Deb Haaland Outlines Small Business Agenda in Address to Albuquerque Chamber

June 27, 2026 - 04:01

Native Vote 2026 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) laid out her economic vision for New Mexico on Thursday, telling members of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce that she wants to cut red tape and make the state a more attractive place for entrepreneurs. Speaking to a crowd of business owners and local leaders, Haaland focused on streamlining permitting processes and expanding access to capital for small startups.

Haaland, a former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, acknowledged that New Mexico has struggled to keep young talent and new businesses from leaving for other states. She proposed creating a one-stop digital portal for business licenses and permits, arguing that current bureaucratic hurdles discourage mom-and-pop shops from getting off the ground. She also called for expanding state-backed loan programs that target rural and tribal communities, where access to traditional bank financing remains limited.

The candidate emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico's economy, employing roughly half of the state's private-sector workforce. She pledged to work with local chambers and economic development councils to simplify tax filing for small firms and to invest in broadband infrastructure so that rural entrepreneurs can compete in the digital marketplace. Haaland did not offer specific cost estimates for her proposals but said her administration would prioritize efficiency over new spending.

The address comes as Haaland faces a competitive primary field. Her focus on business-friendly policies marks a shift from her previous emphasis on environmental and tribal issues, signaling an attempt to broaden her appeal to moderate voters and the business community ahead of the 2026 election.