The Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity (AFLEP) is a state-wide nonprofit advocating for increased investment in local economic prosperity for New Mexicans. Equitable access to capital is a priority, especially for rural community development, small business entrepreneurs and adaptive regenerative agriculture practices. A Public Bank of NM holding deposits of the state’s revenue (taxes and fees) would be a tool to increase investments in New Mexican communities rather than those funds being held by global banks making investments outside the state. Learn more:
Watch our new video about one incredible farm cooperative in Central New Mexico, which provides food, trains farmers, and incubates businesses, talk to us about the financing challenges faced by farmers and small businesses. A Public Bank in New Mexico could be a vital resource to invest in local food production, job creation, and a stronger local economy.
Endorse a Public Bank for New Mexico
Endorse a public bank so public officials and friends know you support public banking and why.
Endorsements from community members and leaders across New Mexico are extremely helpful to us, as we speak with Legislators – to show the growing support for public banking. View Full Endorsers Gallery >>>
Allied Organizations that support what a State Public Bank can do for our economy
National News
What Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse Says About Banking And Community
By Oscar Perry Abello for NextCity | MARCH 13, 2023 — Focusing on wealthy people and their startup investments is not a sign of good risk management at a bank. Banking has never been about avoiding risk. It’s about managing risk. For years, especially...
Will a public bank prove recession-proof for East Bay cities?
By KATIE LAUER for SiliconValley.com | February 26, 2023 — Financial lending would focus on affordable housing, small business, green energy and municipal finance Image above: Trader Michael Gallucci works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange,...
Local Governments’ Vital Role in Getting Small Businesses the Funding They Need
Opinion by Ilana Preuss for Governing.com | February 14, 2023 — Due to racial bias and other disparities, too often they aren’t “bankable” and struggle to obtain loans essential for their success. Some programs are leading the way in achieving more-equitable...
New Mexico News
Revolving fund bills show gaps in NM financial capacity
by Angela Merkert, Executive Director, AFLEP — Whew! That 60 day session went by fast. Over 240 bills were passed of the more than 1000 filed. A number of those bills will support increased local economic prosperity. We are grateful for legislative support for...
Life Link + Homewise Partnership Delivers More Than Financing
Partnership Delivers More Than Financing — The Life Link in Santa Fe rents and owns multiple buildings where it delivers a multitude of services. When management wanted to create synergy around some of those services by housing them under one roof, the nonprofit...

SEED NM 2022 Symposium: Bob Mang on how business guilds can regenerate communities
SEED NM 2022 Symposium: Bob Mang on how business guilds can regenerate communities
Bob Mang, Re-Genesis Inc, Co-Founder (Retired) and AFLEP Board member, talks about rural economic development and how business guilds can regenerate communities.
Public Banking Institute
Accross the nation, more than 25 initiatives and 50 grassroots organizations are advocating for the chartering of public banks. Learn more about the National Movement and the work of our national affiliate, the Public Banking Institute.
- North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation during the 2007-08 recession. Current Sept 2022 rates: North Dakota, 2.3%; U.S., 3.7%; New Mexico, 4.5%.
- Bank of North Dakota (BND) has added to the state’s annual operating budget $300+ million over the past 10 years.
- North Dakota community banks are thriving because of their partnerships with BND: 10 community banks per 100,000 population, the highest in the U.S.
- BND originated or renewed 15,696 loans to state businesses, projects and students, totaling $1.33 billion in 2019. The total loan portfolio is $4.5 billion.
- BND works actively to create successful new businesses to reduce the state’s dependence on oil and gas.
- Founded in 1919 with $2 million in capital, BND reported assets of $7.0 billion at the end of 2019.
- BND responded to the COVID-19 crisis with confidence in 2020, filling the gaps that federal programs didn’t support and seeing a 15% Return on Investment (ROI).
Detailed Comparison of New Mexico and North Dakota
BND’s 2020 Economic Development Report: Creating Financial Solutions for Current and Emerging Economic Needs
BND 2020 Annual Report: Responding with Confidence