New Mexico is struggling. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates a poverty rate of almost 20 percent for the state. New Mexico’s unemployment rate is also high at 5.4 percent, compared to the national average of 3.9 percent. Further, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 2018 report, “Rich States Poor States,” ranks New Mexico 35th in economic outlook and 45th in economic performance.

Some county commissioners have responded to this by focusing on economic development opportunities, such as right-to-work for the private sector.