state agency, which is charged with managing and stewarding over 13 million acres of state trust land in the best interest of the public. The Commissioner and staff will conduct informal conversations with community members, answering questions and receiving feedback from those who attend these conversations.
“At the State Land Office, we strive to be transparent and responsive to the constituents and communities we serve throughout New Mexico,” Commissioner Garcia Richard said. “These community conversations are just one part of these efforts.”
For three years in a row, the SLO has raised over $1 billion annually to benefit New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. The SLO leases land in 32 of New Mexico’s 33 Counties for a variety of uses including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.
Stephanie Garcia Richard is the first woman, first Latina, and first educator to serve as New Mexico’s Commissioner of Public Lands. Learn more here.
San Miguel County (Las Vegas) Community Conversation:
Who: Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard, SLO staff and YOU, members of the public interested in learning more about the State Land Office and providing feedback
What: In-person informal meeting
When: Thursday, July 2, 2021 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Where: San Miguel County Commissioner Chambers
500 West National Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Mora County (Mora) Community Conversation:
Who: Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard, SLO staff and YOU, members of the public interested in learning more about the State Land Office and providing feedback
What: In-person informal meeting
When: Thursday, July 2, 2021 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Where: Mora County Commissioner Chambers
1 Courthouse Drive, Mora NM 87732
Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has raised $3.4 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.