History of New Mexico in Timeline

New Mexico, a landlocked state in the Southwestern U.S., is part of the Mountain States and shares the Four Corners region. Bordering Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico, its largest city is Albuquerque, while Santa Fe is the state capital, the oldest and highest in the U.S. at 6,998 feet. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe served as the government seat of Nuevo México in New Spain.

1906: El Morro creation

In 1906, El Morro became the second oldest national monument.

1906: El Morro Proclaimed a National Monument

In 1906, El Morro was proclaimed as a national monument, preserving the state's ancient indigenous heritage.

1907: Gila Cliff Dwellings Proclaimed

In 1907, Gila Cliff Dwellings was proclaimed a national monument in New Mexico.

1907: Gila Cliff Dwellings Proclaimed a National Monument

In 1907, Gila Cliff Dwellings was proclaimed as a national monument, preserving the state's ancient indigenous heritage.

1911: Original State Constitution

In 1911, New Mexico's original state constitution required all laws to be published in both English and Spanish for twenty years after ratification.

1911: Adoption of the Constitution of New Mexico

In 1911, the Constitution of New Mexico was adopted by popular referendum, establishing a republican form of government and a bill of rights.

January 6, 1912: New Mexico admitted to the Union

On January 6, 1912, New Mexico was admitted to the Union as the 47th state, marking a significant event in its history following periods of Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territorial governance.

1912: Territory status

Before becoming a state in 1912, New Mexico was among the few U.S. territories that was predominately nonwhite, which contributed to its delayed admission into the Union.

1912: Establishment of the Land Grant Permanent Fund

In 1912, upon statehood, New Mexico established the Land Grant Permanent Fund (LGPF). This fund derives revenue from oil, gas, and mining operations, with distributions primarily for public schools.

1912: New Mexico and the national popular vote

Since achieving statehood in 1912, New Mexico has been carried by the national popular vote winner in every presidential election except in 1976 and 2024.

1914: Peak of rail transportation system

In 1914, following admission as a state, New Mexico's rail transportation system reached its height in terms of length, with eleven railroads operating 3124 route miles.

1922: Soledad Chávez Chacón elected secretary of state

In 1922, Soledad Chávez Chacón was the first woman elected secretary of state of New Mexico, and the first Hispanic woman elected to statewide office in the United States.

1923: New Mexico Magazine launched

In 1923, the New Mexico government launched the nation's first state publication, New Mexico Magazine.

1924: Native Americans granted U.S. citizenship

In 1924, Congress passed a law granting all Native Americans U.S. citizenship and the right to vote in federal and state elections; however, Anglo-American arrivals into New Mexico enacted Jim Crow laws against Hispanos, Hispanic Americans, and those who did not pay taxes, targeting indigenous affiliated individuals.

1924: Gila Wilderness designated

In 1924, Gila Wilderness was designated the world's first wilderness area, marking New Mexico's central role in the early-20th century conservation movement.

1926: U.S. routes built

In 1926, most U.S. routes were built by the state government in New Mexico and are still managed and maintained by state or local authorities.

1927: KiMo Theater Built

In 1927, the KiMo Theater was built in Albuquerque in the Pueblo Revival Style architecture.

1928: Major oil discovery near Hobbs

In 1928, a major oil discovery near the town of Hobbs brought greater wealth to New Mexico, particularly in surrounding Lea County.

1931: Renewal of Constitution Law

In 1931, the requirement that all laws be published in both English and Spanish was renewed in the state constitution.

1935: Spanish permitted in legislature

Until 1935, Spanish was permitted in the legislature.

1937: Creamland brand founded in New Mexico

In 1937, the Creamland brand was originally founded in New Mexico to expand a cooperative dairy venture known as the Albuquerque Dairy Association.

1940: Majority-minority population

As early as 1940, roughly half the population of New Mexico was estimated to be nonwhite.

1940: Population increase

From 1940, New Mexico saw its population nearly double, growing from roughly 532,000 to over 954,000 by 1960, driven by federal personnel, agencies, and residents attracted by the warm climate and low taxes.

December 1941: U.S. entry into World War II

In December 1941, the U.S. entered World War II, which greatly transformed New Mexico. Patriotism ran high, and the state became a leading supplier of strategic resources. Los Alamos became a central facility of the Manhattan Project, where the first atomic bombs were designed and manufactured.

