Will ABQ ever break the barriers?
Originally Published on LinkedIn August 29, 2017.
Last month, Andrew Padilla, tagged me in a LinkedIn post with the question, “Will ABQ ever break the barriers?” referring to an ABQ Journal Article titled “Why Denver over ABQ?”
I responded to him via email and after a few discussions with others in the community, I have felt compelled to post my response via this article.
“Will we ever break the barriers?” Is a question I’ve been asked a number of times over the years. There are many people in Albuquerque and New Mexico who are working on creating an environment that fosters growth and breaks the economic barriers. However, the problem is that we are working against a headwind.
I have long held that Arizona, Texas, and Colorado have stronger economies than New Mexico because the political and economic systems grew up in the 1800s rather than the 1600s. The primary difference is that the political and economic systems of our neighboring states were driven by the ideals of abundance, i.e. gold in Colorado, oil in Texas and winter-golf in Arizona. OK, Arizona is different since nobody in their right mind went there until they had air conditioning. However, the fundamental principle is that the people who moved to these areas did so because they saw opportunity and wanted a better life for themselves and their families. The same reason that people are drawn to Denver today.
New Mexico on the other hand, was settled in the 1600s. The political and economic systems that grew up in New Mexico were based on scarcity rather than abundance. There was never any gold, oil or other massive economic boom in New Mexico that had enough force to change our scarcity mentality. This scarcity mentality dominates the thinking of our political and civic leaders and pervades our education and social systems.
Ironically, the heavy influx of Federal Government funding that helps drive our economy doesn't help this scarcity mentality. The concern is always about the next base closure list or the continued funding of the National Labs. These resources are not created, mined or manufactured here in New Mexico, the resources of the Federal Government are not our own and the funds are dependent on the political whims of the nation. The Federal Government spends $2.19 for every $1.00 that it collects from New Mexico. Even with that our economy is stagnate, without it we’d be in an economic coma.
My analysis, while a bit over simplified, is not meant as a criticism or complaint. It is an acknowledgment of what has driven us in the past. As Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom.” Moreover, if we acknowledge our mindset, we can change it.
So, what to do?
First, we need to support the work of the amazing individuals and groups within the community that have been planting the seeds of change to grow our economy. Organizations like ABQid, InnovateABQ, WESST, The NM Angels, FatPipe ABQ, and so many others are working hard to create an economy of abundance. These are only a few, there are too many to be named. In addition, those of us in these organizations must remember to support each other.
Instead, I have an abundance mentality: When people are genuinely happy at the successes of others, the pie gets larger. Stephen Covey
Second, we need to elevate the leaders that have a vision for an abundant New Mexico economy and community. This should be a litmus test for our community and political leaders. The test is simple, do they focus on how good we can be in the future (abundance) or focus on how bad we have it now (scarcity).
Finally, we need to teach our children that we can live in a world of abundance rather than a world of scarcity. This is the most difficult of all, but the most important for long lasting change.
To answer Andrew's question, “Will ABQ ever break the barriers?” I believe, Yes. Otherwise I’d pack my bags and move to Denver. That said, it is a long process that first begins by recognizing who we are and understanding what steps we need to take to change.