State-Owned Bank for New Mexico
Don Morgan’s Presentation on YouTube
In January 8th, Don Morgan, CEO of the Bank of North Dakota (BND), was the guest speaker for a special in-person and virtual meeting. As the leader of the nation’s only state-owned bank, Don shared his firsthand experience in leading a state-owned bank that has transformed the North Dakota economy.
We hope these videos deepen your understanding of how a state-owned bank has already made a positive impact by supporting strong communities in North Dakota.
The legislation planned by the Alliance builds on this successful model, with a shared vision of investing New Mexico’s revenue right here at home—inspiring prosperity, resilience, and wellbeing across our communities.
Join us in this exciting initiative! The next nine months will be full of energy and momentum as we build toward 2027—there’s never been a better time to get involved.
His keynote address was recorded and is now available on our YouTube channel in a five part series and a Q&A session. Click here to view.
Bank of North Dakota
The highly successful Bank of North Dakota has been owned and operated for the benefit of the people of North Dakota for 100 years. The Associated Press reports that in 2019 the Bank of North Dakota (BND) recorded its 16th consecutive year of record profits, with $169 million in net earnings. BND has helped North Dakota maintain a low unemployment rate, large state government budget surpluses, a robust network of community banks, and high credit availability even during economic crises.
The Bank of North Dakota’s success could be the Public Bank of New Mexico’s.
- North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation during the 2007-08 recession. Current Sept 2020 rates: North Dakota, 3.8%; U.S., 7.9%; New Mexico, 9.4%.
- 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).
Read a detailed comparison of New Mexico and North Dakota demographics, and contributions to state budgets and economies by New Mexico Permanent Funds vs BND sources.
Bank of North Dakota Celebrates 100 Years, Dec. 8, 2018
Read BND Postsecondary Education 2018 Report
Read BND Economic Development 2018 Report
Read BND Financing Economic Development 2017 Report
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Retake Our Democracy Zoominar Panel on Public Bank Legislation
Retake Our Democracy Zoominar Panel on Public Bank Legislation
We had a great discussion panel with Retake our Democracy ahead of the 2023 Legislative session. October 26, 2022
Albuquerque local business consultant on how a State Public Bank can benefit our economy
Albuquerque local business consultant on how a State Public Bank can benefit our economy
AFLEP Leadership Team Member and Albuquerque”buy local” business advocate, Clifton Chadwick shares key economic reasons why he supports the creation of a State-Owned Public Bank. March 10, 2022
Episode: Everyone deserves a public bank
“I had the good fortune to work on this initiative before Bernie kidnapped all my time. This is one of those no-brainer initiatives that only the 1% could oppose. It has the potential to save the state millions of dollars by vastly reducing the cost of its bonds to improve infrastructure funding. in a public bank, our state funds can be used to build our local economy and our local infrastructure.”
– Paul Gibson
Retake Our Democracy