1943: Renewal of Constitution Law for Bilingual Publishing

In 1943, the requirement that all laws be published in both English and Spanish was renewed in the state constitution.

1947: Roswell incident

Following the 1947 Roswell incident, New Mexico became a center for unidentified flying objects.

1948: Lawsuit challenging voting restrictions

In 1948, after veteran Miguel Trujillo Sr. of Isleta Pueblo was told he could not register to vote, he filed suit against the county in federal district court. The court overturned New Mexico's provisions preventing Native Americans who did not pay taxes from voting, deeming them unconstitutional.

1948: First rocket to reach space flew from White Sands Missile Range

In 1948, the first rocket to reach space was launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the early stages of space exploration and rocket technology.

1953: Possible end of official bilingual status

Some sources state that the state was officially bilingual until 1953.

May 22, 1957: Accidental dropping of nuclear bomb

On May 22, 1957, a B-36 accidentally dropped a nuclear bomb 4.5 miles from the control tower while landing at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque; only its conventional "trigger" detonated.

1960: Population Increase

By 1960, New Mexico's population had grown to over 954,000 from roughly 532,000 in 1940, in part due to the area's weather, and low taxes.

January 13, 1963: Lowest temperature recorded in New Mexico

On January 13, 1963, the lowest temperature recorded in New Mexico was −57 °F (−49 °C) at Ciniza (near Jamestown).

1964: Lyndon B. Johnson wins New Mexico

In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson won New Mexico; it was the last time the state was won by a Democrat until Bill Clinton's election in 1992.

1969: Enactment of a restrictive "trigger law"

In 1969, a "trigger law" that banned most abortion procedures was enacted, but it was repealed in 2021.

1969: MITS founded in Albuquerque

Personal computer company MITS, was founded in Albuquerque in 1969.

1970: One of Our 50 Is Missing Feature

Since 1970, New Mexico Magazine has had a standing feature, "One of Our 50 Is Missing", which relates anecdotes about people elsewhere not realizing New Mexico is a state.

1970: Joint ownership of Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway

Since 1970, New Mexico has jointly owned and operated the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway, a heritage narrow-gauge steam railroad, with the state of Colorado.

May 1, 1971: Amtrak began operating long-distance routes

On May 1, 1971, Amtrak, also known as the National Passenger Railroad Corporation, began operating the two extant long-distance routes in New Mexico.

1973: Creation of the Severance Tax Permanent Fund

During the oil boom of 1973, New Mexico created the Severance Tax Permanent Fund (STPF). This fund also gains revenue from oil, gas, and mining, with all distributions allocated to the LGPF.

1975: Microsoft founded

Two employees of MITS, Paul Allen and Bill Gates, later founded Microsoft in the city in 1975.

1976: Exception to New Mexico's presidential voting pattern

In 1976, New Mexico did not vote for the national popular vote winner in the presidential election, an exception to the state's usual pattern since achieving statehood in 1912.

1978: Legislation allowing the medical use of marijuana

In 1978, New Mexico was the first state to pass legislation allowing the medical use of marijuana in some form, albeit restricted to a federal research program.

1980: Intel operations in Rio Rancho

Multinational technology company Intel has had operations in Rio Rancho since 1980.

1983: The annual Gathering of Nations began

In 1983, the annual Gathering of Nations began. It has been described as the largest pow wow in the U.S., drawing hundreds of native tribes from across North America.

1985: U.S. 66 replaced by I-40

In 1985, U.S. Route 66, known as the nation's "Mother Road", was replaced by Interstate 40 (I-40) in northern New Mexico. Despite this, much of U.S. 66 remains in use for tourism and has been preserved for historical significance.

1987: U.S. Mineral Leasing Act Amendment

Since the last amendment to the U.S. Mineral Leasing Act in 1987, New Mexico had by far the lowest percent of land sold for the minimum statutory amount of $2 per acre, at just 3%.

1989: English Plus resolution adopted

In 1989, New Mexico became the first of only four states to officially adopt the English Plus resolution, which supports acceptance of non-English languages.

