Stakeholders invited to session on housing, workforce and regional growth

Local officials, employers and community partners will gather March 17 for a regional stakeholder meeting focused on housing, workforce development and economic growth as the City of Socorro and the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association prepare to release findings from a new countywide housing study.

The session, scheduled for 2:30–4:30 p.m. at the Socorro Senior Center, will include updates on the 2025 legislative session, regional planning efforts through the South Central Council of Governments, and an overview of the Socorro County Housing Study, developed in partnership with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and Roots Policy.

Kirstin Keller, executive director of MRGEDA, said the study provides the clearest picture to date of the county’s housing needs and will help guide near‑term policy decisions.

“The housing study provides clear data on the types of housing our community needs and where the gaps exist,” Keller said. “That information will help local governments prioritize zoning, infrastructure, and development strategies that support workforce housing. It also strengthens our ability to recruit employers by showing that Socorro is proactively planning for growth.”

Keller said rural communities like Socorro face persistent challenges, including limited housing supply, aging homes and rising construction costs, all of which make it harder to attract and retain workers. The partnership with RCAC, she said, brings technical assistance and national expertise that help local leaders identify solutions and move projects forward.

The March 17 meeting will also serve as a forum for gathering public input on next steps.

“The goal of the session is to share the study’s findings and gather community input on practical next steps,” Keller said. “We hope it will strengthen collaboration among local governments, employers, and community partners so we can move forward with housing strategies that support workforce growth and long‑term economic development in Socorro County.”

Keller offered an additional statement underscoring the importance of the effort: “Housing is one of the most important factors in workforce recruitment and economic growth. This study helps ensure Socorro is planning strategically so our community can attract new residents, support employers and grow sustainably.”

The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage attendees to share the meeting information with local networks.

Questions can be directed to Kristin Keller at kirstin.keller@hotmail.com or at their website www.mrgeda.com.