in grants awarded
Fiscal Year 2026 Impact Report
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Community Investment
$28.5 Million in Public Investment
Record demand in FY26, with 350 applicants requesting over $30 million, demonstrates a clear need for continued investment. These funds deliver amplified impact, leveraging $13.5 million in matching funds to generate $28.5 million in total public investment, while supporting economic growth, workforce development, and community health, with 61% of projects benefiting rural and Tribal communities.
26 Counties Reached
in matching funds generated
projects and programs funded
rural and Tribal recipients
youth connected to the outdoors
estimated miles of trails created or improved
jobs supported
- Outdoor Equity Fund: $4M
- Trails+ Grant: $11.1M
- Matching Funds: 13.4M
Total public investment: $28.5M
Economic Development & Leadership
In FY26, the Outdoor Recreation Division continued to strengthen New Mexico’s position as a leader in the outdoor recreation economy — supporting local businesses, elevating entrepreneurs, engaging industry partners, and advancing a unified national voice for the sector.
FY26 Outdoor Equity Fund programs that offer youth workforce development, many with paid opportunities.
FY26 Trails+ Grant projects that create and improve outdoor infrastructure in rural or Tribal communities.
Adventure Pitch Fest
The FY26 Adventure Pitch Fest brought together outdoor recreation businesses, investors, and industry leaders for a statewide showcase and live pitch competition — awarding $15,000 in prizes to top entrepreneurs.
The event elevated emerging companies by connecting them to capital, mentorship, and new markets, strengthening the pipeline of businesses contributing to New Mexico’s $3.6 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Traction Series NM
ORD launched Traction Series New Mexico, a curated, place-based experience in Northern New Mexico that brought together outdoor brands, media, and local partners.
Grounded in real-world conditions, the gathering emphasized access, stewardship, and cultural context, creating authentic opportunities for brands to engage with New Mexico’s landscapes and communities while reinforcing the state’s values-driven approach to outdoor recreation.
ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator
ActivatOR supported New Mexico outdoor recreation businesses through a 12-week accelerator program delivering mentorship, technical assistance, and industry connections.
By helping entrepreneurs refine their business models and prepare for growth, the program is building a stronger, more resilient outdoor business ecosystem across the state.
Confluence of States
At the national level, New Mexico expanded its leadership role with ORD Director Karina Armijo elected as Co-Chair of the Confluence of States, a bipartisan coalition advancing the outdoor recreation industry and state collaboration across the country.
Through this role, ORD is helping shape a unified national voice — ensuring New Mexico both contributes to and benefits from strategies that drive economic growth, public health, and stewardship nationwide.
NM ORD | FY26 Impact Report
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is a division of Economic Development New Mexico.
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