1992: Bill Clinton wins New Mexico

The 1992 election of Bill Clinton marked the first time New Mexico was won by a Democrat since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

June 27, 1994: Highest temperature recorded in New Mexico

On June 27, 1994, the highest temperature recorded in New Mexico was 122 °F (50 °C) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Loving.

1995: Gary Johnson was governor

Gary Johnson was governor from 1995.

1995: Bilingual song adopted

In 1995, the state adopted an official bilingual song, "New Mexico – Mi Lindo Nuevo México".

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1996: State Lottery Scholarship Instated

In 1996, New Mexico instated a college scholarship funded by the state lottery, initially covering 100% of tuition for eligible residents.

1999: endorsement of drug legalization.

In 1999, Republican Governor Gary Johnson became the highest-ranking elected official in the U.S. to publicly endorse drug legalization.

2000: Al Gore narrowly carried the state

Al Gore narrowly carried the state in 2000 by 366 votes.

2000: New Mexico highway system

As of 2000, New Mexico had 59,927 route miles of highway, of which 7,037 receive federal aid and there were 1,003 miles of freeways.

2000: Population Increase

Between 2000 and 2010, New Mexico's population increased by 11.7% from 1,819,046.

2000: Value of oil and gas produced

In 2000 the value of oil and gas produced was $8.2 billion.

2000: Highest Concentration of PhD Holders

In 2000, New Mexico had the highest concentration of PhD holders of any state, owing to its relatively low population and numerous federally funded research facilities.

2000: Highway traffic fatality rate

In 2000, the highway traffic fatality rate in New Mexico was 1.9 per million miles traveled, the 13th highest rate among U.S. states.

2000: Railroads in New Mexico

In the year 2000, there were 2,354 route miles of railroads in New Mexico.

2001: Structurally deficient or obsolete bridges

As of 2001, 703 highway bridges, or one percent, were declared "structurally deficient" or "structurally obsolete" in New Mexico.

2003: Gary Johnson was governor

Gary Johnson was governor until 2003 as a Republican.

2003: U.S. 666 renamed U.S. Route 491

In 2003, U.S. Route 666, also known as the "Devil's Highway", was renamed U.S. Route 491 due to controversy and superstition surrounding the number 666.

2004: George W. Bush won

George W. Bush won in 2004 by less than 6,000 votes.

2004: Establishment of Front Range Commuter Rail

In 2004, the Colorado-based nonprofit Front Range Commuter Rail was established with the goal of connecting Wyoming and New Mexico with high-speed rail.

2005: New Mexico State University Study about military spending impact on the state

In 2005, a study by New Mexico State University estimated that 11.7% of the state's total employment arose directly or indirectly from military spending.

2005: Percentage of persons below poverty level

In 2005, the percentage of persons below the poverty level was 18.4%.

2005: Average millage for residential property in New Mexico

In the 2005 tax year, the average millage was about 26.47 for residential property, and 29.80 for non-residential property in New Mexico.

2006: Crude oil, dry natural gas, and natural gas liquids production

In 2006, New Mexico accounted for 3.4% of the crude oil, 8.5% of the dry natural gas, and 10.2% of the natural gas liquids produced in the United States.

2006: Rail Runner extension to Santa Fe

In 2006, the opening of the Rail Runner's extension to Santa Fe slightly increased the total route miles of railroads in New Mexico.

2006: Suborbital flights from Spaceport America

Since 2006, over 300 suborbital flights have been successfully launched from Spaceport America.

2006: New Mexico Rail Runner Express began service

Since 2006, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a state-owned, privately run commuter railway, has served the Albuquerque metropolitan area, connecting the city with Santa Fe and other communities.

April 2007: Rocket launches began at Spaceport America

Rocket launches began in April 2007 at Spaceport America, the world's first operational and purpose-built commercial spaceport, located in Upham, near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

2007: Wild Hogs Filmed in Madrid

In 2007, Madrid, New Mexico, gained national fame as the filming location for the movie "Wild Hogs".

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2007: Medicinal marijuana was fully legalized

In 2007, Medicinal marijuana was fully legalized in New Mexico.

2007: Per Capita Personal Income

In 2007, the per capita personal income was $31,474.

2008: Law enforcement agencies in New Mexico

Based on 2008 data, New Mexico had 146 law enforcement agencies across the state, county, and municipal levels, with over 5,000 sworn police officers.

