Building a Place-Based Economy in Northwest New Mexico
The Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments is a designated as a Economic Development District and the COG catalyzes planning and strategic innovation to empower the region and its people to find opportunities to prosper. The COG has focused on our authentic skills and regional assets, which have helped to shape a place-driven strategy of promoting our history, culture, arts, and adventure. Many of the initiatives highlighted on this page sprouted from this understanding and strategy, and showcases the power of what a regional organization can accomplish. We stand stronger working to together.
Adventure Gallup & Beyond
An initiative spawned by the COG's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy program, Adventure Gallup & Beyond (AGB) has been a public-private partnership that has driven development and promotion of Gallup and the region as an adventure tourism mecca. Notably, the State Legislature has just crowned Gallup, as the "Adventure Capital of New Mexico". In 2013, NWNMCOG recently published a 10-Year Economic Impact Study of Adventure Tourism in McKinley County.
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Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership
An outgrowth of AGB, the COG has played a vital role in bringing together diverse partners including McKinley and Cibola counties, USFS, NPS, and others to plan and develop trail systems in the Zuni Mountains.
In 2014, the NWNMCOG assisted the ZMTP in developing a Zuni Mountains Trail & Conservation Master Plan. In June 2015, the USFS released the Environmental Assessment.
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4 Corners Region Geotourism
The COG led the region in a partnership with National Geographic Society's Map Division to advance an international tourism campaign for the Four Corners region. | ||||||||
Trail of the Ancients Byway
The New Mexico portion of this amazing Scenic Byway that spreads throughout the Four Corners offering unmatched cultural, historic, and aesthetic beauty.
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Ancient Way Arts Trail
The first regional arts trail developed in New Mexico - focused in Northwest NM. This program offers local artisans additional exposure; and tourists an opportunity to buy direct. |