Raton Regional Economic Development Summit
Across New Mexico, rural communities are grappling with aging housing stock, vacant and blighted properties, and a lack of affordable, healthy homes. This panel explores bold, cross-sector strategies to turn those challenges into opportunities for long-term resilience and revitalization.
This session offers practical insights, replicable models, and policy context for leaders looking to tackle rural housing challenges with creativity, collaboration, and impact. Panelists will introduce innovative models, policy frameworks, and funding tools that can help local governments, nonprofits, and developers take action.
Featured Panelists:
  • Jonah Reynolds (Pangea Biotecture): Learn how the Pangea housing model—a sustainable, performance-based design—has been successfully deployed in Taos to address affordability, efficiency, and resilience. Discover how this approach could be replicated across rural New Mexico.
  • Jaden Welch (City of Raton): Get an inside look at proposed state legislation to address vacant and blighted properties, including a potential land-banking framework being prepared for the 2027 session. Understand why communities across the state should support these reforms and how they could unlock sites for new housing.
  • Anchorum Foundation Representative: Explore how Anchorum Foundation’s focus on health equity intersects with housing strategies, and why addressing the social determinants of health—including stable housing—is essential to long-term well-being in rural communities.
You’re invited to the 2025 Raton Regional Economic Development Summit and Career + Entrepreneur Day, a two-day event designed to shape the future of our region’s economy through collaboration, innovation, and support for local entrepreneurs.
Location: Raton Convention Center
Dates: October 28–29, 2025
Tickets: FREE Early Bird Sign-up (Registration required)
Day 1: Economic Development Summit
Tuesday, October 28 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us for a full day of insight, planning, and networking.

Topics include:

• Understanding Regional Data & Economic Development Strategies
• Developing Housing, Infrastructure, & Workforce Strategies
• Trending Tools in Rural Healthcare & AI in Economic Development
• Building Local Government & Regional Collaboration
• Locating State & Federal Grant Resources
Day 2: Career + Entrepreneur Day
Wednesday, October 29 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

An interactive experience for creatives and entrepreneurs, job seekers, and employers.

Workshops will focus on:

• Starting a Business, Side-hustle, or Creative Practice

• Workforce Development and Job Skills

• Building Your Brand & Business Toolkit

• Microgrants, Mentors & Regional Resources

Reserve Your Free Spot Now

Who Should Attend:

  • Local leaders and government officials
  • Economic development professionals
  • Small business owners and startups
  • Creatives, freelancers, and solopreneurs
  • Nonprofits, funders, and changemakers

Free Admission – Registration Required
Reserve your spot today and be part of shaping our region’s future!

Location:
Raton Convention Center
901 S 3rd St, Raton, NM 87740