2008: Navajo textbook adopted

In 2008, New Mexico was the first state to officially adopt a Navajo textbook for use in public schools.

2008: Expansion of Rail Runner service

In 2008, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express expanded its service with the addition of the BNSF Railway's line from Belen to a few miles south of Lamy.

2008: Financial crisis

The 2008 financial crisis affected New Mexico.

2008: Transition to a Democratic stronghold

The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked New Mexico's transition into a Democratic stronghold. Obama was also the first Democrat to win a majority of New Mexico votes since Johnson.

July 2009: Alcohol-related crash rates

According to the Los Angeles Times, by July 2009, New Mexico ranked 25th in the nation in alcohol-related crash rates.

2009: New Mexico abolished capital punishment

In 2009, New Mexico became the 15th state to abolish capital punishment, making it one of 23 states without the death penalty.

October 2010: Peak Unemployment rate

In October 2010, the peak unemployment rate in New Mexico was 8.0%.

2010: Largest denominations

According to Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), the largest denominations in 2010 were the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the United Methodist Church.

2010: U.S. Census

According to the 2010 U.S. census, 28.5% of the population age 5 and older speak Spanish at home, while 3.5% speak Navajo.

2010: Gross Domestic Product

As of 2010, New Mexico's gross domestic product was roughly $80 billion.

2010: Poverty Increase

From 2000 to 2010, the number of persons in poverty increased to 400,779, or approximately one-fifth of the population.

2010: Population Recorded In Census

The 2010 census recorded New Mexico's population to be 2,059,179.

2011: Official opening of Spaceport America

In 2011, Spaceport America, the world's first operational and purpose-built commercial spaceport located in Upham, near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, officially opened.

2011: Front Range Commuter Rail became inactive

In 2011, the Colorado-based nonprofit Front Range Commuter Rail, which aimed to connect Wyoming and New Mexico with high-speed rail, became inactive.

2012: Decline in immigrant population

Between 2012 and 2022, New Mexico was the only state to see a decline in its immigrant population.

2012: Gary Johnson ran for president

In 2012 Gary Johnson ran for president from the Libertarian Party.

2012: Obama won New Mexico again

Obama won New Mexico again in 2012.

December 2013: New Mexico Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage

In December 2013, the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling directing all county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, thereby making New Mexico the 17th state to recognize same-sex marriage statewide.

2013: Opening of BioScience Center

In 2013, a BioScience Center opened in Albuquerque, becoming the state's first private incubator for biotechnology startups.

2013: Hispanic births

Since 2013, the majority of live births in New Mexico are to Hispanic whites, with Hispanics of any race consistently accounting for over half of all live births.

2015: People killed in automotive crashes in New Mexico

Between 2015 and 2019, close 1,900 people were killed in automotive crashes in New Mexico.

2015: Gold King Mine waste water spill

In 2015, the Gold King Mine waste water spill caused heavy metals and toxins to flow into the Animas River, polluting water basins of several states.

January 2016: New Mexico sues EPA over Gold King Mine spill

In January 2016, New Mexico sued the United States Environmental Protection Agency over negligence after the 2015 Gold King Mine waste water spill.

2016: Hillary Clinton won

Hillary Clinton won in 2016.

2016: Gary Johnson ran for president

In 2016 Gary Johnson ran for president from the Libertarian Party.

2017: Pew Research Center Survey

According to a 2017 survey by the Pew Research Center, New Mexico ranks 18th among the 50 U.S. states in religiosity, with 63% of respondents stating they believe in God with certainty.

2017: New Mexico ranked first in the nation for chile pepper acreage

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, New Mexico ranked first in the nation for chile pepper acreage. Doña Ana and Luna counties placed first and second among U.S. counties in this regard.

2017: New Mexico's government budget and credit rating

As of 2017, New Mexico's government had one of the largest state budgets on a per capita basis, at $9,101 per resident, and an S&P Global Rating of AA+.

2017: Bioscience Authority established

In 2017, New Mexico established the Bioscience Authority to foster local industry development.

2017: Discovery of ancient footprints

In 2017, footprints discovered in New Mexico suggested that humans may have been present in the region as long ago as 21,000–23,000 BC.

