The New Mexico ASLA Executive Committee and chapter members were successful in their most recent legislative session in which they advocated for landscape architecture by supporting bills that affect the industry. Things supported include advocating for licensure, programs and projects related to urban and rural economies, and putting knowledge in the hands of the people in the areas of the environment and human wellness.

 

Of the supported bills, two were signed into law by the New Mexico governor. The first was House Bill 8 - Creative Industries Division, that creates a new fund within the Economic Development Department to increase and advance the creative industry-based economy in New Mexico, and for clarity it defines creative industries broadly as "performance, visual or literary arts, media, landscape architecture, or artisanal professions." House Bill 8 aims to achieve this by providing grants for projects or programs that promote the growth of creative industries. The bill also stipulates that at least half of its funds must be used in rural or underserved areas of the state.

The second bill the New Mexico ASLA supported that was passed into law was Senate Bill 9 - Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. This bill creates a permanent fund for conservation of the environment. With a focus on agencies that have a proven track record of success, the initial investment of 50 million dollars will support improvements ranging from land and water conservation, to forest and watershed health, to even wildlife species protection.