Startup Stadium

In New Mexico, where I am based, many older generations are slowly leaving positions of power at their organizations. They talk a lot about wanting to attract economic development and young talent to move to Albuquerque. Meanwhile, the younger generations I have met in New Mexico are dying to be proud of something more than just hatch green chile. If our cities want to attract younger generations and new companies, they need to invest in cool and unique initiatives for themselves. Or as I like to say, “do cool stuff.”

Millennials, like myself, are attracted to places that embrace a culture of creativity and progress. We need to see continuous development and opportunities for a career and the quality of life that appeals to our generation and future generations. We can drink craft brews and do outdoor stuff anywhere. Economies are stronger elsewhere, why would we come here? Economic developers and bankers need to focus on unique developments that are attractive to future generations while retaining and embracing the local cultures of New Mexico. 

New Mexico has a long history of losing young talent and amazing startups due to the lack of this investment and risk-taking in them. If we don’t grow our collective capacity to innovate locally, we won’t be able to export New Mexico and the youth will continue to leave and not be proud of this place. 

One new source of pride and joy is a startup called New Mexico United. A few years ago a group of entrepreneurs and local investors grouped together and took on the challenge of trying to start and grow a company in New Mexico. It has been amazing to see them achieve success in not just running a soccer team, but a media business, e-commerce, retail, PR, non-profit foundation, youth academy, and much more. Now, the startup is taking on its greatest challenge of a private-public partnership to build a multipurpose stadium that will be used for economic and community development. 

The startup stadium is particularly difficult because it requires a public vote on a bond. Local media has raised awareness that many are not interested in seeing this development and are trying to scare the older generations away from the progress and creativity that this state needs to thrive. Our small urban density means we don’t get modern headliners often, we get reunion tours. We can’t get major sponsors or venture capital, we have to find creative ways to fund our initiatives locally. We have a long way to go before business in New Mexico doesn’t have to rely on the local government for grants, bonds, and contracts. And we have a lot more development needed before private enterprise thrives in this state. 

The interesting change though is that millennials are in more leadership positions than ever and pushing for a more progressive society and modern economy. Our value system is different from how things were done in the past. And I think we are just starting to find our voice as leaders. The startup stadium is much more than a place to go see shows and games. It is a symbol of progress and motivation that we can grow New Mexico, that a small group of entrepreneurs and artists can find success here. That we don’t have to leave to find happiness. It is not a cure-all, it is a start. A good start.