2017: Lowest Student Debt Burdens

In 2017, graduates of four-year colleges in New Mexico had some of the lowest student debt burdens in the U.S., owing an average of $21,237.

2017: Poverty rate of children in New Mexico

In 2017, nearly 30% of New Mexico's children were in poverty, which is 40% higher than the national average.

2017: State Lottery Scholarship Reduced

In 2017, the New Mexico lottery scholarship decreased to covering 60% of tuition.

2017: Rise in Annual Visitors

Since 2017, the state has seen a steady rise in the number of annual visitors.

2018: Greenhouse gas emissions study

A 2018 study by Colorado State University showed that New Mexico's oil and gas industry generated 60 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, over four times greater than previously estimated.

2018: Largest producer of crude oil

By 2018, the United States again became the world's largest producer of crude oil.

2018: Netflix chose New Mexico for its first U.S. production hub

In 2018, Netflix chose New Mexico for its first U.S. production hub, pledging to spend over $1 billion over the next decade to create one of the largest film studios in North America at Albuquerque Studios.

2018: Herrell narrowly lost

In 2018, Republican Herrell narrowly lost to Democrat Xochitl Torres Small.

2018: Landmark Ruling on Education Rights

In 2018, a state judge ruled that New Mexico was violating the constitutional rights of at-risk students by failing to provide them with sufficient education.

2018: Top countries of origin for immigrants

In 2018, the top countries of origin for New Mexico's immigrants were Mexico, the Philippines, India, Germany and Cuba.

2018: State Lottery Scholarship Slightly Increased

In 2018, the value of the New Mexico lottery scholarship slightly increased, and new legislation was passed to outline what funds are available per type of institution.

2018: Retirement destination

New Mexico ranked as the most popular retirement destination in 2018, with an estimated 42% of new residents being retired.

2018: Democratic leadership in New Mexico

Since 2018, New Mexico has been led by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, both of the Democratic Party, along with other Democratic constitutional officers.

January 1, 2019: Lujan Grisham succeeded Martinez

On January 1, 2019, Lujan Grisham succeeded two-term Republican governor Susana Martinez.

April 2019: Response to Education Ruling

In April 2019, responding to a court order, New Mexico increased teacher salaries, funded an extended school year, expanded prekindergarten education programs, and developed a budget formula for at-risk schools.

September 2019: Announcement of Free Tuition Plan

In September 2019, New Mexico announced a plan to make tuition at its public colleges and universities free for all state residents, regardless of family income.

2019: Program enacted

A program enacted in 2019 provides benefits to media companies that commit to investing in the state for at least a decade and that use local talent, crew, and businesses.

2019: Los Alamos National Laboratory jobs

As of 2019, the Los Alamos National Laboratory alone accounts for 24,000 direct and indirect jobs and over $3 billion in annual federal investment.

2019: People killed in automotive crashes in New Mexico

Between 2015 and 2019, close 1,900 people were killed in automotive crashes in New Mexico.

2019: Subpar highway conditions

Data from 2019 found 207 bridges and more than 3,822 miles of highway in less than subpar condition in New Mexico.

2019: Law to increase personal income tax in 2021

In 2019 a law was enacted in New Mexico which increased personal income tax starting in 2021.

2019: New Mexico United Begins Playing

In 2019, New Mexico United began playing in the second tier USL Championship soccer league.

2019: Decriminalize possession of drug paraphernalia

In 2019, it was the first U.S. state to decriminalize possession of drug paraphernalia.

March 11, 2020: COVID-19 pandemic reaches New Mexico

On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached the U.S. state of New Mexico.

December 23, 2020: COVID-19 update

On December 23, 2020, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 1,174 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths, bringing the cumulative statewide totals to 133,242 cases and 2,243 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

2020: Christian Population

A 2020 study by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) determined 67% of the population were Christian, with Roman Catholics constituting the largest denominational group.

2020: New Mexico ranked as 20th hardest state to vote

A 2020 study ranked New Mexico as the 20th hardest state for citizens to vote due to the inaccessibility of polling stations among many isolated communities.

2020: Largest ethnic group

According to the 2020 census, Hispanic and Latino Americans account for nearly half (47.7%) of New Mexico's population, making them the largest ethnic group in the state.

2020: Valuation of Permanent Funds

As of 2020, New Mexico's Land Grant Permanent Fund was valued at $21.6 billion, while the Severance Tax Permanent Fund was worth $5.8 billion.

2020: Population Increase

Between 2000 and 2020, New Mexico added over 400,000 residents.

2020: Direct economic impact from the film tax credit

During fiscal years 2020–2023, the total direct economic impact from the film tax credit was $2.36 million.

2020: Herrell retook her seat

In 2020, Herrell retook her seat.

2020: Doctorate Recipients in New Mexico

In 2020, the number of doctorate recipients in New Mexico was 300, placing the state 34th in the nation.

2020: Joe Biden won

Joe Biden won in 2020.

2020: Population recorded in census

The 2020 census recorded New Mexico's population at 2,117,522, an increase of 2.8% from 2010, marking the lowest growth rate in the western U.S.

January 2021: Minimum wage increase

In January 2021, the New Mexico government approved a minimum wage increase.

March 1, 2021: Living Wage Ordinance

On March 1, 2021, Santa Fe County enacted a "Living Wage Ordinance", mandating a minimum wage of $12.32.

April 2021: New Mexico legalized cannabis

In April 2021, New Mexico became the 18th state to legalize cannabis for recreational use, allowing possession, personal cultivation, and retail sales under certain conditions.

May 2021: Residents enrolled in Medicaid in New Mexico

As of May 2021, around 44% of residents in New Mexico were enrolled in Medicaid.

May 22, 2021: Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity launched humans into space

On May 22, 2021, Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity launched from Spaceport America, making New Mexico the third U.S. state to launch humans into space, after California and Florida.

June 2021: Unemployment rate for June 2021

The unemployment rate for June 2021 in New Mexico was 7.9%, tied with Connecticut as the highest in the country.

July 2021: Population Decrease

From July 2021 to July 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a slight decrease in New Mexico's population by 3,333 people.

July 2021: Oil production overtakes North Dakota

In July 2021, New Mexico overtook North Dakota in oil production.

August 2021: Guaranteed basic income program targeting poorer residents

In August 2021, Santa Fe announced a one-year pilot program that would provide a "stability stipend" of $400 monthly to 100 parents under the age of 30 who attend Santa Fe Community College.

October 22, 2021: First suborbital accelerator tested at Spaceport America

On October 22, 2021, Spaceport America was the site of the first successfully tested vacuum-sealed "suborbital accelerator", conducted by SpinLaunch. This test aims to offer a more economical alternative to launching satellites via rockets.

2021: Tax Foundation placed New Mexico 23rd in business tax climate

A 2021 analysis by the nonprofit Tax Foundation placed New Mexico 23rd in business tax climate, with its property taxes being the least burdensome in the U.S.

2021: Report on slow population growth

A 2021 report by the New Mexico Legislature attributed the state's slow growth to a negative net migration rate and a decline in the birth rate.

2021: State GDP and per capita income

As of 2021, New Mexico's gross domestic product was over $95 billion, and the per capita personal income was slightly over $45,800.

2021: GRT combined tax rate

As of 2021, the combined Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) rate in New Mexico ranged from 5.125% to 9.063%.

2021: Origin of Immigrants

As of 2021, the vast majority of immigrants in the state came from Mexico (67.6%), followed by the Philippines (3.1%) and Germany (2.4%).

2021: NBCUniversal opened television film studio

In 2021 NBCUniversal followed suit with the opening of its own television film studio in the city, committing to spend $500 million in direct production and employ 330 full-time equivalent local jobs over the next decade.

2021: New Mexico chile sold close to $40 million

In 2021, New Mexico chile sales were close to $40 million, while dry beans accounted for $7.6 million that year.

2021: Record-breaking tourism

In 2021, New Mexico experienced a record-breaking 39.2 million tourists, which had a total economic income of $10 billion.

2021: New Mexico welcomed a record-breaking 39.2 million tourists

In 2021, New Mexico saw a steady rise in annual visitors, welcoming a record-breaking 39.2 million tourists.

2021: Federal government spending in New Mexico

In 2021, the federal government spent $2.48 on New Mexico for every dollar of tax revenue collected from the state, and New Mexico received $9,624 per resident in federal services.

2021: Repeal of 1969 trigger law

In 2021, the state repealed a 1969 "trigger law" that had banned most abortion procedures, which would have come into effect following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

2021: Personal income tax rates in New Mexico

In 2021, the top marginal rate was increased from 4.9% in New Mexico per a 2019 law.

January 1, 2022: Minimum wage increase

On January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in New Mexico is set to increase to $11.50.

January 2022: National Guardsmen Serve as Substitute Teachers

In January 2022, New Mexico became the first state in the U.S. to recruit national guardsmen and state workers as substitute teachers due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19.

March 1, 2022: Increased Salaries and Benefits for Teachers

On March 1, 2022, Governor Grisham signed into law four bills to increase the salaries and benefits of teachers and other school staff, particularly in entry-level positions, due to pandemic-related shortages.

March 2022: Free College Tuition Bill Passed

In March 2022, New Mexico became the first state to offer free college tuition for all residents after the legislature passed a bill allocating almost 1% of the state budget towards covering tuition and fees.

June 2022: Permissive abortion laws in New Mexico

As of June 2022, New Mexico has one of the nation's most permissive abortion laws, with elective abortion care legal at all stages of pregnancy without significant restrictions.

July 1, 2022: Free College Tuition Program Takes Effect

On July 1, 2022, New Mexico's free college tuition program took effect, covering tuition and fees at all 29 public colleges, universities, community colleges, and tribal colleges for all residents regardless of income, work status, or legal status.

July 2022: Population Decrease

From July 2021 to July 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a slight decrease in New Mexico's population by 3,333 people.

November 2022: New Mexico State Investment Council to commit $100 million towards America's Frontier Fund

In November 2022, the New Mexico State Investment Council announced a commitment of $100 million to America's Frontier Fund (AFF), a venture capital firm focusing on microelectronics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy sources, synthetic biology, and quantum sciences.

2022: Poor road conditions as a major factor in high traffic fatalities

A 2022 report cited poor road as a major factor in New Mexico's continually high traffic fatalities.

2022: Homeless population

According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 2,560 homeless people in New Mexico.

2022: American Community Survey

According to the 2022 American Community Survey, the most commonly claimed ancestry groups in New Mexico were recorded.

2022: Film and television expenditures reached highest level

According to the New Mexico Film Office, in 2022, film and television expenditures reached the highest recorded level at over $855 million.

2022: Foreign-born Residents

As of 2022, a little over 9% of New Mexican residents are foreign-born, while an additional 6.0% of U.S.-born residents live with at least one immigrant parent.

2022: Vasquez won

In 2022, Gabe Vasquez won to Herrell.

2022: Ranking in Social Mobility Index

In 2022, New Mexico ranked 13th in the Social Mobility Index (SMI), measuring access to colleges with lower tuition and higher job prospects for economically disadvantaged students.

2022: Curia plans to expand operations

In 2022, pharmaceutical company Curia announced plans to invest $100 million to expand local operations.

January 1, 2023: Minimum wage increase

On January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in New Mexico is set to increase to $12.00.

January 2023: New Mexico ranked sixth in female state legislators

As of January 2023, New Mexico ranked sixth in the number of female state legislators (43.8%), with women comprising a majority of the New Mexico House of Representatives (53%) and over a quarter of the Senate (29%).

2023: Agriculture exports of the state

As of 2023, New Mexico exported $275 million in agricultural goods. The state ranked first nationwide in the production of chile peppers, second in pecans, and fifth in onions.

2023: Direct economic impact from the film tax credit

During fiscal years 2020–2023, the total direct economic impact from the film tax credit was $2.36 million.

2023: GDP over $105 billion

In 2023, New Mexico's total real gross domestic product (GDP) was over $105 billion, with a GDP per capita of $49,879.

January 2024: Intel opened Fab 9 factory

In January 2024, Multinational technology company Intel opened its Fab 9 factory in Rio Rancho, part of its commitment to invest $3.5 billion in expanding its operations in the state.

2024: Albuquerque placement in top cities for filmmakers

In 2024, Albuquerque placed second, after Toronto, in MovieMaker magazine's top cities for filmmakers.

2024: Exception to New Mexico's presidential voting pattern

In 2024, New Mexico did not vote for the national popular vote winner in the presidential election, an exception to the state's usual pattern since achieving statehood in 1912.